STORYTELLING

Back to school for brands: Get “in shape” with a message triangle

Your brand message can be boiled down into three clear elements with this handy geometric device.

MARKETING

13 smart, affordable ways to promote events

Start early, seek a strong news media hook, and give publishers plenty of lead time.

LEADERSHIP COMMUNICATIONS

How Hotwire’s CEO Heather Kernahan sees the future of PR

Communicators can seize this opportunity to become essential strategists as CEOs face an unparalleled era of change and uncertainty.

THE WORKPLACE

6 tips for communicating well(being)

Here’s how you must support the mental and emotional well-being of employees for effective communication.

RAGAN AWARDS

Announcing Ragan’s Employee Communications and Top Places to Work Awards

Showcase your best internal communications work—and amazing workplace—in the premier awards program for employee communications. Enter by Friday, Oct. 23.

DAILY SCOOP

The Motion Picture Academy touts ‘Best Picture’ inclusion standards, Netflix eyes a return to the office, and Mattel debuts ‘Dia de Muertos’ Barbie

Also: Microsoft Outlook asks for top email hacks, infographics and articles top content formats for marketing agencies, Uber pledges to go entirely electric by 2030, and more.

CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS

Why a rapid-response website is essential in a crisis

A dedicated microsite can offer timely updates as you manage a relentless news cycle.

INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS

4 ways to ensure your messaging resonates and sticks

Don’t be afraid of repetition, use vivid metaphors and illustrations, and prioritize candid feedback.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

Infinite Global’s CEO Jamie Diaferia: ‘2021 has to be a better year’

This agency leader sees some of the changes from COVID-19 sticking around, but a more radical transformation taking more time to develop.

COVID-19

5 tips for identifying—and avoiding—cognitive bias during a crisis

When facing the unknown, you might not even know everything you think you know.

DAILY SCOOP

Jelly Belly founder launches treasure hunt, LinkedIn connects remote employees, and Facebook to pay users to log off before the election

Also: Dunkin’ partners with a TikTok influencer, the ACLU creates GIFs to raise awareness about voting via USPS, OKCupid touts voter registration user preferences, and more.

EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT

Report: 40% of U.S. adults struggling with mental health or substance use

CDC data reveals a jarring wakeup call for employers. Here’s how wellness pros can—and should—respond.

RESEARCH SNAPSHOT

Report: Nearly 3 in 4 Americans report seeing disinformation weekly

A lack of trust in digital media is causing some to avoid consuming news at all, and for the second year in a row, Americans said family was the most trusted source of new information, per a new IPR report.

RESEARCH

Survey: 40% planning comms strategies 1-3 months out

Most communicators aren’t planning beyond 2020, predict they’ll continue work in a constant state of crisis, and collaborate most with HR, according to a new Ragan survey packed with insights into what’s ahead for the rest of the year.