How to Develop Effective Communication Strategies in the Misinformation Age

In this episode of PR Explored, host Michelle Garrett discusses misinformation and its impact on public relations with guest Jennifer McGinley, a PR consultant specializing in healthcare.They delve into the definitions of misinformation, disinformation, and malformation, providing insights into how organizations can prepare and respond to these challenges.The conversation covers proactive crisis communication strategies, the importance of internal communications, media training, and the role of community building in maintaining trust and credibility.They also emphasize the need for continuous monitoring and engagement on social media platforms to manage and address misinformation effectively.00:00 Welcome to PR Explored00:15 Introducing Jennifer McGinley00:44 Understanding Misinformation, Disinformation, and Malformation05:24 The Importance of Crisis Communication09:26 Building Trust and Internal Communication17:51 Navigating Social Media and Information Overload24:48 Preparing for Misinformation in Healthcare34:20 Navigating Trust in Health Advice35:25 The Overwhelming Flood of Information35:56 Skepticism and Trust in the Digital Age36:18 The Importance of Media Literacy37:13 Purpose and Motivation Behind Sharing Information38:34 Managing Misinformation in Companies39:33 Proactive Crisis Management40:39 The Role of Social Media in Crisis Response42:30 Monitoring Online Discussions45:55 Leveraging Social Proof Against Disinformation46:52 Building Community Trust49:33 The Impact of Crisis on Reputation and Bottom Line50:03 The Importance of Accurate Information in Research53:38 Generational Differences in Brand Loyalty55:20 The Role of Reviews and Feedback56:46 The Importance of Clear Communication58:07 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsShow notes:JLM Strategic Communications: https://jlmstrategiccommunications.com/Follow Jennifer McGinley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-mcginley/Follow the host: Website: www.michellegarrett.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUsX/Twitter: https://x.com/PRisUsThreads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergalMichelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available nowBook a no-obligation call to talk about your needs here. About the host: Michelle Garrett is a B2B PR consultant, media relations consultant, writer and author of B2B PR That Gets Results, an Amazon Best Seller. She helps companies create content, earn media coverage, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Michelle’s articles have been featured by Entrepreneur, Content Marketing Institute, Muck Rack, and Ragan’s PR Daily, among others. She’s a frequent speaker and podcast guest on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.