How To Manage Sticky Situations In PR

2025-05-19

That Solo Life Podcast, Episode 300 Episode Title How To Manage Sticky Situations In PR Episode Summary Welcome to the 300th episode of That Solo Life! 🎉 Karen Swim, APR, and Michelle Kane reflect on their podcasting milestone before tackling a topic every PR professional can relate to – dealing with "sticky situations." From unscripted comments in interviews to inappropriate client behavior at events, Karen and Michelle share experiences, insights, and strategies to prepare for and manage these challenges with professionalism. They emphasize preparation, setting clear boundaries, and protecting your own re...

That Solo Life Podcast, Episode 300 Episode Title

Episode Summary

Welcome to the 300th episode of That Solo Life! 🎉 Karen Swim, APR, and Michelle Kane reflect on their podcasting milestone before tackling a topic every PR professional can relate to – dealing with "sticky situations." From unscripted comments in interviews to inappropriate client behavior at events, Karen and Michelle share experiences, insights, and strategies to prepare for and manage these challenges with professionalism. They emphasize preparation, setting clear boundaries, and protecting your own reputation as a PR practitioner while navigating these tricky waters.

If you’ve faced a PR crisis or want to be fully equipped for when one arises, this episode is packed with relatable stories and actionable advice.

Episode Highlights

The Importance of Preparation

Why media training, briefing sheets, and understanding client boundaries are non-negotiable steps.

Clients Behaving Badly

Memorable (and eyebrow-raising) examples of client mishaps during events or interviews, and lessons learned.

When Damaging Information Emerges

What to do when unexpected or concerning information about your client surfaces.

Protecting Yourself and Your Reputation

Tips on maintaining contracts, financial safeguards, and crisis plans for PR pros themselves.

The Role of Ethical Responsibility

Navigating PR crises while adhering to ethical practices and maintaining professionalism.

Related Episodes and Additional Resources

Podcast - How to Communicate in a Crisis
Podcast - The Joy and Pain of Clients New to PR
Blog - How to Handle Tough Client Conversations
Learn more about ethical PR practices with PRSA’s Code of Ethics.

Timestamps

00:18 - Celebrating 300 episodes
02:21 - Sticky situations with clients and what defines them
05:00 - Events gone wrong and handling inappropriate client behavior
08:42 - Unscripted comments during interviews and the importance of being present during media interactions
13:30 - Concerning or damaging information surfacing about a client
15:31 - Crisis communication plans for PR pros and self-protection strategies

That Solo Life is a podcast for public relations, communication and marketing professionals that work as independent and small hosted by Karen Swim, APR and Michelle Kane. Karen is the founder of Words For Hire, a PR agency that specializes in B2B, Technology and Healthcare, and the President of Solo PR, a community dedicated to independent practitioners in public relations, communications and related fields. Michelle Kane is the Principal of VoiceMatters, a company that offers PR, Communications Consulting, Editorial and Voiceover Services.

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