Public speaking is a powerful way for thought leaders to stand out from the crowd.

How can PR pros and communicators leverage speaking opportunities to help clients get more visibility for themselves and their brands? In this episode of PR Explored I talked with guest Tricia Richards-Service, founder of I Need a Speaker, which helps organizations and event planners find the right speaker for their events.

Overview:

In this episode of PR Explored, host Michelle Garrett, a PR consultant, author, and writer, welcomes Tricia Richard Service, founder of I Need a Speaker, to discuss how public speaking can enhance public relations efforts.

The conversation delves into the creation and benefits of I Need a Speaker, guidelines for effective public speaking, and how organizations can strategically utilize speakers to boost their PR programs.

Tricia offers practical tips for potential speakers, including the importance of practice, clear messaging, and working closely with communications teams. The episode also covers advice for organizations seeking speakers and the value of compensating speakers appropriately.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:31 The Birth of ‘I Need a Speaker’

01:16 How ‘I Need a Speaker’ Works

02:19 The Value of Diverse Speakers

04:12 Public Speaking and PR Programs

07:06 Maximizing Speaking Opportunities

11:37 Choosing the Right Events

23:32 The Importance of Practice and Feedback

29:05 Overcoming Public Speaking Anxiety

29:49 The Importance of Preparation

30:12 Avoiding Off-the-Cuff Remarks

33:22 Handling Media Interviews

36:13 Engaging with Your Comms Team

40:05 Advice for Event Planners

46:11 Speaker Compensation and Expectations

49:46 Final Thoughts and Resources

Show notes:

I Need a Speaker: https://www.ineedaspeaker.com/

Tricia Richard-Service on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/triciarichardsservicephd/

Follow the host:

Website: www.michellegarrett.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs

X/Twitter: https://x.com/PRisUs

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal

Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now

Book 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.

In this episode of PR Explored, host Michelle Garrett, a PR consultant, author, and writer chats with Marc Whitt, a seasoned public relations consultant and author.

The conversation explores Whitt’s extensive 40-year career in PR, primarily within higher education and nonprofit sectors.

They discuss essential topics such as the unique challenges faced by nonprofit PR professionals, the importance of ethical conduct, the role of events in nonprofit PR, and the critical relationship between PR practitioners and legal counsel.

Whitt emphasizes strategic planning, efficient use of limited funds, and ways to avoid burnout for one-person PR teams. The episode highlights the significance of maintaining trust, transparency, and integrity in PR and provides actionable strategies for effective crisis management.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:27 Marc Whitt’s Background and Personal Life

02:44 Marc’s Career in Public Relations

07:54 The Role of PR in Nonprofits

08:43 Challenges in Nonprofit PR

11:47 Strategies for Effective Nonprofit PR

16:52 Importance of Integrity and Ethics in PR

23:02 Managing a One-Person PR Team

31:11 Focused Budgeting for Nonprofits

33:59 The Stress of Nonprofit PR

35:10 The Multifaceted Role of Nonprofit PR Professionals

40:28 Crisis Communications in Nonprofits

45:48 The Importance of Events in Nonprofit PR

50:32 Building a Strong PR-Legal Relationship

58:15 Final Thoughts and Mentorship

Show notes:

​​Marc Whitt on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcwhitt/

​​Marc Whitt’s site: https://www.marcwhitt.com/

Follow the host:

Website: www.michellegarrett.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs

X/Twitter: https://x.com/PRisUs

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal

Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now

Book 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.

Here we go, heading into 2026. Changes are coming at PR pros faster than they can keep up.

But, what should we really focus on? What trends deserve our attention? And which ones should we adopt a wait-and-see approach for?

My guest, Bill Byrne of Remedy Public Relations, is with me to discuss what to expect as we hurdle into the new year.

Whether you’re in B2C or B2B PR and comms, we’ll cover the insight you need to get ready for what lies ahead.

Overview:

In the final episode of 2025, PR Explored host Michelle Garrett, a PR consultant, author, and writer, welcomes guest PR veteran Bill Byrne.

The episode delves into the transformative trends in public relations, discussing the impact of AI on PR practices, the enduring value of press releases, the integration of thought leadership, and navigating the evolving media landscape.

Michelle and Bill highlight the importance of consistent PR efforts, the role of various media types including niche media and Substack newsletters, and the need for creating credible, valuable content.

They emphasize building long-term relationships with the media and the criticality of trust in communication strategies.

The discussion also touches on the challenges and opportunities posed by AI-driven search, the resurgence of press releases, and strategies to adapt to changing PR dynamics.

As the industry moves forward, the episode encourages brands to be proactive, stay informed, and embrace comprehensive PR audits to effectively target their audiences.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:28 Meet the Guest: Bill Byrne

00:40 Holiday Festivities and Personal Touches

01:30 Bill Byrne's PR Journey

03:24 PR Realities: What Won't Change

16:20 AI and PR: The Deep Fakes Issue

32:01 The Power of Consistent Content in B2B PR

32:28 The Importance of Building a Deep and Clear Trail

33:01 Creating News Beyond Product Announcements

35:20 The Role of AI in PR and Media Relations

37:10 Navigating the Media Landscape: Newsletters and Niche Media

45:40 The Resurgence of Press Releases in the AI Era

57:43 The Value of Thought Leadership in Building Trust

01:02:31 Final Thoughts and Future Trends in PR

Show notes:

Bill Byrne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billbyrne/

Remedy Public Relations: https://remedypr.com/

Follow the host:

Website: www.michellegarrett.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs

X/Twitter: https://x.com/PRisUs

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal

Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now

Book 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.