Higher Education

Published twice a month, FIR on Higher Education provides communications tips for individuals within higher education (academics, PR professionals, marketers and administrators). Each episode features a main interview with an academic, journalist or thought leader and then concludes with short reports related to higher education communications and technology.

Thursday, May 14, 2015

FIR on Higher Education #34 – Tips on Presenting and Public Speaking from Gini Dietrich

FIR On Higher EducationHow can you secure speaking opportunities? What goes into a good presentation? If you are an academic / thought leader and recently wrote a book, how do you convert those 200 pages into a one-hour keynote?

Special guest Gini Dietrich delves into these questions on episode 34 of FIR on Higher Education. Along with being the mastermind of the popular PR blog called Spin Sucks and an author of two books, Gini is also a regular speaker. 

Among what you will learn:

- how to handle negative comments / questions
- how to use slides effectively
- how to position a product or service in the course of a speaking engagement without coming across as an obnoxious salesperson
- best practice on preparing for your talk

This is an episode that you won’t want to miss and will want to revert back to when your different public speaking opportunities arise!

In our reports section, I highlight points made in a Harvard Business Review article by Ted Talks curator Chris Anderson on how to give a killer presentation, while technology correspondent Harry Hawk reviews the blogging feature that is part of Blackboard.

About Gini Dietrich
Gini Dietrich is the founder and CEO of Arment Dietrich, an integrated marketing communications firm. She is the author of Spin Sucks, co-author of Marketing in the Round, and co-host of Inside PR. She also is the lead blogger at Spin Sucks and is the founder of Spin Sucks Pro.


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This episode is sponsored in part by Experiential Communications’ Media Training for Academics program.

If you enjoy the For Immediate Release on Higher Education podcast, please considering leaving a review, rating and subscribe at the following link (once at this page, click view in iTunes).

About Your Host
Kevin AnselmoKevin Anselmo is the Founder and Principal of Experiential Communications, a consultancy focused on education. He helps brands within academia - whether individual or corporate - communicate with stakeholders. He also is the creator and instructor of the Media Training for Academics program.

Previously, Kevin was Director of Public Relations for Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and prior to that managed the media relations for IMD Business School in Switzerland. In addition, he was an adjunct communications professor at Nyack College in New York.

Currently based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Kevin lived and worked in Switzerland for eight years and in Germany for two years. He has led public relations initiatives in various countries around the world.

Find Kevin on Twitter: @kevinanselmo.

FIR Community on Google+Share your comments or questions about this podcast, or suggestions for future podcasts, in the online FIR Podcast Community on Google+.

You can also send us instant voicemail via SpeakPipe, right from the FIR website. Or, call the Comment Line at +1 415 895 2971 (North America), +44 20 3239 9082 (Europe), or Skype: fircomments. You can tweet us: @FIRpodcast. And you can email us at fircomments@gmail.com. If you wish, you can email your comments, questions and suggestions as MP3 file attachments (max. 3 minutes / 5Mb attachment, please!). We’ll be happy to see how we can include your audio contribution in a show.

To receive all podcasts in the FIR Podcast Network, subscribe to the “everything” RSS feed. To stay informed about occasional FIR events (eg, FIR Live), sign up for FIR Update email news.

Posted by Kevin Anselmo on 05/14 at 01:36 AM
Show Notes • Higher Education • (0) Comments • Permalink

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

FIR on Higher Education #33 – Communicating the Impact of Your Location

Unless you are totally online, we are all based somewhere. We need to highlight the value of where we teach and research, whether it’s a dynamic cosmopolitan city, a sunny fun destination or perhaps a “boring” location.

On FIR on Higher Education #33, brand strategist Julian Stubbs will share insights on how we can effectively communicate the value of our locations. He brings a unique perspective as the architect behind Stockholm, Sweden’s branding project.

In our reports section, I talk about reasons deans tweet, while technology correspondent Harry Hawk summarizes a new blogging initiative that he has started with his students.

About Julian Stubbs
Julian Stubbs, who is English but lives in Stockholm, Sweden, is an international brand strategist and has worked with brand and identity projects for clients such as Stockholm, where he was involved with creating the positioning of the city as The Capital of Scandinavia. His book Wish You Were Here documents this work as well as the issues involved in major place branding projects. Julian headed the team that worked with Technicolor, the Hollywood movie company, where he helped develop a completely new visual identity for this world famous brand.  Julian has also worked with the Nobel Peace Prize Concert, which involved both the development of a new identity as well as digital and social media work. Julian is also one of the founders of Up There, Everywhere the global cloud based brand and communications consultancy, which today has over 160 people.

Get this Podcast:



This episode is sponsored in part by Experiential Communications’ Media Training for Academics program.

If you enjoy the For Immediate Release on Higher Education podcast, please considering leaving a review, rating and subscribe at the following link (once at this page, click view in iTunes).

About Your Host
Kevin AnselmoKevin Anselmo is the Founder and Principal of Experiential Communications, a consultancy focused on education. He helps brands within academia - whether individual or corporate - communicate with stakeholders. He also is the creator and instructor of the Media Training for Academics program.

Previously, Kevin was Director of Public Relations for Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and prior to that managed the media relations for IMD Business School in Switzerland. In addition, he was an adjunct communications professor at Nyack College in New York.

Currently based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Kevin lived and worked in Switzerland for eight years and in Germany for two years. He has led public relations initiatives in various countries around the world.

Find Kevin on Twitter: @kevinanselmo.

FIR Community on Google+Share your comments or questions about this podcast, or suggestions for future podcasts, in the online FIR Podcast Community on Google+.

You can also send us instant voicemail via SpeakPipe, right from the FIR website. Or, call the Comment Line at +1 415 895 2971 (North America), +44 20 3239 9082 (Europe), or Skype: fircomments. You can tweet us: @FIRpodcast. And you can email us at fircomments@gmail.com. If you wish, you can email your comments, questions and suggestions as MP3 file attachments (max. 3 minutes / 5Mb attachment, please!). We’ll be happy to see how we can include your audio contribution in a show.

To receive all podcasts in the FIR Podcast Network, subscribe to the “everything” RSS feed. To stay informed about occasional FIR events (eg, FIR Live), sign up for FIR Update email news.

Posted by Kevin Anselmo on 04/29 at 01:07 AM
Show Notes • Higher Education • (0) Comments • Permalink

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

FIR on Higher Education #32: Gregory Galant on the Leveraging Social Media in Media Relations


“The pitch is the first date. You don’t have to tell every detail – you have to get journalists interested.”

This is among the best practice media relations advice Muck Rack CEO Greg Galant shared on episode 32 of FIR on Higher Education. Particularly, Greg delves into the findings from a journalist survey conducted by Edelman and Muck Rack.

Among the topics we discuss:

- How to build relationships with the media using social media
- The importance of sharing positive media coverage in the age of pageview journalism
- How should media relations professionals use social media
- The role of the press release in our digital communications landscape

In our tips and reports section, I talk about the importance of meeting face to face with media, while technology correspondent Harry Hawk provides an update on how he has integrated Vine in the classroom.

About Gregory Galant
Gregory Galant is the cofounder and CEO of Sawhorse Media, a movement to make it easy to find the right people on the social web through products including Muck Rack and the Shorty Awards. Muck Rack is the leading network for journalists on social media which TheNextWeb called “one of the most useful tools ever invented for media professionals”. The Shorty Awards honor the best of social media; past winners include Ricky Gervais, Cory Booker, Conan O’Brien, Sesame Street, Neil Patrick Harris, Mike Bloomberg and NASA.

Previously, Greg was an associate producer at CNN.com where he analyzed the latest trends in citizens’ media. Greg has worked at Newlight Associates, a $120M technology venture capital firm. In 1996, Greg founded Halenet, an award-winning Internet strategy firm while in high school.

To help fellow entrepreneurs, Greg created Venture Voice, a podcast interview series with the founders of Twitter, LinkedIn, The Vanguard Group, Brooklyn Brewery and more. Greg’s a mentor in the TechStars startup accelerator. BusinessWeek named him one of the “Best Young Tech Entrepreneurs”. He’s also a member of Twitter’s exclusive first name club. You can follow him at @gregory.

Get this Podcast:



This episode is sponsored in part by Experiential Communications’ Media Training for Academics program.

If you enjoy the For Immediate Release on Higher Education podcast, please considering leaving a review, rating and subscribe at the following link (once at this page, click view in iTunes).

About Your Host
Kevin AnselmoKevin Anselmo is the Founder and Principal of Experiential Communications, a consultancy focused on education. He helps brands within academia - whether individual or corporate - communicate with stakeholders. He also is the creator and instructor of the Media Training for Academics program.

Previously, Kevin was Director of Public Relations for Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and prior to that managed the media relations for IMD Business School in Switzerland. In addition, he was an adjunct communications professor at Nyack College in New York.

Currently based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Kevin lived and worked in Switzerland for eight years and in Germany for two years. He has led public relations initiatives in various countries around the world.

Find Kevin on Twitter: @kevinanselmo.

FIR Community on Google+Share your comments or questions about this podcast, or suggestions for future podcasts, in the online FIR Podcast Community on Google+.

You can also send us instant voicemail via SpeakPipe, right from the FIR website. Or, call the Comment Line at +1 415 895 2971 (North America), +44 20 3239 9082 (Europe), or Skype: fircomments. You can tweet us: @FIRpodcast. And you can email us at fircomments@gmail.com. If you wish, you can email your comments, questions and suggestions as MP3 file attachments (max. 3 minutes / 5Mb attachment, please!). We’ll be happy to see how we can include your audio contribution in a show.

To receive all podcasts in the FIR Podcast Network, subscribe to the “everything” RSS feed. To stay informed about occasional FIR events (eg, FIR Live), sign up for FIR Update email news.

Posted by Kevin Anselmo on 04/15 at 03:31 AM
Show Notes • Higher Education • (0) Comments • Permalink

Friday, March 27, 2015

FIR on Higher Education #31 – How to Mobilize Alumni through Communications

Students will soon be graduating. As they receive their diplomas, these new graduates will bid farewell to their schools. Countless time, energy and not to mention money has been invested in the experience. Alumni have the potential to be one of the best ambassadors for a school by discussing their intimate and unique experiences with others.

Stakeholders across the institution need to ensure that these new graduates aren’t saying goodbye forever, but rather continuing a dialogue through their alumni communications program. On episode 31 of FIR on Higher Education, alumni relations expert Daniel Cohen will share best practice tips on how to do this. Daniel is the CEO of the alumni networking platform company Graduway and a regular conference speaker on this topic.

Among the topics we discuss on this episode is:

• The importance of engaging alumni
• The type of content that most resonates with alumni
• Specific examples of schools taking innovative approaches to mobilizing alumni
• Keys to mobilizing alumni to become potential donors

Following the interview, I share thoughts on the importance of academics embedding stories in their interviews, while technology correspondent Harry Hawk discusses how he is using Blackboard.

About Daniel Cohen
Daniel Cohen is the CEO and Co-Founder of Graduway. Prior to Graduway, Daniel worked for seven years with Merck & Co. serving most recently as their Regional Commercial and Finance Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Prior to Merck, Daniel worked for seven years with Procter & Gamble in the United Kingdom in a variety of finance roles including heading up its finance graduate recruitment function. Daniel holds a BA (Econ.) from the University of Manchester and is a qualified accountant.

Get this Podcast:



This episode is sponsored in part by Experiential Communications’ Media Training for Academics program.

If you enjoy the For Immediate Release on Higher Education podcast, please considering leaving a review, rating and subscribe at the following link (once at this page, click view in iTunes).

About Your Host
Kevin AnselmoKevin Anselmo is the Founder and Principal of Experiential Communications, a consultancy focused on education. He helps brands within academia - whether individual or corporate - communicate with stakeholders. He also is the creator and instructor of the Media Training for Academics program.

Previously, Kevin was Director of Public Relations for Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and prior to that managed the media relations for IMD Business School in Switzerland. In addition, he was an adjunct communications professor at Nyack College in New York.

Currently based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Kevin lived and worked in Switzerland for eight years and in Germany for two years. He has led public relations initiatives in various countries around the world.

Find Kevin on Twitter: @kevinanselmo.

FIR Community on Google+Share your comments or questions about this podcast, or suggestions for future podcasts, in the online FIR Podcast Community on Google+.

You can also send us instant voicemail via SpeakPipe, right from the FIR website. Or, call the Comment Line at +1 415 895 2971 (North America), +44 20 3239 9082 (Europe), or Skype: fircomments. You can tweet us: @FIRpodcast. And you can email us at fircomments@gmail.com. If you wish, you can email your comments, questions and suggestions as MP3 file attachments (max. 3 minutes / 5Mb attachment, please!). We’ll be happy to see how we can include your audio contribution in a show.

To receive all podcasts in the FIR Podcast Network, subscribe to the “everything” RSS feed. To stay informed about occasional FIR events (eg, FIR Live), sign up for FIR Update email news.

FIR on Higher Education is brought to you with Lawrence Ragan Communications, serving communicators worldwide for 35 years. Information: www.ragan.com.

Posted by Kevin Anselmo on 03/27 at 05:36 AM
Show Notes • Higher Education • (0) Comments • Permalink

Friday, March 13, 2015

FIR on Higher Education #30: David Meerman Scott on Leveraging Slideshare and the New Rules of Sales

Author and speaker David Meerman Scott has used Slideshare quite successfully to market his latest book. His presentation entitled The New Rules of Selling has generated over 172,000 views and a ton of social engagement. Consequently, this has led to a strong sales numbers. On episode 30 of FIR on Higher Education, David discusses this approach and shares tips on how academics, marketers and communicators can leverage Slideshare.

He also explains the principles of the news rules of sales and service, such as “authentic storytelling sets the tone” and “content is the link between companies and customers.” We are all in the business of selling something to a certain extent. You won’t want to miss out hearing David’s viewpoints about the new rules of selling. In fact, David’s insights are so relevant and insightful for a higher education audience, that I exceptionally had this interview transcribed. You can access it here.

In our tips and reports section, I outline the importance of university communicators mobilizing their colleagues to be brand ambassadors and highlight my new free Cheat Sheet Series that is now available. Technology correspondent Harry Hawk discusses Campus Pack’s podcast technology.

Enjoy the show!

About David Meerman Scott
David Meerman Scott is an internationally acclaimed strategist whose books and blog are must-reads for professionals seeking to generate attention in ways that grow their business. Scott’s advice and insights help people, products and organizations stand out, get noticed and capture hearts and minds. He is author or co-author of ten books – three are international bestsellers. The New Rules of Marketing & PR, now in its 4th edition, has been translated into 26 languages and is used as a text in hundreds of universities and business schools worldwide. It is a modern business classic with over 300,000 copies sold so far. Scott also authored Real-Time Marketing & PR, a Wall Street Journal bestseller, Newsjacking, World Wide Rave, and the new hit book The New Rules of Sales & Service. He co-authored Marketing the Moon (now in pre-production as a feature-length film titled The Men Who Sold the Moon) and Marketing Lessons from The Grateful Dead.

Get this Podcast:



This episode is sponsored in part by Experiential Communications’ Media Training for Academics program.

If you enjoy the For Immediate Release on Higher Education podcast, please considering leaving a review, rating and subscribe at the following link (once at this page, click view in iTunes).

About Your Host
Kevin AnselmoKevin Anselmo is the Founder and Principal of Experiential Communications, a consultancy focused on education. He helps brands within academia - whether individual or corporate - communicate with stakeholders. He also is the creator and instructor of the Media Training for Academics program.

Previously, Kevin was Director of Public Relations for Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and prior to that managed the media relations for IMD Business School in Switzerland. In addition, he was an adjunct communications professor at Nyack College in New York.

Currently based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Kevin lived and worked in Switzerland for eight years and in Germany for two years. He has led public relations initiatives in various countries around the world.

Find Kevin on Twitter: @kevinanselmo.

FIR Community on Google+Share your comments or questions about this podcast, or suggestions for future podcasts, in the online FIR Podcast Community on Google+.

You can also send us instant voicemail via SpeakPipe, right from the FIR website. Or, call the Comment Line at +1 415 895 2971 (North America), +44 20 3239 9082 (Europe), or Skype: fircomments. You can tweet us: @FIRpodcast. And you can email us at fircomments@gmail.com. If you wish, you can email your comments, questions and suggestions as MP3 file attachments (max. 3 minutes / 5Mb attachment, please!). We’ll be happy to see how we can include your audio contribution in a show.

To receive all podcasts in the FIR Podcast Network, subscribe to the “everything” RSS feed. To stay informed about occasional FIR events (eg, FIR Live), sign up for FIR Update email news.

FIR on Higher Education is brought to you with Lawrence Ragan Communications, serving communicators worldwide for 35 years. Information: www.ragan.com.

Posted by Kevin Anselmo on 03/13 at 04:51 AM
Show Notes • Higher Education • (0) Comments • Permalink

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

FIR on Higher Education #29 – Author Jeremy Miller on Applying Sticky Branding Principles

Do you feel that your brand - whether personal or institutional – is sticking? Are you growing and attracting the right audiences? Is your brand differentiated in the marketplace?

Jeremy Miller, president of a brand building agency and author of the book Sticky Branding, will share some principles that will help you answer the above questions. Specifically he covers how brands can have simple clarity in messaging and foster conversations with audiences.

Last month, Jeremy had a very successful book launch, in part because of how he leveraged his Sticky Branding LinkedIn community group of 40,000 members. If you use LinkedIn community groups, or are thinking about starting a group to position your brand, then you will want to hear Jeremy’s best practice advice.

In our reports section, I share some thoughts on how academics can be strategic in creating their owned content, while correspondent Harry Hawk discusses the product Campus Packs.

About Jeremy Miller
Jeremy is a brand builder, keynote speaker, and the president of Sticky Branding — a brand building agency. After rebranding his family’s business, Jeremy embarked on a decade long study of how small- and mid-sized companies create incredible brands. Since 2005 he has interviewed thousands of CEOs and business owners and profiled hundreds of companies across dozens of sectors. Jeremy works with companies to make them stand out, challenge the giants of their industry, and grow incredible brands. He is a sought after speaker delivering highly entertaining and informative keynotes speeches on branding and business development. He is the author of the bestselling book, Sticky Branding.

Get this Podcast:



This episode is sponsored in part by Experiential Communications’ Media Training for Academics program.

If you enjoy the For Immediate Release on Higher Education podcast, please considering leaving a review, rating and subscribe at the following link (once at this page, click view in iTunes).

About Your Host
Kevin AnselmoKevin Anselmo is the Founder and Principal of Experiential Communications, a consultancy focused on education. He helps brands within academia - whether individual or corporate - communicate with stakeholders. He also is the creator and instructor of the Media Training for Academics program.

Previously, Kevin was Director of Public Relations for Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and prior to that managed the media relations for IMD Business School in Switzerland. In addition, he was an adjunct communications professor at Nyack College in New York.

Currently based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Kevin lived and worked in Switzerland for eight years and in Germany for two years. He has led public relations initiatives in various countries around the world.

Find Kevin on Twitter: @kevinanselmo.

FIR Community on Google+Share your comments or questions about this podcast, or suggestions for future podcasts, in the online FIR Podcast Community on Google+.

You can also send us instant voicemail via SpeakPipe, right from the FIR website. Or, call the Comment Line at +1 415 895 2971 (North America), +44 20 3239 9082 (Europe), or Skype: fircomments. You can tweet us: @FIRpodcast. And you can email us at fircomments@gmail.com. If you wish, you can email your comments, questions and suggestions as MP3 file attachments (max. 3 minutes / 5Mb attachment, please!). We’ll be happy to see how we can include your audio contribution in a show.

To receive all podcasts in the FIR Podcast Network, subscribe to the “everything” RSS feed. To stay informed about occasional FIR events (eg, FIR Live), sign up for FIR Update email news.

FIR on Higher Education is brought to you with Lawrence Ragan Communications, serving communicators worldwide for 35 years. Information: www.ragan.com.

Posted by Kevin Anselmo on 02/25 at 06:33 AM
Show Notes • Higher Education • (0) Comments • Permalink

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

FIR on Higher Education #28 – How to Build Your Thought Leadership by Conducting Interviews

Many academics think their sole role from an external communications point of view is to be the interviewee. There are also incredible opportunities to build thought leadership by being the interviewer, as McGill University Professor Karl Moore can attest to.

Professor Moore’s CEO Interview Series is disseminated across various external communications channels. But more importantly, these interviews are leveraged across the institution. Professor Moore has integrated the interviews into the classroom and alumni events. The interviews help Professor Moore in his research. And then the relationships that develop lead the CEO to ask Professor Moore about recruiting students at McGill.

Have a listen to episode 28 of FIR on Higher Education to hear just how Professor Moore does this, and his tips on how you can conduct interviews that connect to personal and institutional goals.

About Karl Moore
Dr. Karl Moore joined McGill’s Faculty of Management in autumn 2000, where he teaches graduate courses in globalization and leadership.  He has taught extensively in executive education and MBA programs with leading universities including: Oxford, LBS, Cambridge, Darden, Cornell, INSEAD, Duke, the Drucker School, the Rotterdam School of Management, IIM Bangalore, Queen’s and McGill.

Since 2007, Karl has been doing a weekly videocast for the Globe and Mail, Canada’s National Newspaper, where he interviews CEOs one week and leading business professors from the top universities in the world. It can be watched at wwww.globeandmail.com In March 2011 he started a weekly blog, Rethinking Leadership, for Forbes, and in the spring 2014 he started a radio show, The CEO Series on CJAD where he interviews a CEO. He is a regular guest in the media and appears on CNN, BBC, CBC, CTV and Global Television. Karl has given over 1200 media interviews in his career. 

Get this Podcast:

This episode is sponsored in part by Experiential Communications’ Media Training for Academics program.

If you enjoy the For Immediate Release on Higher Education podcast, please considering leaving a review, rating and subscribe at the following link (once at this page, click view in iTunes).

About Your Host
Kevin AnselmoKevin Anselmo is the Founder and Principal of Experiential Communications, a consultancy focused on education. He helps brands within academia - whether individual or corporate - communicate with stakeholders. He also is the creator and instructor of the Media Training for Academics program.

Previously, Kevin was Director of Public Relations for Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and prior to that managed the media relations for IMD Business School in Switzerland. In addition, he was an adjunct communications professor at Nyack College in New York.

Currently based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Kevin lived and worked in Switzerland for eight years and in Germany for two years. He has led public relations initiatives in various countries around the world.

Find Kevin on Twitter: @kevinanselmo.

FIR Community on Google+Share your comments or questions about this podcast, or suggestions for future podcasts, in the online FIR Podcast Community on Google+.

You can also send us instant voicemail via SpeakPipe, right from the FIR website. Or, call the Comment Line at +1 415 895 2971 (North America), +44 20 3239 9082 (Europe), or Skype: fircomments. You can tweet us: @FIRpodcast. And you can email us at fircomments@gmail.com. If you wish, you can email your comments, questions and suggestions as MP3 file attachments (max. 3 minutes / 5Mb attachment, please!). We’ll be happy to see how we can include your audio contribution in a show.

To receive all podcasts in the FIR Podcast Network, subscribe to the “everything” RSS feed. To stay informed about occasional FIR events (eg, FIR Live), sign up for FIR Update email news.

FIR on Higher Education is brought to you with Lawrence Ragan Communications, serving communicators worldwide for 35 years. Information: www.ragan.com.

Posted by Kevin Anselmo on 02/11 at 01:54 AM
Show Notes • Higher Education • (0) Comments • Permalink

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