COLUMBUS, OH July 28, 2004 -- As a master instructor for the Defense Information School and consultant to the Pentagon, retired Lt. Col. Joseph V. Trahan III, Ph.D., has taught thousands of military and civilian leaders across the globe to communicate with power and candor.

On August 19, Dr. Trahan visits Columbus to conduct PR Boot Camp? for the Central Ohio Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Ross Auditorium in Franklin University's Alumni Hall, 301 E. Rich Street.

"We are excited to host training in critical communications skills that central Ohio leaders can employ to steer their organizations through uncertain times," said Deb Strohmaier, APR, chapter president. "Attendees will leave with practical and effective methods for managing relationships with their publics and the media."

Morning sessions offer a thorough grounding in the theory and practice of public relations, including publics, attitudes, corporate reputation, campaign planning and strategy, and field tactics and evaluation.

During the monthly PRSA luncheon, Dr. Trahan will present, "The Gumbo Soup of Communications Leadership," exploring what it means to be a communications leader in a world beset by terrorism, war, scandal, intrigue, and pandemic distrust.

"In public relations, like gumbo, it's essential to use the right ingredients. The right mix makes a good gumbo, as well as an effective public relations campaign," said Dr. Trahan, who hails from New Orleans. "This day-long seminar will ensure that you use the right ingredients to make a good gumbo and to use public relations principles to effectively lead your organization."

Afternoon sessions focus on crisis communications planning and media relations principles and training.

The full program, including breakfast and lunch, costs $125 for association members, $175 for non-members, and $50 for students. Half-day registration for the morning or afternoon session, including breakfast and/or lunch, costs $75 for members, $100 for non-members, and $25 for students. Luncheon-only registration costs $25 for members, $30 for non-members, and $15 for students. The deadline for registration is 5:00 p.m., Friday, August 13.

Interested persons may obtain more information and register at www.centralohioprsa.org. Registrations may also be e-mailed to e-mail protected from spam bots, or mailed to Central Ohio PRSA, P.O. Box 374, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068.

Dr. Trahan is available for private media training sessions on Friday, August 20. Interested persons should contact Cheryl Claypoole, 614-361-5023, or e-mail protected from spam bots.

Program sponsors include , , the , and

About PRSA

PRSA is the world's largest organization for public relations professionals. The 380 members of the Central Ohio chapter include individuals from business and industry, counseling firms, government, associations, health care, education, professional services firms and nonprofit organizations. For meeting and membership information, please call PRSA at 470-2762, or visit our Web site at .

About retired Lt. Col Joseph V. Trahan III, Ph.D., APR, Fellow, PRSA

With more than 20 years' experience in public relations and public affairs management, Dr. Trahan is a trusted counselor to the Pentagon and to numerous military and civilian government agencies throughout the U.S. and much of the world.

While in the armed forces, Dr. Trahan oversaw four Joint Information Bureaus and one Joint Information Center, handling all media relations for the 50th Anniversary of Operation Overlord (D-Day) in 1994. He currently chairs the PRSA Military Public Affairs and Homeland Security special interest group.

Dr. Trahan holds a Master of Arts degree in Public Relations from Ball State University, and a Ph.D. in Mass Communication from The University of Southern Mississippi. He has taught public relations at the University of Maryland, University of Virginia, and University of Tennessee, among others.

He is the President of , a media training and crisis communications consultancy based in Covington, Louisiana.

Seminar Agenda

Basic Training (8 to 9 a.m.)

Positive public relations doesn't just happen; it's a proactive job that requires focus and foresight. In this one-hour session, you'll learn to:
- Understand and use the Four-Step Public Relations Process
- Identify your audiences and fine-tune your company's message
- Develop creative and innovative ways to promote that message throughout your community.

Campaign Planning and Strategy (9:15 to 10:15 a.m.)

Building upon basic training, Dr. Trahan will cover:
     - The difference between strategy and tactics
     - The four planning techniques for a successful campaign
     - How to slice and dice your publics
     - How to set measurable goals and objectives

Field Tactics and Evaluation (10:30 to 11:30 a.m.)

Wrap up the morning by learning effective campaign tactics, including:
     - The 7 C's of communication
     - The right tactics for the right publics
     - Evaluation techniques that work

Luncheon Presentation: The Gumbo Soup of Communications Leadership
Dr. Trahan explores how to become a true leader in this new brave world of ours! (12:15 to 1:15 p.m.)

Crisis Communications in a Changing World . . . What to do when the gumbo hits the pot! (1:30 to 3:15 p.m.)

- Since Sept. 11, 2001, our nation has changed, and with it is that old, outdated crisis communications plan.
- Are you prepared today for the unthinkable or the unimaginable? If not, what are you waiting for? The time to plan is now.
- It is not really a matter of if it happens, but when it happens. Crisis communications is not just relaying important information to the public through the media but about being credible and in control.
- Can you help your company or organization survive and still manage the crush of cameras, microphones and reporters without losing your mind?
- Dr. Trahan will help you prepare and keep your cool when chaos reigns.

Media Relations for the 21st Century (3:30 to 5:00 p.m.)

Dr. Trahan teaches you to get a handle on the media by organizing a communications plan and preparing to speak on camera.

Learn how the media thinks, what is newsworthy today, and how to develop a message to reach them. Find out what reporters want, need and expect.

Finally, get the inside scoop on how to build good working relationships with the media.

Here are some of the specific skills you will learn:
     - Developing convincing messages and sound bytes
     - Effective bridging techniques
     - Taking charge of the interview
     - Evading reporter land mines
     - Anticipating questions
     - Appearing confident and prepared - but not canned

Who Should Attend:

- Entry-level communications professionals
- Mid-level practitioners desiring to brush up on the latest theory and practice of public, crisis, and media relations
- Professionals preparing for APR certification
- Government public affairs and public information staff
- Marketing managers
- Legal professionals
- Association and non-profit agency leaders
- Corporate security directors
- Anyone who might be interviewed by a reporter or get caught in the media spotlight