THE
MESSAGE
MINUTE
One line.
One lesson.
Every week.
Every message teaches a lesson — even the short ones.
The Message Minute is a weekly reflection on leadership and communication from Paul D. Raymond, Jr., crisis communications advisor and founder of PDR Strategies.
Each post delivers one line of practical insight for communicators, leaders, and public servants — a reminder that the best messages don’t just inform; they inspire confidence, trust, and action.
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Speed matters, but accuracy earns trust.
In fast-moving situations, urgency tempts us to speak before we know enough. Quick statements may calm the moment, but accurate ones sustain credibility. The public forgives silence faster than error. Take the extra minute to confirm the facts—precision is your protection. Please leave this field empty Don’t miss future posts! We don’t spam! Read more…
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Clarity isn’t what you say — it’s what they understand.
True communication isn’t measured by how clearly you spoke but by how clearly others understood. Jargon and complexity create distance; plain language builds connection. When leaders simplify the message without diluting the meaning, they show respect for their audience. Clarity is service—it proves you care enough to be understood.
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Credibility lasts longer than control.
Every communicator feels pressure to “control the narrative,” but control rarely lasts. The public remembers integrity, not spin. Credibility is built through consistent honesty long before the crisis and carried long after the headlines fade. Lead with truth—because credibility outlives control every time.