Marshall Communications

Public speaking is an important skill which individuals in leadership positions must hone to effectively demonstrate their industry expertise. Such a demonstration is referred to as ‘thought leadership’.

At Marshall Communications, we see public speaking as an underrated opportunity to create direct connections and trust with our audience. Utilizing and improving ‘thought leadership’ in public speaking can help you create stronger bonds with your audience — Here is how:

• Map your message
• Know your audience
• Create humanization
• Practice makes perfect

Improving your public speaking skills to create effective thought leadership is a formula. Be targeted, prepared, genuine, and confident. Following these steps for improvement will build a strong foundation of creditability and trust with your audience.

Nancy Marshall recently shared more insights on this topic in her latest Forbes.com article, How To Improve Public Speaking For Thought Leadership—And Trust.

Read the article here: https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesagencycouncil/2026/06/02/how-to-improve-public-speaking-for-thought-leadership-and-trust/

​How To Improve Public Speaking For Thought Leadership—And Trust The more people know, like and trust you as a public speaker, the more they will trust your company and seek out your services.

Artificial intelligence is becoming a major topic of conversation across nearly every industry, and public relations is no exception.

At Marshall Communications, we see AI as a tool that can support and strengthen the work PR professionals already do every day — not replace it.

AI can help communications teams:
• Research industries and trends faster
• Generate ideas and first drafts
• Monitor media coverage in real time
• Prepare for interviews and crisis situations
• Support thought leadership efforts
• Spend more time focused on strategy and relationships

But while technology continues to evolve, the foundation of strong public relations remains the same: authentic storytelling, strategic communication and meaningful human connection.

The most effective communication still comes from understanding people, asking thoughtful questions and building trust over time.

Nancy Marshall recently shared more insights on this topic in her latest Forbes article, including six ways AI can help the PR industry evolve while keeping authenticity at the center.

Read the article here:

Six Ways AI Can Help The Public Relations Industry ​AI is pushing us to think differently, but the real shift is not just in what we ask; it’s how we ask.

Dear Friends,

I’ve just returned from a truly memorable trip to France, and I find myself reflecting on an experience that felt both joyful and grounding. While I was there, I had the opportunity to reconnect with a family I first met years ago when I was working at a summer camp during college. Thanks to Facebook, we had stayed loosely in touch over the years, and this trip gave us the chance to turn that digital connection back into something real.

I spent a weekend with them in the south of France, and it was everything you might imagine and more. We explored the countryside, cooked meals together, laughed endlessly, and enjoyed incredible food and wine. It was a beautiful reminder of what the French so perfectly describe as "joie de vivre."

This is Geraldine in Provence, France, who is the wife of Laurent, who I met at summer camp while I was in college. She personifies 'joie de vivre,' and I am so glad I was able to spend the weekend with her and her husband!

I have always loved my work, and I am deeply passionate about what I do. But this trip reminded me that there is a whole world outside of work that deserves just as much attention. Taking time to have fun, to explore, to reconnect with people and to expand your horizons is not a luxury. It is essential.

Like many of you, I sometimes struggle to strike the right balance. This experience was a powerful reminder that work and life are not meant to compete with each other, but to complement one another.

I need to remind myself of that!

Happy May!

Nancy Marshall

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Newsletter - Nancy Marshall - The PR Maven® Previous Editions: From Digital PR to Real Connections, October’s Top Lessons for Growth – October 2025 Why a Strong Personal Brand Will Never Be Replaced by AI – September 2025 🌞 August Is the Month of Gratitude – August 2025 Maximize Your Momentum This Summer – July 2025 Navigating th...

A cluttered workspace can quietly drain your energy more than you realize.

Between emails, texts, papers, notifications, and constant distractions, it’s easy to fall into reactive mode instead of focused work mode.

In this month’s Mainebiz column, Nancy shares simple strategies for reducing physical and digital clutter, clearing your mind, and creating a workspace that supports productivity and creativity.

A few reminders:
• Start small
• Focus on one area at a time
• Reduce clutter at the source
• Progress matters more than perfection

For more, read here:

How to conquer clutter and stay focused at work For anyone feeling overwhelmed by clutter, our columnist offers a few simple steps to get started.