• Public Relations Boutiques International Network Launched
• The Art of Speaking Well
• Small NYC PR Firms Join for Intern Program
• Abby Ray Promoted at Bridge

Bridge Global Strategies would like to introduce PR Boutiques International (PRBI), an international network of boutique public relations firms. Bridge is a founding member of the organization, which has just been launched, and Bridge's own CEO, Lucy Siegel was elected president of PRBI for its first year. Designed to give selected boutique PR firms the same global reach as larger international agencies, the organization is comprised of boutique agencies throughout the world. Founding members of PRBI are located in United States (including Atlanta; Chicago; Los Angeles; Philadelphia; Salt Lake City; Trumbull, Conn.; Washington, D.C.; and Atlanta;), Canada, United Kingdom, China, Japan and South Korea.

PRBI has several advantages over large multinational PR firms. Lucy Siegel said, "The boutique representatives are all senior counselors and offer clients the benefit of years of experience and expertise in our fields. Most of us have worked for large and mid-size agencies and know the shortcomings for clients in those settings. This unique international organization will offer highly-experienced professionals from various backgrounds to perform outstanding services without the overhead of big multinational agencies."

To learn more about PR Boutiques International, please visit www.prboutiques.com.

A lot of people fear public speaking, and yet it is something that is part of most senior executives' jobs. Bridge spoke to Bridge public speaking coach Sandra Kazan, who will be teaching a class starting in March in public speaking especially geared to those who speak English as a second language. She shared her thoughts about fear of giving speeches and how to be a better speaker.

Bridge: Have you ever experienced any fear in public speaking yourself?

Sandra Kazan: Yes, I have indeed experienced nervousness in public speaking. This makes me understand what happens to other people who get nervous (and most of them do) when speaking publicly.

Bridge: Have you always had a gift for public speaking or was this something you had to teach yourself? How does your theater/acting career tie in with your public speaking coaching?

Sandra Kazan: As an actress I have always loved language, the human voice and communicating ideas to other people. I use many acting exercises in my speech coaching. that help you relax, breathe and concentrate on your objective, which all actors must do.

Bridge: Why do you think people struggle in public speaking?

Sandra Kazan: There are a variety of reasons depending on the individual. Generally, people concentrate on what other people will think of them and not enough on what they want to communicate.

Bridge: What are some tips for getting rid of the "fear" in public speaking?

Sandra Kazan: Many people fail to use their breath when they get up to speak in public. They would benefit from knowing how to release their tension and use the abdominal support of breath which is the energy of the voice.

Bridge: How can non native speakers get rid of their accents?

Sandra Kazan: Work with a speech coach who can teach the correct sounds of Standard American English. It involves more than simply listening to a tape. The speech coach can identify what the speaker is doing with the articulators, i.e., tongue, lips, jaw and palate, and demonstrate the correct placement.

Bridge: What can people practice on their own to improve their skills? What is the best method to rehearse proper speaking?

Sandra Kazan: Reading aloud can not only be pleasurable but also really helpful. Children's books can encourage greater variety of vocal range. Also, writing out your written text so that it is easier for your eye to grasp at a glance is also important. Rehearsing in front of a mirror enables you to maintain good contact with your audience.

Sandra Kazan's public speaking course will begin on March 10th in Manhattan and run for six weeks on Monday evenings. If interested in the course, please contact Abby Ray at Bridge Global Strategies, aray@bridgeny.com. She is also available for private lessons.

Small NYC PR Firms Join for Intern Program

New York City offers the best of everything, and summer is the best time for college students to sample the "real world." In order to give their interns the broadest range of experience, five small New York PR agencies partnered with each other to form a joint intern program: Public Relations Internship Summer in Manhattan (PRISM). The program, of which Bridge is a member, will be coordinated by Bridge Senior Account Executive Abby Ray.

Through the PRISM program, interns will have an opportunity to attend weekly lectures related to PR or go on field trips around town. They will also have a chance to work together a few hours each week on a pro bono PR project for a small non-profit organization. Interns will be working with PR professionals and other students in an environment that encourages creative input. The program is intended to provide each intern with a sense of involvement and ownership in projects.

"All of the companies in the PRISM program are very small firms," explained Lucy Siegel, Bridge's CEO, who gathered the group. "Each of the PR companies involved in PRISM wants to give the interns a much broader exposure to the profession than they could get within the four walls of their own agencies during the summer. An added benefit will be a chance for the interns to meet and connect with each other."

The program will last for nine weeks from June 2nd to August 1st.

Abby Ray Promoted

Abby Ray, formerly account executive at Bridge, has been promoted to the position of senior account executive.

"Abby is a valuable member of our team and a great client service resource," said Bridge CEO Lucy Siegel. "I'm really pleased that she will be taking on greater responsibilities."