[Newsletter] 06.25.26 | “He’s not a devious person,”
June 23, 2026School’s out, but the communication lessons keep on coming. This month was full of criminal communications—figuratively and literally. The sentencing of Matthew Perry’s ketamine suppliers, a lawsuit between a global brand and a drag queen, and the denials of a convicted murderer. From Marco Rubio to BP’s former chairman to the Morton Salt Girl herself, there were many lessons to be learned. And take a look at some great commencement speech moments that feature key presentation skills. You might learn a thing or two!
THE WINNING COMMENT
“He’s not a devious person,” said the uncle of Matthew Perry’s assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, who was recently sentenced to 41 months and the last of five convicted for involvement in the “Friends” star’s overdose. Devious or not, Iwamasa injected Perry with at least 27 shots of ketamine in the five days leading up to his death, including at least three shots on the day he died.
The New York Times, “Celebrity Assistants Exist to Indulge Their Bosses, but When Does Duty Cross a Line?” May 26, 2026
THE RUNNERS-UP
“This matter is not about seeking financial gain,” read the statement shared across Patagonia’s website and social channels, “nor is it about challenging anyone’s identity or right to advocacy, protest, or creative expression.” In a legal—and reputational—battle against drag performer Pattie Gonia over trademark infringement, the outdoor apparel company is suing for $1 and legal fees. After becoming IP experts, the internet is actually siding with Patagonia on this one, but their messaging could use some refining.
Patagonia, “Update on protecting our brand” May 27, 2026
“I’m not a monster,” insisted Mackenzie Shirilla, a 21-year-old who was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder for a 2022 car crash that killed her boyfriend and friend. Having never been interviewed by the police or testified at her trial, Shirilla spoke up for the first time about the accident that captured the attention of the nation in a Netflix documentary. “I was a driver of a tragedy, but I’m not a murderer.”
E! News, “Gypsy Rose Blanchard Doesn’t Think The Crash’s Mackenzie Shirilla Will Get Parole” May 29, 2026
There’s a debate happening in downtown Dallas. The city’s 10 largest office towers are half-empty, and experts say it’s not an issue of demand but infrastructure—more specifically, parking. So, the debate is on how to address the problem. Whether through building parking garages or tackling broader connectivity issues, D Magazine says the “office towers aren’t necessarily failures.”
D Magazine, “Why Downtown Dallas Can’t Fill Its ‘Zombie’ Office Towers” May 11, 2026
WRONG THING TO SAY
While filling in for Karoline Leavitt during her maternity leave, Secretary of State Marco Rubio couldn’t resist peppering his comments with 90’s hip hop lyrics. The late-night shows had a field day with the references, which included this one regarding the mental condition of leadership in Tehran, “the top people in that government are, to say the least … they’re insane in the brain…” In addition to quoting this famous Cypress Hill lyric, he also stated that “they should check themselves before they wreck themselves…,” this time sampling lyrics from Ice Cube’s 1992 song “Check Yo Self.” Between this and last month’s example of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s prayer that was lifted from Pulp Fiction, 90’s pop culture is strong within this administration.
The Independent, “‘DJ’ Marco Rubio quotes a hip-hop classic to describe Iran’s leaders after Strait of Hormuz stalemate” May 5, 2026
“He’s having a stroke,” said Dr. Jill Biden when recounting her concerns about Joe Biden’s performance at the 2024 presidential debate. In an interview to promote her new book, “View from the East Wing,” she addressed the elephant (or donkey?) in the room that was President Biden’s mental state, and Democrats are not happy. It’s a good reminder to always consider your audience and the long-term reputational impact.
The New York Times, “Jill Biden’s Reaction to Biden’s 2024 Debate: ‘He’s Having a Stroke’” May 27, 2026
EXECUTIVE DYSFUNCTION
After being abruptly dismissed by BP following whistleblower reports to the board that he was bullying and verbally abusive towards staff, Albert Manifold responded with a nearly 800-word statement. This portion of his statement rubbed some of our loyal readers the wrong way. “Where I saw unnecessary or excessive expenditure, I called it out. I had no interest in having a dedicated chauffeur-driven limousine at my beck and call on the occasions that I was in London. I, like most people, walked, took taxis, trains, etc. I had no interest in taking private aviation nor in availing myself of corporate tickets for sports events. I made my own coffee, bought my lunch in the local café. I sat in a small office, eschewing the grand corner-office privilege of previous Chairmen.”
While this is a he-said, they-said battle, the company responded with a statement that was more reassuring for its employees. “We have a duty of care to all our employees, particularly those impacted by his behavior.”
In this day and age, it is important to remember that you don’t get extra points for making your own coffee.
The Wall Street Journal, “Ousted BP Chair Hits Back at ‘Lies’ About His Conduct” May 28, 2026
INFLUENCER RELATIONS
Brands are investing more time and money into influencer relations, and those symbiotic partnerships can be incredibly effective—when done correctly. In an attempt to generate excitement for Morton Salt’s HQ move to Overland Park, Kansas, and the opening of the Morton Amphitheater, the company invited local influencers with large followings to “something BIG,” adding that, “there are very few true surprises left in life, so don’t miss this one!” Take a look at the “viral moment” people are now calling “Saltgate,” and let us know your thoughts.
Katyinkc via Tiktok, May 20, 2026
The Kansas City Star, “Saltgate: Iconic Morton Salt Girl had rocky start in KC before amphitheater debutz” June 2, 2026
PRESENTATION SKILLS
It’s graduation season—our favorite time to collect good and bad presentation examples. With storytelling and humor, former TODAY host Hoda Kotb made it on our good list, delivering the commencement address at Fordham University. But the first thing that stood out to us was her ability to engage her audience. She began her speech with, “Raise your hand if you have a job.” Graduates raised their hands, and she congratulated them. She followed up saying, “Raise your hand if you do not have a job.” The crowd laughed and cheered for those still on the hunt. The rest of her speech offered hope and personal anecdotes of her own career struggles and wins, but her audience was hooked the moment they raised their hands.
Fordham University, “Hoda Kotb Delivers the Commencement Speech at Fordham University | Fordham University” May 18, 2026
GREAT USE OF A PROP
Spanx Founder Sara Blakely also reminds us that commencement addresses don’t have to be boring. Blakely used one of our favorite presentation tools to tell her story and inspire the students of her alma mater, Florida State University. Holding up the backpack she carried as a student and then to business meetings in her early years launching a billion-dollar company off the ground, she shared words of encouragement to the graduating class. “It’s a reminder that everything you need is already right there on your back,” Blakely said. She also uses this great visual tool within her company and used it as inspiration to start The Red Backpack Foundation, an organization empowering women across the globe.
Florida State University News, “FSU confers honorary degree on alumna and Spanx founder Sara Blakely, who urges graduates to ‘invest in you’” May 1, 2026
“You Don’t Say” is a reminder not to repeat and deny a negative word because of how the listener hears words. When you repeat and deny a negative word, the listener is likely to overlook the denial and hear the opposite of what the speaker is trying to say.