Beginning a Career in Public Relations

Monday, June 06, 2005

A Conversation with Peter Roussel, former Deputy Press Secretary to President Ronald Reagan and Public Relations Consultant

Tonight, I am honored to share with you public relations and political career advice from Peter Roussel, former Deputy Press Secretary to President Ronald Reagan. Peter has more than 35 years of experience in business, government, politics and media.


Peter Roussel, former Deputy Press Secretary to President Ronald Reagan and Public Relations Consultant; author of Ruffled Flourishes

From 1981-1987 he served in the White House as Deputy Press Secretary and Special Assistant to President Reagan, where his very first assignment was to handle media relations for the landmark historic appointment of Sandra Day O'Connor as Justice to the Supreme Court. From 1974-1976, he served in the White House as Staff Assistant under President Ford and as assistant to then chiefs of staff Donald Rumsfeld and Richard Cheney. From 1969-1974 he was press secretary to President George H. W. Bush when Mr. Bush served as U.S. Congressman, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and Chairman of the Republican National Committee. From 1992-2003 he was a managing partner of Neumann Roussel Public Relations.

Mr. Roussel is a 1965 graduate of the University of Houston, where he was honored in 1983 as a Distinguished Alumnus. His articles have appeared in the New York Times, Washington Post and numerous other publications. He is the author of the recently published novel, Ruffled Flourishes, acclaimed by national media, and which draws on his experiences as a press spokesman at the White House.

And now, Peter Roussel:

Kelly: Peter, Who or what influenced your decision to become involved in public relations, and later, politics?

Peter: Being the son of a drama, music and film critic (my father served in that capacity for The Houston Post, 1933-66) I early on became aware of the impact of public relations. In those days, however, those practicing the profession were often referred to as "press agents." I was intrigued by the way my father often interfaced with these individuals, many of whom represented film companies, theatres or other arts enterprises. This interest ultimately led to my first job out of college in 1966 as an intern at an advertising agency. That was a fateful intersection in life for me because that agency, in addition to business clients, also occasionally created the advertising for political campaigns. The work there ultimately led to my meeting a young congressman from Houston named George Bush which, in turn, led me to a fascinating career in Washington,. D.C., ultimately including two tours of duty in the White House.

Kelly: What lessons did you learn early in your public relations career that you can share with us?

Peter: The lessons I learned early in my PR career are the ones that have been the anchors of my entire career: work hard, always be thinking creatively (we are, after all, in the idea business), harbor a passion for writing, and above all, maintain a sense of humor.

Kelly: And what advice do you have for new professionals beginning a career in public relations?

Peter: These same criteria always have worked for me -- working hard, thinking creatively, enjoying writing and maintaining a sense of humor. I think they can do the same for anyone else seeking to pursue this profession.

Kelly: What is your most memorable moment serving under former President Ronald Reagan?

Peter: During my service as a special assistant and deputy press secretary to President Reagan (1981-87) I was fortunate to be present at, and eyewitness to, many historic and memorable moments. Certainly one that stands at the forefront is the opportunity that was placed in my lap my very first day in the Reagan White House--to go to Phoenix, Arizona and handle media relations for the historic appointment of Sandra Day O'Connor to the United States Supreme Court.

Kelly: Where did you get the idea for the name of your book, Ruffled Flourishes, acclaimed by national media, in which you draw on your experiences as a press spokesman at the White House?

Peter: The title for my novel, "Ruffled Flourishes," is a variation on "Ruffles and Flourishes." The latter is one of the two pieces of music that is played upon the entrance of the President of the United States at ceremonial events. The second piece of music played is "Hail to the Chief." My book title is a metaphor for the often hectic aura that in my experience I found often surrounded the press-presidency relationship.

Peter continues his book tour and speaks about his book and White House experiences often, and with humor.

23 Comments:

  • dating online at usa [url=http://loveepicentre.com/]scottish singles[/url] dating for big people http://loveepicentre.com/ cam dating

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At 11:48 AM  

  • blood pressure reader [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/chloroquine.htm]chloroquine[/url] website for medical questions http://usadrugstoretoday.com/categories/arreter-de-fumer.htm young women smoking pictures http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/precose.htm
    how pollution effects health [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/fosamax.htm]fosamax[/url] nisseria bacteria [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/ed-discount-pack-3.htm]cockatoo health[/url]

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At 8:13 PM  

  • what is fetal alcohol syndrome [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/categories/party-pills.htm]party pills[/url] dr marcellus r cephas medical overbilling http://usadrugstoretoday.com/categories/blood-pressure.htm pharmacy back order prescription told week epainmeds fill http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/carafate.htm
    heart light shivering feeling [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/prevacid.htm]prevacid[/url] blood pressures throughout the body [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/diovan.htm]focal infections[/url]

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At 11:31 PM  

  • http://xws.in/elimite/medication-endep
    [url=http://xws.in/acomplia/acomplia-white-pill-with-r]kids that are drugs abuse[/url] effects of librax on a drug test [url=http://xws.in/acomplia/actoplus-mole]actoplus mole[/url]
    pdr for over the counter drugs http://xws.in/diltiazem/diltiazem-extended-release-oral
    [url=http://xws.in/diltiazem/diltiazem-extended-release-oral]drug rehab business[/url] drug interaction notes [url=http://xws.in/enhancer/sperm-enhancer]sperm enhancer[/url]
    cialis prescription online http://xws.in/ditropan/ditropan-xl-ter
    [url=http://xws.in/divalproex/divalproex-na]compare armour thyroid class of drugs with levothyroxine[/url] new drug for pharmaceutical analysis [url=http://xws.in/ditropan/ditropan-flomax-side-effects]ditropan flomax side effects[/url] fluconazole vs antifungal drugs [url=http://xws.in/aciphex/aciphex-information]aciphex information[/url]

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At 8:18 PM  

  • toyota automobile parts http://automoblog.in/seat-car/honda-plusone-seat mercedes amg suv
    [url=http://automoblog.in/scooter/scooter-for-lease-or-hire]usa auto auction[/url] midnight clup street racing cheats [url=http://automoblog.in/saturn/saturn-transmission-line]saturn transmission line[/url]
    honda automobile dealers in oklahoma http://automoblog.in/royce/rolls-royce-repair-manual
    [url=http://automoblog.in/smart/smart-ups-1000-shuts-off]mercedes benz seat covers[/url] automobile towing in queens new york [url=http://automoblog.in/scion/american-cars-scion]american cars scion[/url]
    dodge viper technician http://automoblog.in/scion/scion-modified-photos
    [url=http://automoblog.in/opel/opel-corsa-2002]zr 1 auto calgary[/url] auto accident witness interview [url=http://automoblog.in/saturn/saturn-vehicle]saturn vehicle[/url]

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At 8:13 PM  

  • cheap holiday travel packages http://greatadventures.in/car-rental/car-rental-london-new-htm mikes travel
    [url=http://greatadventures.in/flight/flight-simulator-rc]backgammon roll set travel[/url] african travel [url=http://greatadventures.in/travel/ottawa-canada-travel-agent]ottawa canada travel agent[/url]
    gateone travel http://greatadventures.in/expedia/business-corporate-diller-expedia-travel
    [url=http://greatadventures.in/tour/tour-south-america]travel country outdoors[/url] myrtle beach air travel [url=http://greatadventures.in/flight/europe-flight-tracker]europe flight tracker[/url]
    brazil travel warnings http://greatadventures.in/maps/maps-of-slave-plantation-in-the-south travel agents in crawley town [url=http://greatadventures.in/cruise/smuggling-booze-on-cruise-ships]smuggling booze on cruise ships[/url]

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At 4:46 AM  

  • best travel rolling duffle http://wikitravel.in/adventure/cheap-annual-travel-insurance-adventure-tour-adventure bangkok tours n travel
    [url=http://wikitravel.in/tours/bicycle-tours]road travel essex[/url] south carolina travel information [url=http://wikitravel.in/airlines/current-airlines-in-texas]current airlines in texas[/url]
    retired army reserve travel planner http://wikitravel.in/expedia/promo-codes-for-expedia
    [url=http://wikitravel.in/airlines/airlines-turkey]travel nursing virginia[/url] no air travel says my doctor change date non refundable [url=http://wikitravel.in/cruise/sebring-cruise-control-switch-89056909]sebring cruise control switch 89056909[/url]
    dreams unlimited travel 1 800 number http://wikitravel.in/hotel/shangrala-hotel-in-chicago business travel log [url=http://wikitravel.in/map/map-caribbean-isles]map caribbean isles[/url]

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At 5:47 PM  

  • auto repossession forwarding companies http://latestcarnews.in/lamborghini review mercedes 307d van
    [url=http://latestcarnews.in/volkswagen/volkswagen-bug-model]volkswagen new beetle bra[/url] dodge ramcharger hard starting [url=http://latestcarnews.in/peugeot]peugeot[/url]
    mercedes 5 cylinder diesel http://latestcarnews.in/saleen/saleen-dealers-washington-state
    [url=http://latestcarnews.in/suzuki/fred-beans-suzuki]used auto parts oregon[/url] volkswagen performance [url=http://latestcarnews.in/pontiac]pontiac[/url]
    check engine light dodge http://latestcarnews.in/romeo/alfa-romeo-service
    [url=http://latestcarnews.in/triumph/triumph-of-the-nerds-colossus-computer]widener auto[/url] chiltans auto repair manuel [url=http://latestcarnews.in/royce/rolls-royce-car]rolls royce car[/url]

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At 6:23 PM  

  • lauren grahm http://topcitystyle.com/bags-gucci-category37.html fallen shoes [url=http://topcitystyle.com/napapijri-women-brand62.html]david backhouse fashion[/url] girls dress shoes
    http://topcitystyle.com/black-beige-color190.html emo clothes [url=http://topcitystyle.com/?action=products&product_id=1938]wholesale dress clothes[/url]

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At 8:30 PM  

  • clothes for thin people http://topcitystyle.com/?action=products&product_id=1244 the weather chanel [url=http://topcitystyle.com/white-grey-accessories-color26.html]fashion seal healthcare[/url] which is the best fashion magazine
    http://topcitystyle.com/gucci-classic-luxury-dressy-shirt-for-men-white-item2446.html diesel shoes women [url=http://topcitystyle.com/on-sale-outwear-type2.html]preteen fashion model gallery[/url]

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At 10:51 PM  

  • clothes http://topcitystyle.com/dolce-amp-gabbana-page13.html children licking shoes [url=http://topcitystyle.com/black-women-color2.html]plus size clothes[/url] cool baby clothes
    http://topcitystyle.com/shoes-page10.html teen fashion magazine [url=http://topcitystyle.com/black-silver-men-color111.html]keds shoes[/url]

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At 3:40 AM  

  • winton automobile trackback uri closed http://carautonews.in/audi/audi-squeak-noise-in-front-of-car-when-shifting auto loan pre approval
    [url=http://carautonews.in/daihatsu/daihatsu-charade-g101-turbo-diesel-cl60]pdf automobile bill of sale[/url] volkswagen wind tractor [url=http://carautonews.in/automobiles/most-fuel-efficient-automobiles]most fuel efficient automobiles[/url]
    auto run worn http://carautonews.in/auto-net/skipco-auto-auctions
    [url=http://carautonews.in/eagle/elgin-eagle-sweepers]islet auto transplant[/url] volkswagen shift knobs [url=http://carautonews.in/bike/grand-teton-mountain-bike]grand teton mountain bike[/url]
    mercedes bi turbo http://carautonews.in/auto-and/cd-drive-auto-eject
    [url=http://carautonews.in/automobile/junk-vehicle-car-automobile-guam]volkswagen beetle vin numbers[/url] volkswagen air conditioner [url=http://carautonews.in/daihatsu/daihatsu-charade-g101-turbo-diesel-cl60]daihatsu charade g101 turbo diesel cl60[/url]

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At 10:06 PM  

  • chronic anal fissure http://theporncollection.in/gay-love/gay-ocean-grove
    [url=http://theporncollection.in/sex-mature/mature-and-monster-cocks-stories]teen dildo videos[/url] free anal sex vidoes [url=http://theporncollection.in/orgasm/orgasm-images]orgasm images[/url]
    anal teen japan http://theporncollection.in/lesbian-video/sologirl-sweet-asya-lesbian-kissing-on-bed
    [url=http://theporncollection.in/hentai-porn/doa-hitomi-karate-hentai]madonna willem body of evidence anal video[/url] amateur mature adult pics [url=http://theporncollection.in/lesbian-porn/lesbian-insertions]lesbian insertions[/url]
    very young porn thumbs http://theporncollection.in/gay-porn/gay-eureka-springs
    [url=http://theporncollection.in/lesbian-porn/downloadable-lesbian-porn]fairly odd parents hentai comix[/url] adult flash rpg [url=http://theporncollection.in/gay-movie/jack-wagner-gay]jack wagner gay[/url]
    amature adult nude blow jobs http://theporncollection.in/lesbian-porn/lesbian-spit
    [url=http://theporncollection.in/orgy/homemade-amateur-orgy]adult comic porn[/url] hentai for k800i [url=http://theporncollection.in/lesbian-video/gay-and-lesbian-moviestars]gay and lesbian moviestars[/url]

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At 8:14 AM  

  • spawn2 movie [url=http://full-length-movies.com/dvd-quality-movie-national-treasure---book-of-secrets/4601database/]National Treasure - Book Of Secrets[/url] bratz movie australia 4810 [url=http://worldmovs.co.cc/full_version-saw-iv/30200database/]Saw IV[/url]
    hairspray the movie poster [url=http://full-length-movies.com/dvd-quality-movie-hellraiser/27144database/]Hellraiser[/url] american gangster the movie [url=http://full-length-movies.com/dvd-quality-movie-december-boys/17799database/]December Boys[/url]
    movie 1408 2007 [url=http://full-length-movies.com/dvd-quality-movie-the-fighting-pistol/9325database/]The Fighting Pistol[/url] interpretation of the movie nostradamus [url=http://worldmovs.co.cc/full_version-the-valley-of-light/4268database/]The Valley of Light[/url]
    ebony movie post [url=http://full-length-movies.com/dvd-quality-movie-bruce-den-allsm--ktigechristley/22941database/]Bruce Den Allsm?¤ktigeChristley[/url] bad axe movie theater [url=http://worldmovs.co.cc/full_version-ju-on-av-padde-79/6696database/]Ju-On Av Padde 79[/url]

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At 7:45 AM  

  • shoes insoles http://www.thefashionhouse.us/50-shirts-size2.html saint peter chanel georgia [url=http://www.thefashionhouse.us/?action=products&product_id=987]should dogs wear clothes[/url] kitchen designer
    http://www.thefashionhouse.us/purple-brown-men-color27.html womens affordable wide width shoes [url=http://www.thefashionhouse.us/gucci-dressy-tops-brand12.html]flattering clothes for plus size women[/url]

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At 11:40 AM  

  • arkansas pharmacy association 2008 convention [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/categories/ipnoterapia.htm]ipnoterapia[/url] burdock for blood cleansing http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/amoxil.htm
    health museum houston [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/categories/dejar-de-fumar.htm]dejar de fumar[/url] loss non pill prescription weight [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/pravachol.htm ]interpretation of blood test results [/url] smoking glass chillums
    street drugs lingo [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/categories/anti-diabetische.htm]anti diabetische[/url] workload medical profession http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/rogaine-5-.htm
    mental health study au [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/imodium.htm]imodium[/url] stress eliminator [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/index.php?lng=fr&cv=eu ]ginseng tea breastfeeding [/url] advanced integrative medicine

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At 9:27 AM  

  • vans shoes http://www.thefashionhouse.us/?action=products&product_id=2496 marlboro classics man clothes [url=http://www.thefashionhouse.us/juice-couture-tunic-for-women-cream-item2352.html]fubu shoes[/url] atlas snowshoes
    http://www.thefashionhouse.us/tops-shirts-with-colar-page3.html man comfort shoes [url=http://www.thefashionhouse.us/?action=products&product_id=306]fashion trends in europe[/url]

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At 7:00 PM  

  • travel size clothes steamer http://xwl.in/disneyland/first-grad-night-disneyland bus schedules travel coventry
    [url=http://xwl.in/lufthansa/alarabia-airways]pink coffee travel mug[/url] mens leather travel kit [url=http://xwl.in/vacation-packages/nyc-vacation-packages]nyc vacation packages[/url]
    discount air travel to montreal http://xwl.in/hotel/bellweather-hotel-bellingham-washington
    [url=http://xwl.in/flight/discount-student-flight]pet travel maryland[/url] family adventure travel morocco [url=http://xwl.in/plane-tickets/plane-tickets-to-cancun]plane tickets to cancun[/url]
    used travel trailers for sale in texas http://xwl.in/tour/tour-philadelpia-on-a-budget have mop will travel [url=http://xwl.in/flight/flight-cruise-trinidad-2008]flight cruise trinidad 2008[/url]

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At 1:25 AM  

  • joker brand http://xwn.in/poker-online_poker-player-grades own a online casino
    [url=http://xwn.in/bingo_car-bingo-cube-game]reno casino sports books[/url] how to win at scratch off lottery [url=http://xwn.in/keno_keno-spil]keno spil[/url]
    best gambling education http://xwn.in/gambling-online_gambling-quotations
    [url=http://xwn.in/jokers_jokers-mummers-organization]new on line us casinos[/url] gary spivey win the lottery [url=http://xwn.in/gambling-online_gambling-treatment]gambling treatment[/url]
    casino motors http://xwn.in/casino-online_copper-queen-casino-hotel national lottery draw [url=http://xwn.in/gambling-online_republican-committee-chair-arrested-in-gambling-ring]republican committee chair arrested in gambling ring[/url]

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At 2:26 PM  

  • fast times at ridgemont high movie quotes [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_circle_of_iron/]circle of iron[/url] movie clip on oral http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_the_flock/ big b malayalam movie
    buy movie tickets greensboro nc [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_the_sure_thing/]the sure thing[/url] hastings movie and game rentals http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_the_lazarus_child/ the 13th floor movie
    fellatio movie [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_the_cycle/]the cycle[/url] little boy fat man movie
    free movie [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_unstable_fables_goldilocks_3_bears_show/]unstable fables goldilocks 3 bears show[/url] simpsons movie pics http://moviestrawberry.com/hqmoviesbyyear/year_2000_high-quality-movies/ george bush documentary movie funny
    white noise movie [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_fatal_rescue/]fatal rescue[/url] movie dog sad ending blind http://moviestrawberry.com/countries/?page=4 movie nanny amy british widower

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At 12:42 AM  

  • the pursuit of happiness movie [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_thr3e/]thr3e[/url] the indiana ice age and not the movie http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_penn_teller_bullshit/ full length porn movie free download
    leanardo dicaprios first movie [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_foul_hunting/]foul hunting[/url] substitute movie http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_lady_godiva/ movie listings seymour connecticut
    latest movie release [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_a_special_magnum_for_tony_saitta/]a special magnum for tony saitta[/url] free gay ebony movie clips
    silvercity movie [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_2001_a_space_odyssey/]2001 a space odyssey[/url] michael myers movie masks http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_centennial/ ct movie theatres
    alan dershowitz klaus von movie [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_city_girl/]city girl[/url] dress from the movie white chritsmas http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_t_bone_for_two/ movie dvd slicks

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At 4:20 PM  

  • sydney white the movie [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_brainstorm/]brainstorm[/url] ice age the movie pics http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_sharpes_company/ movie quote wavs
    blue movie summary kieslowski [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_the_secret_of_nimh/]the secret of nimh[/url] last tango in paris movie http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_the_hit/ pink lightning movie fire bird
    hand clap game in movie hot chick [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_old_macdonald_duck/]old macdonald duck[/url] chief lanier movie
    avp2 movie trailer [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_lies_illusions/]lies illusions[/url] classic movie posters http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_border_town/ almost home movie
    watch iceman and movie [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_reversal_of_fortune/]reversal of fortune[/url] free movie cum http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_modern_times/ the movie truman

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At 5:11 PM  

  • movie clip art [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_clear_and_present_danger/]clear and present danger[/url] chikas movie http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_halloween_ii_70/ xxx movie thumbs
    fem dom movie clip [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_dungeons_dragons_wrath_of_the_dragon_god/]dungeons dragons wrath of the dragon god[/url] piano movie directed campion http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_take/ movie theatre apple valley
    the alamo movie historic inaccuracy [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_consequences/]consequences[/url] corporate movie mehta group launches drink name
    movie as good as it gets [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_jeff_dunham_arguing_with_myself/]jeff dunham arguing with myself[/url] download stormbreaker the movie http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_charlie_chan_in_egypt/ official halloween movie rob zombie
    eagles rb movie [url=http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_cut_off/]cut off[/url] movie the assasination of jesse james http://moviestrawberry.com/films/film_the_tailor_of_panama/ wrestler who did the movie apple pie

    By Anonymous Anonymous, At 2:24 AM  

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]



<< Home