COMPANY PROFILE

A “boutique” public relations firm located in the suburbs of the nation's capital, Putnam Communications offers clients the creativity and professionalism of a top-flight public relations agency, without the “Madison Avenue” overhead and price tag.

Company founder Bob Putnam specializes in speechwriting and presentation training, and also coordinates ad hoc teams of expert consultants (comprised of alumni from top PR firms like Porter Novelli and Burson-Marsteller) in providing a full range of public relations services.

In 2012, Bob co-authored (with Everett Chasen) “The Managers’ Communication Toolbox,” published by the American Society for Training and Development.  This comprehensive reference spans 17 chapters of guidance from the basic (how to write short but effective business letters and disciplining your email inbox), to the more challenging (running shorter meetings and giving great presentations), to the complex (managing your boss and giving difficult performance evaluations.)  The book is available from the ASTD Bookstore -- http://store.astd.org/ --, as well as from Amazon Books.

About Us

Robert R. (Bob) Putnam has provided public relations counsel to, and written speeches for, members of the President’s Cabinet, the CEOs and other top officials at several well-known national health care associations, and for a Congressional Commission and a U.S. Senator.  In addition to co-authoring the major communication reference, The Managers Communication Toolbox, he was the primary editor of the History of VA Medical Research, by Marguerite T. Hayes, M.D.

After serving in the United States Marine Corps, Bob earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland’s well-regarded Philip Merrill College of Journalism.  After graduating, he worked briefly as a newspaper reporter, winning the Maryland-Delaware-DC Press Association's top honors for feature writing.

Today, Bob frequently serves as faculty in public affairs seminars and executive development programs, providing guidance on writing, public speaking and media relations.

His normal commute is a short one these days; walking into his office adjoining his waterfront home in the Annapolis (Maryland) harbor, where his distractions include two racing sailboats (J-105 and Jet 14), an old lobster boat and an antique sports car.