by Elizabeth Lemuz
Public Relations has always interested me simply because I feel that my personality fits the part. Have I ever really worked in PR? No, not at all. After taking my first PR focused class in college, I realized that it is a hard field, but in my opinion, it is also rewarding.
The writing aspect of PR has always been difficult for me. Growing up, I had always been told that I was a good writer and hearing that always encouraged me. I grew up with Spanish as my first language and English as my second. None of that has really discouraged me at this point. I enjoy writing press releases for special assignments, putting together media kits, and creating fact sheets.
The thought of having to write a press release made my palms sweat. I couldn’t even begin thinking how I could fit so much information on one page. Everything today is expanding and transforming to bigger and better things. The PR field is increasing because there are new tools that help this field grow to become better.
There is an article in PR News by Beth Monaghan titled “How to Transform Press Releases”. I have heard from a few PR professionals that they don’t have to write press releases. Before I had written a press release I was relieved, but after I began writing them, this news made me a little disappointed. I think Monaghan has great points to allow all PR professionals to make press releases important, but also unique.
One of the most important tips is “Show, Don’t Tell”. In all of the writing classes that I have taken in the past this is something that I have always been told. It’s important to have the reader imagine what they are reading. With how media is growing today, the public is used to images and videos that make it easier and quicker to receive information. This makes it harder on all of us writers because now we have to make our writing outstanding. This challenges me to want to write something that will create that image in the reader’s mind.
Another tip that stands out to me from this article is “Straight Talk”. Yup, I fail at this all the time. I’m probably failing at it now. With all the storybooks that we grew up reading, we are used to ideas being adorned with so many words that aren’t needed. It’s always harder to get straight to the point when we talk as well.
I’ve been told so many times “simple is best” and I believe that this is true. As writers we should be able to get straight to the point while still getting the message out there.
Citations:
“How To Transform Press Releases.” PR News. Access Intelligence, 2015. Web. http://www.prnewsonline.com/topics/media-relations/2015/01/12/how-to-transform-press-releases/
“iPad Typewriter Image.” Wired. Conde Nast, 2015. Web. http://www.wired.com/2012/05/ipad-typewriter/
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