Messaging

A veteran and PR pro looks at the similarities between working in military affairs and civilian operations. The common bond, he writes, is that people are the most important asset. On this Veterans Day, he urges Americans to practice positive PR and honor the nation’s greatest asset.

While the election showcased a deeply-divided nation, president-elect Joe Biden’s acceptance speech Saturday called for unity and healing. He set a precedent with the tone and content of his speech, acknowledging battles affecting every citizen across the nation. Bringing people together seems to be a systematic goal for the incoming administration. Letting people know out loud was one way to adhere to that promise.

Tonight’s vice-presidential debate is a chance to revive civil discourse and democracy. In addition, it will offer an opportunity (missed last week) for the debaters to present solid messages and discuss policy prescriptions. A group of PR pros and several others discuss debate tactics and strategies.

The high cost of national disasters showcases the importance of communication, and being able to get citizens information prior to and during a disaster. Organizations are taking advantage of National Preparedness Month to do just that, and provide families with necessary content to catalyze preparation. 

President Trump has a unique communication style that, after nearly four years, continues to confound PR pros. In the course of one day, the president will utter things most communicators would never expect him to say. Labor Day provided a perfect example of why we keep listening to the president.

As the pandemic has changed many aspects of life and business, it’s natural to think communicators are adjusting their messages and how they’re delivered. Nicole Schuman of PRNEWS found PR pros at brands and organizations are making subtle and significant changes in the wake of the pandemic.

It’s an understatement to say that people have been through a lot during the past few months. As a result, they are looking for reassurance. In addition, they want to know how your company contributed to solving problems during the pandemic. Show them as you craft bolstering messages. Here’s how to do it.

There is plenty for PR pros to learn as they watch America’s tourist playgrounds pivot with the increase of coronavirus cases in the south and west. Public officials and companies are scrambling to massage initial guidelines that bolster health and safety for visitors. The state of Nevada and its Las Vegas casinos are walking a fine line as they take a stand in the politicized debate around mask wearing.

Do your messages resonate with audience members? They do if you remember that readers want you to solve their problems. One way to ensure your communication works is to make a grammatical distinction between features, advantages and benefits. Ann Wylie offers an example.

We’re at a crossroads, so the question is not whether brands should speak out, but how. Yet lacking an authentic message backed up with action, brands can be headed for disaster. In addition, before wading into multicultural communication and marketing, know your audience, be respectful and commit to a long-term commitment.