April Fools’ Day saw brands execute countless pranks on their (mostly) unsuspecting audiences. Embedded in these pranks are numerous lessons in good humor and bad taste, reminding communicators that it’s OK to be funny…just so long as the jokes land. Here are some notable examples.
Writing
Final Four! 2018 Most Overused PR Words & Phrases Tournament
March 29th, 2018 by Justin JoffeWe’re down to the Final Four of the 2018 Most Overused PR Words & Phrases Tournament. Before calling your bookie to place a bet, go to Twitter, use the hashtag #WordsBracket and tell us which of the four words or phrases should advance to the glorious championship round.
Most Overused Words & Phrases in PR: #WordsBracket Madness Round 2
March 22nd, 2018 by Justin JoffeEarlier this month, PR News launched its own version of March Madness with the 2018 Most Overused PR Words & Phrases Tournament. Communicators reached out to us via Twitter with their votes for the most egregious examples of corporate jargon, from “trending” and “industry-leading” to “quite frankly.” We present the “winners” (such as they are) of the second round here.
4 Writing Mistakes That Will Slow Down Your Career—and How to Fix Them
March 20th, 2018 by Justin JoffeWhether crafting a press release seen by thousands or an email sent only to your team, a communicator’s goal is to foster a strong culture of writing, said panelists at PR News’ Advanced Writing Workshop, held March 20 at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. While every writer has their blind spots, here are four common mistakes to keep in mind when crafting any communication.
#WordsBracket Round One Winners: Voting Continues For the Most Overused PR Word or Phrase
March 16th, 2018 by Justin JoffeIn the spirit of the NCAA basketball tournament, PR News offers its own version of March Madness with the 2018 Most Overused PR Words & Phrases Tournament. Take a look at the second-round picks and vote on Twitter for the overused words from each pairing that you’d like to see advance. We’ll announce the third-round picks next Thursday, and every Thursday through the end of the month until we crown a champion.
Write the Right Way: 5 Style Differences in Chicago Manual vs. AP
March 13th, 2018 by Hayley JenningsWhether your organization’s house style is the Chicago Manual or AP, familiarity with both can be a great asset in the world of PR. Learning the biggest differences between the two most common style guides will help you improve your writing no matter what company you work for or what you’re creating. Here are 5 differences between the Chicago Manual of Style and AP style that will occur frequently.
Cast Your Votes for the Most Overused Words & Phrases in PR
March 12th, 2018 by Justin JoffeIn the spirit of the NCAA basketball tournament, PR News offers its own version of March Madness with the 2018 Most Overused PR Words & Phrases Tournament. Take a look at the first-round picks and vote on Twitter for the overused words from each pairing that you’d like to see advance. We’ll announce the second-round picks this Friday, and every Friday through the end of the month until we crown a champion.
A Few Common Writing Mistakes You’re Probably Still Making
March 6th, 2018 by Jerry AsciertoStrong writing skills can supercharge your brand’s message and propel your own professional growth. After all, the best way to influence anyone is a story well told. Yet, many communicators undermine their brand’s message—and their own credibility—by stumbling over some common but easily avoidable linguistic hurdles. Here are three common errors to keep in mind before you hit the send button.
A 4-Step Approach That Will Help You Craft a Memorable Speech
June 5th, 2017 by Nancy BigleyAdmit it, just the thought of giving a speech makes your stomach turn just a bit. This article will help you get over that fear with four tips for crafting and presenting a speech in front of a crowd or a talk to your staff. In both situations it’s best to prepare far ahead and have goals that you wish to accomplish.
9 Tips for Writing and Editing Effective Quotes
May 9th, 2017 by Ian James WrightWhen you’re developing a news release, a good quote can make all the difference in giving character and perspective to your announcement. Once you’ve laid out the what, when, where and who, a quote from a spokesperson fills in the why: why your brand is passionate about an issue, why something needed to be done, why something is significant, why the reader should care.