Writing

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Australian Premier Releases Impressive Coronavirus Statement

July 30th, 2020 by

Premier Daniel Andrews released the type of statement that could serve as a sympathetic guide for other government officials who need to deliver difficult news. Andrews’ tone is succinct and forward, but also personable and easy to read—clear of most medical jargon.

The Top Communications Clichés and How to Avoid Them

July 29th, 2020 by

While it may seem easier in the moment to insert “said-phrase-here,” using clichés and turnkey phrases sometimes causes readers to gloss over information and in the worst case—stop reading. We asked PR writing coaches for suggestions to counter bad writing (including our own).

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Editing Walkthrough: Rewriting Pitches With the Reporter in Mind

July 14th, 2020 by

While no one is perfect, journalists’ inboxes are a competitive space. Grammatical errors and extraneous language are bound to sink your pitch or press release before the reporter has made it through the first sentence. And that journalist is unlikely to open your next email if the first pitch misses the mark. Here is a walkthrough of edits we would make to some recent pitches before hitting the send button.

Storytelling Gold and Your Company’s Pandemic History

July 8th, 2020 by

We’re living in difficult times. Yet, the events of 2020, for good or ill, are shaping up to be storytelling gold. It’s a time for brand storytellers to gather and capture real-time history and to think more broadly about how these stories can be used.

Gilead Sciences Outlines Pricing Process for Treatment in Statement

June 29th, 2020 by

While the announcement of an effective drug treatment available worldwide for those suffering from the cryptic virus should be something to celebrate, delving into an explanation about pricing for a possibly life-saving drug may cause some reader’s stomachs to churn. Gilead’s statement attempts to strike a delicate balance, focusing on the importance of the treatment while justifying its value. 

NYSE Chief’s Reopening Message as Bullish as the Market

May 26th, 2020 by

There’s no more iconic symbol of US business than the NY Stock Exchange (NYSE). Specifically, its floor. That floor reopened today. How its president Stacey Cunningham communicated it likely will serve as a template for other businesses.

A 3-Step Method to Organize Your Writing in Quarantine

April 30th, 2020 by

For homebound PR pros who find they have time on their hands, finishing a writing project or beginning one are tantalizing thoughts. Without a twice-daily commute and nowhere to go on weekends, you’d think there should be a lot of time for writing. It’s not quite that easy. Fret not. Writing coach Ann Wylie offers a 3-step plan to help organize your writing time.

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One Simple Trick to Make Your Résumé Extraordinary

April 28th, 2020 by

Even in this crisis, headhunters, brands, media outlets, and PR agencies are still hiring. Make sure your résumé stands out.

innovation

Turning Isolation into Innovation

April 26th, 2020 by

Companies are looking at how to pivot their external communications. For both internal and external communications they are adapting to new technologies and ways of working.

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How to Make the Most of Readers’ Time in the COVID Era

April 14th, 2020 by

With global audiences stuck at home—and glued to their devices—the competition for time and attention is steeper than ever. Here, Wylie Communications president Ann Wylie shares a simple framework for increasing readership by proving you won’t waste viewers’ time.