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.
Writing


The Top Communications Clichés and How to Avoid Them
July 29th, 2020 by Nicole SchumanWhile 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).

Editing Walkthrough: Rewriting Pitches With the Reporter in Mind
July 14th, 2020 by Sophie MaerowitzWhile 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 Jason DresselWe’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 Nicole SchumanWhile 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 Seth ArensteinThere’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 Ann WylieFor 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.

One Simple Trick to Make Your Résumé Extraordinary
April 28th, 2020 by Jonathan RickEven in this crisis, headhunters, brands, media outlets, and PR agencies are still hiring. Make sure your résumé stands out.

Turning Isolation into Innovation
April 26th, 2020 by Stacey GandlerCompanies 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.

How to Make the Most of Readers’ Time in the COVID Era
April 14th, 2020 by Ann Wylie, President, Wylie CommunicationsWith 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.