Writing

From signage to social media ads to commercials, communicators are always on the lookout for chances to get more eyes on our brand. One time-tested way to slingshot brand awareness into the heavens? Publishing your very own book.

A professional bio is a bit like an auto club card, you may not need it very often, but when you do, you’ll be really glad you have one. All professionals and business leaders, from athletes to CFOs to pediatricians to DJs, should have at their disposal a few well-written paragraphs recounting career accomplishments. A brief bio is indispensable for use in social media profiles, websites, press releases, event programs, brochures, book jackets and more.

Communicators who love what they do often speak of good PR as storytelling. To that end, some of Morrison’s greatest quotes help distill what makes strong storytelling tantamount to good communication—bridging the distance between writer and reader, between us and them. Like good communication, good storytelling creates an authentic connection with your audience that cannot be shaken. Here’s a look at some of Toni Morrison’s most powerful quotes on storytelling.

Eight brilliants students became co-champions of the National Spelling Bee in historic fashion on May 30, 2019. While many communicators will never have to spell the likes of these grammatical behemoths, mistakes can occur even with simple words. Spelling remains one of the top priorities of communications professionals, because spell check cannot always save a true blunder. Typos and misinterpretations still happen.

It was a fitting message for the final speech of The Social Shake-Up. Though attendees were loaded with days of social media takeaways, they also were beginning to feel the effects of some great parties and a lot of shaking. Clad in a great suit, Ann Handley urged the crowd to slow down…strategically. Well received, Handley’s message was loaded with insightful tips about improving content creation.

Our regular roundtable feature includes honorees from the 2018 PRNEWS Platinum PR awards and speakers from The Social Shake-Up. Among the questions we put to them: What qualities does a successful communicator need? With the onslaught of technology, how can brands ensure customers have a human experience? And what social media trends are you eager to learn more about during the Social Shake-Up?

Sometimes the most difficult parts of PR crisis management are the basics, when and if to react to something and what to say. The billionaire owner of the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots provides fresh evidence as he and his entourage mangle the sex scandal he’s battling. Was issuing an inauthentic apology the way to go?

It’s no big secret that public relations professionals often do all the leg work on press releases, including writing and suggesting quotes for executives’ approval. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind while crafting or communicating these scripted soundbites.

Asking the questions ‘So What? Why Now?’ when you’re writing a pitch or a press release was just one of many tips offered during PR News’ Writing Workshop March 15, 2019, in Washington, D.C. Others included the importance of grammar and excessive proofreading-one former journalist said she used to discard pitches that contained typos and poor grammar.

With March Madness permeating the zeitgeist in a few weeks, we asked some of the 2018 PR News Rising PR Stars to answer our roundtable questions this month. We asked, “What gets you mad about PR and communications?” And, “What can be done about it?” Their edited responses follow.