Key Learnings in #COMM4333 Writing for PR Spring 2011

Image Credit: "New Zoo Review"

It’s hard to believe the semester is almost over, but it most certainly is — at least if we can trust our calendars.

As a way of reviewing what we covered and learned in COMM 4333 (Writing for PR and Advertising), each student will:

  • Choose a toy animal from a basket in class.
  • Name the animal.
  • Write the letters of the animal’s name down the left margin of a paper.
  • Come up with something we discussed in COMM 4333 that starts with each letter.
  • Reply to this blog post with a comment including the animal’s name & what they learned. Put a star/asterisk in front of the most important thing learned. (NOTE: Copy the comment before you submit it, and save it in a Word doc.)
  • Send a tweet with the most important thing learned and the class hashtag (#COMM4333)

After each student is done with this, we’ll go around the room and each student will share his/her starred item — the key learning.

Any why is  “New Zoo Revue” in the title of this post? It was among my favorite childhood TV shows. (It’s a little painful watching the production values in the show now, but I loved it as a child.)


17 Replies to “Key Learnings in #COMM4333 Writing for PR Spring 2011”

  1. Jot down ideas whenever you think of them, for blogs, press releases, or any other ideas (so you won’t forget them).
    Examine your work before you send it in to a newspaper, TV station, or anything that will go public.
    Find great PR blogs to follow, to inspire you and help you learn how to write better.
    Feel out your audience, that way you can write more effectively and figure out how to better keep their attention and reach them.

  2. *Learn more about your organization before you write about them
    Use AP style book on your news releases
    Lead paragraph is the most important part of a News Release
    Use quotes in your News Release to make it more lively.

  3. My animal was a hippo. I named him Chiam (pronounced Hymie).

    C : Creativity is important.
    H: Half the words I normally use are unnecessary.
    I : Ideas can be found everywhere.
    M: Media skills are vital.

  4. Timber – The Giraffe

    T – Technology is a growing form of communication. Social media is exploding in popularity, so either learn to use it or get left behind it!
    I – Invest in a current/accurate AP Stylebook; you won’t remember all the technicalities.
    M – Make an exciting caption for any photos.
    B – Be on time for all meetings (Journalists/PR Professionals)
    E – Everyone online wants to read more concise writing than those who read printed info.
    R – Remember to add a boiler plate to all styles of press release.

  5. TIMBER – The Giraffe!

    T – Technology is a growing form of communication. Social media is exploding in popularity, so either learn to use it or get left behind it!
    I – Invest in a current/accurate AP Stylebook, because you won’t remember all the technicalities.
    M – Make an exciting caption for any photos.
    B – Be on time for all meetings (Journalists/PR Professionals)
    E – Everyone online wants to read more concise writing than those who read printed info.
    R – Remember to add a boiler plate to all styles of press release.

  6. Trunkie

    Tweeting efficiently
    Read other students blogs
    Understand PR Terms
    Need to be familiar with professional blogs
    Keep up being involved in World news
    Integrate your own creative style in your blog
    Examine the life of Communication careers

  7. S tart networking now to benefit you later
    T ake note of current events to be prepared
    R ead writing to check for AP style mistakes
    I mmediate release!
    P lease the Media
    E ach deadline is important
    S end PR papers with correct format***

  8. What I learned in PR:

    Make every blog count, points add up.
    Always put your name on your assignments
    Read. Read. Read. It will help you become a better writer.
    Be positive, the day will continue on.
    Every word matters.
    Learn formats on how to write certain papers.

  9. Walter

    Writing is essential
    Always be on time
    Laugh at yourself, don’t major on the minors
    Twitter
    Extra information isn’t always a good thing
    Read blogs

  10. Writing is essential
    Always be on time
    Laugh at yourself, don’t major on the minors
    Twitter
    Extra information isn’t always a good thing
    Read blogs

  11. R- Rely on yourself first, then others to get the story, info, pics, you need
    I- Intelligence matters
    C- Creativity is a must
    K- Kill tradition; think outside the box

  12. JOE

    Journalists don’t get along well with PR people.

    *Online networking is crucial for PR people.

    Everyone needs to have good writing skills in the field of PR.

  13. Harry

    Have questions planned out before conducting an interview
    Always remember to use active verbs in a resume
    Read up on your client so that you have done your homework on the history of your client
    *Remember to be personable when dealing with the press
    You must keep a file of what to do in a crisis situation at all times.

  14. Wilbur.

    Write with originality.
    It’s fine to work ahead in class.
    Listen to everything Professor Nixon says.
    Bring yourself to class prepared.
    Ultimately, your blog and work represents who you are.*
    Remember your Monday quizzes and Saturday TOWs.

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