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The PR Practitioner’s Guide to Beating Writer’s Block—No AI Required

You’re staring at a blank screen, the deadline is looming and your brain feels frozen.

Writer’s block is frustrating—especially in public relations, where content creation is a huge part of the job. Whether it’s crafting the perfect pitch, drafting a news release or composing an engaging social media post, new PR practitioners and students often struggle to get words flowing.

The good news? Writer’s block isn’t permanent. With the right exercises, tools and mindset shifts, you can break through and create strong, compelling content—without over-relying on AI.

Let’s dive into some proven strategies to get you writing confidently.

1. Ditch Perfectionism and Start With The Ugly First Draft (TUFD)

Many PR newcomers get stuck because they’re trying to write the perfect piece on the first try. PR and marketing expert Ann Handley calls this the “Ugly First Draft (TUFD)”—a liberating concept that encourages you to just get words on the page, no matter how bad they are.

Exercise: The 10-Minute TUFD Sprint

Set a timer for 10 minutes and write non-stop WITH PEN/PENCIL AND PAPER, even if it’s rough. Don’t worry about grammar, structure or making sense—just get thoughts down.

Why it works: TUFD frees you from the pressure of perfection. Refining comes later.

Real-World Example: PR professionals often draft “word vomit” versions of pitches or news releases before polishing them. The key is to get started—even if what you write isn’t client-ready yet.

2. Use a Storytelling Formula

PR is all about storytelling, but when you’re stuck, structuring your thoughts can feel like riding on the struggle bus.

Tool: The PAS Formula

If you’re struggling to frame a news release or pitch, try this simple formula:

  • Problem: Identify the issue or newsworthy angle
  • Agitation: Explain why it matters
  • Solution: Present the product, service, or news as the answer

Example:
Instead of starting a pitch with, “Acme Company launches a new app”, use PAS:

? Boring: “Acme Company is excited to announce the launch of its new app.”
? Engaging: “Busy professionals struggle to find time for healthy meals (Problem). With limited options, they often rely on fast food (Agitation). Acme’s new app delivers fresh, personalized meal plans in minutes (Solution).”

Why it works: This structured approach prevents you from overthinking your introduction.

3. Step Away from the Screen (Yes, Really)

If you’re stuck, staring harder at your screen won’t help. Sometimes, stepping away is the best way to move forward.

Exercise: The 20-Minute Reset

  • Walk around the block (this works best with a dog).
  • Listen to a podcast (but not about PR—give your brain a break).
  • Meal prep your dinner.

Why it works: Your subconscious continues working on the problem while you’re doing something else. Often, ideas will flow naturally when you return.

4. Limit AI Use – It’s a Helper, Not a Crutch

AI tools like ChatGPT can be great for brainstorming but shouldn’t replace your unique voice and strategy. Over-reliance on AI can make your writing sound robotic and generic—both of which are PR red flags.

How to Use AI Wisely

? DO:

  • Use AI for headline variations or brainstorming angles.
  • Run a draft through AI for readability suggestions (but tweak heavily).
  • Ask AI for industry stats or research sources to verify independently.

? DON’T:

  • Copy-paste AI-generated content without editing.
  • Use AI to generate full news releases or pitches—it lacks nuance.
  • Let AI think for you. Clients hire YOU for strategy, not automation. (What will happen when you’re F2F in a meeting with your client if you always rely on AI?)

Pro Tip: Use AI sparingly as a brainstorming tool but always inject your own insights and creativity into your final content.

5. Keep a “Swipe File” for Inspiration

Even experienced PR pros struggle with writer’s block, which is why they keep a swipe file—a collection of inspiring headlines, creative angles and past work to spark ideas.

Tool: Your Personal PR Vault

  • Google Drive/Notion: Store your best PR work, newsworthy angles, and media pitch templates.
  • Screenshots Folder: Save great news releases, headlines, or campaign ideas you admire.
  • Sticky Notes App: Jot down creative ideas whenever they strike.

Why it works: Instead of starting from scratch, you’ll have a bank of ideas to remix and adapt.

6. Talk It Out (Yes, Out Loud)

If writing feels impossible, say your ideas out loud—either to a friend or into a voice memo app.

Exercise: The “ELI5 – Explain It Like I’m 5” Method

  • Record yourself summarizing your news release or pitch as if you were explaining it to a child.
  • Play it back and write down what sounds natural.

Why it works: Talking forces clarity. If your pitch sounds awkward spoken aloud, it probably needs reworking.

Pro Tip: Many PR practitioners dictate ideas into their phones and transcribe them into rough drafts later.

7. Read Like a PR Pro

If you’re stuck, reading good writing will kickstart your brain.

Resources for PR Inspiration

? Books:

? Websites:

  • PR Daily – Latest industry insights
  • The Skimm – Great for headline writing inspiration
  • AdAge – Trends in media & brand storytelling

Why it works: Consuming high-quality writing trains your brain to recognize what works and why.

Final Thoughts: Build Your Writing Muscle

Overcoming writer’s block isn’t about waiting for inspiration—it’s about building habits that keep your creativity flowing.

? Quick Recap of Key Strategies:
? Write The Ugly First Draft (TUFD) – don’t aim for perfection.
? Use the PAS formula to structure pitches.
? Take a 20-minute reset when stuck.
? Use AI as a helper, not a replacement.
? Keep a swipe file for inspiration.
? Talk out ideas before writing.
? Read quality PR content regularly.

Next time you’re stuck, try one of these strategies. Writing in PR gets easier with practice—so keep at it!

A Question for You

How do you balance creativity with deadlines in PR writing? Do you have a personal strategy that works for you?

Signature Block: I'm listening, Barbara

NOTES

The framework of this article was inspired by ChatGPT. The image was created by DALL-E.

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“Wicked” Wisdom for Starting a New Semester

Image Credit: Fangirlish

As the start of the semester approaches, you might feel a mix of emotions—excited, nervous or even overwhelmed. That’s perfectly normal. After all, each semester feels like stepping into a whole new world (or maybe a whole new Oz). The good news? (See what I did there? Heh.) The songs from Wicked: Part One are full of lessons to help you navigate the challenges ahead. Whether you’re a G(a)linda or an Elphaba at heart, there’s something here to help you start strong.

“No One Mourns the Wicked”

“Good news! She’s dead!”

This song sets the tone for a clean slate. Sure, it’s a little dramatic, but the message is clear: leave the past behind. Whether you’re coming off a tough semester or just didn’t quite hit your goals, let it go (cue Elsa) and focus on what’s next.

Takeaway: A new semester is a fresh start. Use lessons from the past to shape your path forward, not hold you back.

Listen on Spotify: No One Mourns the Wicked

“The Wizard and I”

“When I meet the Wizard…all my dreams will come true.”

This is all about ambition and the belief that great things are possible. Think about what you want to accomplish this semester—academically, personally or even professionally. Then, create a plan to work toward those goals. Dreams are wonderful, but action turns them into reality.

Takeaway: Define your goals early and revisit them often. Big or small, they’ll keep you motivated.

Listen on Spotify: The Wizard and I

“What Is This Feeling?”

“Loathing…unadulterated loathing.”

Let’s be honest. There will be moments when you feel this—whether it’s aimed at group projects, overly packed schedules or that one classmate who always shows up unprepared. Instead of letting those moments derail you, use them as opportunities to grow your patience (and maybe your sense of humor).

Takeaway: Frustration is inevitable. How you handle it is what matters most.

Listen on Spotify: What Is This Feeling?

“Dancing Through Life”

“Dancing through life, skimming the surface, gliding where turf is smooth.”

This song reminds us to find balance. Sure, school is important, but so is self-care. Whether it’s grabbing coffee with friends or binge-watching your favorite show, don’t forget to enjoy the journey. Life’s not only about deadlines and grades.

Takeaway: Balance is the key to thriving this semester. Plan your time and leave space for fun.

Listen on Spotify: Dancing Through Life

“Popular”

“I’ll help you be popular!”

Networking might not involve a makeover montage, but it’s still one of the most important skills you can develop. Building relationships with classmates, professors and mentors can open doors you haven’t even thought of yet.

Takeaway: Take time to connect—whether it’s saying “hi” after class, sending an email to a professor or participating in group discussions.

Listen on Spotify: Popular

“I’m Not That Girl”

“Don’t dream too far; don’t lose sight of who you are.”

This one is a reality check for those of us prone to overcommitting. (This is one of my major struggles.) Yes, it’s great to aim high, but be realistic about what you can achieve. Perfection isn’t required, and burnout isn’t worth it.

Takeaway: Be kind to yourself. Success looks different for everyone, so focus on what works for you.

Listen on Spotify: I’m Not That Girl

“Defying Gravity”

“It’s time to try defying gravity.”

Is this the ultimate empowerment anthem, or what? This song is your reminder that you’re capable of more than you think. Take the leap, whether that means applying for an internship, volunteering to lead a project or simply stepping out of your comfort zone.

Takeaway: Don’t let fear hold you back. Your biggest growth happens when you take risks.

Listen on Spotify: Defying Gravity

Wrapping Up

Starting a new semester can feel overwhelming, but it’s also an incredible opportunity to grow, learn and create connections. Like the characters in Wicked, you’ll face challenges, but you’ll also have moments of triumph that make the effort worthwhile.

And here’s a question for you

What’s one thing you’re hoping to achieve this semester? Leave a comment below—I’d love to hear your goals and cheer you on.

Signature Block: Barbara is Listening

NOTES

The framework of this article was inspired by ChatGPT.

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Gold Medal Prep: How PR Students Can Gear Up for Fall Semester

As summer draws to a close, it’s time for public relations students to transition from relaxation mode to academic mode. Think of it as preparing for the Olympics: each new school year is an event where preparation, strategy and endurance are key to success. To help you get ready, here are six tips inspired by some of our favorite 2024 Olympic moments and athletes:

1. Perfect Your Craft Like Tom the Knitting Diver

Tom Daley, the British diver, is known not only for his incredible dives but also for his knitting hobby, which he uses to stay calm and focused. As you return to college, take a page from Tom’s book and find a way to sharpen your PR skills while staying relaxed. This could be through practicing writing, researching the latest PR trends, or even starting a blog. Just like Tom’s intricate knitting patterns, your preparation will help you craft a successful semester.

2. Stay Ready Like “Bob the Cap Catcher”

In the swimming world, “Bob the Cap Catcher” is the unsung hero who’s always on standby to retrieve caps that go astray. Similarly, planning your semester is all about being prepared for anything. Create a detailed calendar that includes class schedules, deadlines for assignments, and any extracurricular activities. This way, you’re ready to catch anything unexpected that comes your way, just like Bob catches those stray swim caps.

3. Balance Your Act Like Steven Nedoroscik

Steven Nedoroscik, the pommel horse specialist, exemplifies balance and precision in his routines. Your study space should reflect the same qualities. Whether you prefer studying in a quiet corner of the library or your dorm room, make sure your space is organized and conducive to focus. A well-balanced and orderly environment, much like Steven’s routines, can help you perform at your best academically.

4. Show Resilience Like Simone Biles

Simone Biles, known for her exceptional skills, also showed remarkable resilience by prioritizing her mental health during the previous Olympics. As you navigate the academic pressures of the new semester, remember that it’s okay to prioritize your well-being. Whether it’s taking a mental health day, talking to a counselor, or simply practicing self-care, resilience is about knowing when to step back and take care of yourself, just as Simone did.

5. Consistent Excellence Like Katie Ledecky

Katie Ledecky’s consistency and excellence in swimming are unmatched. She prepares rigorously and sticks to her routines, which is key to her success. Similarly, staying consistent with your studies and professional development is crucial. Set a routine that includes regular study sessions, keeping up with industry news, and engaging in PR-related activities. Just like Katie trains consistently, your steady efforts will build a strong foundation for success.

6. Be a Team Player, On and Off the Field

The Olympics are as much about teamwork as they are about individual achievements. As you return to campus, engage with your peers, professors, and mentors. Participate in study groups, join PR-related organizations, and attend networking events. Building strong relationships can provide support, new perspectives, and opportunities, much like how Olympic teams support each other.

Just like training for the Olympics, preparing for a new academic year requires dedication, planning, and a positive mindset. By refining your skills, staying organized, balancing your environment, showing resilience, maintaining consistency, and being a team player, you set yourself up for a successful semester in public relations. Here’s to making this year as inspiring and rewarding as watching the best athletes in the world compete!

And here’s a question for you

How can you use your unique skills and interests, much like Tom Daley’s knitting, to stand out and bring creativity to your PR projects and studies?

Signature Block: Barbara is Listening

NOTES

The framework of this article was inspired by ChatGPT. The image was created by DALL-E.

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7 Things PR Professors Wish Their Students Would Do Over the Summer

This year, I’ve had the opportunity to teach public relations for both Auburn University and the University of Oregon. I’ve met some fantastic students.

Summer is a time for relaxing. For some folks. But if you’re a public relations student, you’ll want to keep these suggestions in mind for how to keep current in the ever-changing world of public relations over the summer. When you go back to class in the fall, you’ll be refreshed and knowledgeable.

Here are seven suggestions:

  1. Listen to For Immediate Release and/or Spin Sucks podcasts every week.
  2. If you’ve been blogging throughout the school year, blog at least every other week during the summer. You don’t want to lose readers who are not students or faculty
  3. Read at least one public relations trade book AND write a review of the book on Amazon and your blog. My recommendation? The second edition of Ann Handley’s Everybody Writes: Your New and Improved Go-To Guide to Creating Ridiculously Good Content.
  4. Update your LinkedIn profile. See Are These Common Resume and LinkedIn Mistakes Holding You Back from Your Dream Job? for tips on brushing up your profile.
  5. Stay current with changes in Associated Press style.
  6. Write thank you notes to people who have made a positive impact on your life.
  7. Have some fun! Relish this time without homework with deadlines.

What are some other recommendations YOU have for how public relations students should stay engaged in PR over the summer?

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Pompous Pronouncements: Who Talks Like This?

Mr. & Mrs. Thurston Howell, III https://gilligan.fandom.com/wiki/Mr._Howell


Below is a list of simple, everyday adages, bromides and proverbs that have been rewritten in inflated, jargonized English.

Your task is to translate each pompous pronouncement back to its original form. For example, “The policy of being sapient is injudicious where the opposite condition confers felicity” becomes “When ignorance is bliss, ’tis folly to be wise.”

  1. Gramineous organisms are perpetually more verdant when located on an adjacent surface.
  2. Surveillance should precede saltation.
  3. Under no circumstances should one compute the quantity of his or her barnyard fowl previous to their incubation.
  4. A feathered biped in the terminal part of the arm equals in value a pair of such creatures in densely branched shrubbery.
  5. Pulchritude reposes within the optic parameters of the perceiver.
  6. Persons deficient in judgment hasten to undertake that for which winged celestials hesitate to assume responsibility.
  7. Individuals who make their abode in vitreous edifices would be advised to refrain from catapulting petrous projectiles.
  8. Early entry into a somnolent condition succeeded by rapid entry into a scheduled plan of activities will maximize salubrious conditions, remunerative gains and sapience.
  9. Where there are visible emissions from carbonaceous materials, there exists conflagration.
  10. A plethora of individuals with expertise in culinary techniques vitiates the potable concoction.

The answers to this quiz will be posted later this week, after my J452 class at the University of Oregon has a chance to translate them.

NOTE: My dad typed up this list and mailed it to me in the early 1980s when I was in college at Auburn University. I am unsure of the original source.

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Overcoming Writer’s Block: Generating Ideas for Blog Post Topics

Image Credit: Barbara B. Nixon & DALL·E

As I was about to write a blog post from scratch for my college public relations students on how to come up with ideas for topics for their blogs, I thought to myself, “Self, is there a quicker way to get started than staring at my monitor?” After a moment or two of staring at my computer monitor, Self said to me, “why not try generative AI?”

ChatGPT

In ChatGPT, I provided the prompt “Helpful Tips To Come Up With Topic Ideas For Blog Posts,” and here’s what it generated:

  1. Consider your audience: Think about who you’re writing for and what topics would interest them. What are their needs, pain points, and questions? What are they passionate about?
  2. Research keywords: Use tools like Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, or Ahrefs to identify popular and relevant keywords in your niche. Look for long-tail keywords that are specific and have low competition.
  3. Look for inspiration in your daily life: Pay attention to your experiences, conversations, and observations. What topics have come up in your recent conversations with friends and family? What problems have you encountered and solved recently?
  4. Explore social media: Check out popular hashtags in your niche on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Look for trending topics, discussions, and questions people are asking. Join relevant Facebook groups and follow industry leaders on LinkedIn to get more insights and ideas.
  5. Analyze your competitors: Take a look at what your competitors are writing about. Identify gaps in their content and come up with unique angles to cover the same topics. Don’t copy their ideas but use them as a source of inspiration.
  6. Use brainstorming techniques: Write down as many topic ideas as possible without editing or judging them. Use mind maps, lists, or random word generators to spark your creativity.
  7. Repurpose your old content: Look at your previous blog posts and see if you can update or expand on them. Turn a blog post into a video, podcast, or infographic. Use feedback from your readers to come up with new ideas for your content.

Remember, the key is to be creative, relevant, and engaging. Keep your audience in mind, use data-driven insights, and have fun with your content.

Bard

Then in Bard, I asked provided a similar prompt: “5 unique ways to generate blog post topics.”

Here are five unique ways to generate blog post topics:

  1. Write about your own experiences. What are you passionate about? What do you know a lot about? What have you experienced that you think others would find interesting? Sharing your own stories and experiences is a great way to connect with your readers and make your blog more personal.
  2. Interview experts. If you’re writing about a topic that you don’t have a lot of personal experience with, consider interviewing an expert on the subject. This can be a great way to get new insights and perspectives, and it can also help you build relationships with other people in your industry.
  3. Write about current events. If you want to keep your blog fresh and relevant, write about current events that are related to your niche. This is a great way to stay top-of-mind with your readers and show them that you’re up-to-date on the latest trends.
  4. Write about controversial topics. If you want to generate some buzz around your blog, write about controversial topics. This can be a great way to get people talking and sharing your content. Just be sure to do your research and present both sides of the argument fairly.
  5. Write about things that make you laugh. If you want to lighten the mood and make your readers smile, write about things that make you laugh. This can be a great way to connect with your readers on a personal level and make your blog more memorable.

So . . .

You may be wondering if it’s ethical to use generative AI to help you come up with ideas for posts. Yes, it’s perfectly fine for inspiration for posts — however, your posts in your blog need to be written by YOU, not AI. Your readers will appreciate it, I promise you.

I'm Listening
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Resumes That Resonate . . . Revisited, Part Deux

pexels-photo-5922072.jpeg
Photo by RODNAE Productions on Pexels.com

One of the most popular posts here at Public Relations Matters is one I wrote years ago on writing resumes. Below, I’ve updated this post for 2023.

What’s the purpose of a resume? It’s not to get you a job. . . instead, it’s to provide a positive first impression that MAY garner an interview for you. The advice below comes from my years of being a hiring leader – and listening to many more. If you’re lucky, hiring leaders may scan your resume for up to 10 seconds (10 seconds!) before they determine if it’s worth pursuing further. The tips below should help you gain their attention in a positive way.

In General

  • Tailor your resume to the specific position that you’re applying for. Use the same phrasing in your resume that you’ve found in the employer’s job posting whenever possible.
  • If you have less than 10 years of experience, it’s best to stick to the traditional one-page resume. Each additional 10 years may help to “earn” you an additional page. (If you want or need to provide more details, offer the URL of your LinkedIn profile. See my profile.) If you are not yet out of college, it’s presumptuous to think you need more than a one-page resume.
  • Corinne Weisgerber reminds us, “Resumes are often read by resume scanners first, so you got to write them to be read by a computer and a human audience. So work those keywords in. Just like SEO.” Pepper your resume with keywords and terms that are relevant to the career field and industry in which you desire employment. Phrase your work experience in terms that are relevant to your career goal.
  • Go easy on the fonts. Simpler is better (but avoid Times New Roman, as that may make your resume look dated.)
  • Even though many of the resume templates you can find in Canva and other sites include them, leave your photo off of your resume unless you’re applying for a job in Europe, says Leah Jones.

Contact Information

  • Your full name should be at the top of your resume, followed by contact information, including email address, cell phone number, city and state.
    • Use a professional-looking email address, not something like fuzzybunnyslippers@hotmail.com. (You’d be surprised.)
    • It’s no longer typical to see a candidate’s complete mailing address on a resume according to Chandler Claxton.
  • Optional: the URLs of your LinkedIn profile and relevant social media accounts. (ONLY include the social media accounts you want a potential employer to look at, of course.)
  • If your blog has content that may interest your potential employer, include its URL or the URL to a specific landing page with links to relevant posts on your resume.
  • Use the same header (contact information) for your resume, cover letter and reference page. Everything should coordinate.

Experience and Education

  • If you’re a soon-to-be or recent college graduate, you may want to highlight your education, followed by your experience. If you’ve had work experience in the field where you are seeking a new role, lead off with your experience.
  • Use reverse chronological order (most recent first) when listing your experience and education.
  • Wherever possible, quantify your achievements in your experience. For example, “Grew 11 channels by 10,000 followers in six months.”
  • Always start every bullet point in your experience section with an action verb. 
  • Chandler Claxton reminds us to use present tense for current jobs and past tense for previous jobs.
  • Never start a bullet point with “responsible for” or “duties included.” (Just because you’re responsible for something doesn’t mean you actually did it.)
  • If you have little paid work experience, provide details on projects done in classes to show that you are prepared to enter the working world.
  • Volunteer experience counts too! Don’t forget to include service projects you’ve been involved with.
  • Explain acronyms and cryptic group names on resumes. A potential employer will not automatically know that SOCS stands for Society of Communication Scholars, ILA stands for International Listening Association, or that The Oaks Agency is a public relations firm made up of college students.
  • Many employers assume that if an organization’s name includes Greek letters, it’s a social fraternity or sorority. If you belong to something Phi Kappa Phi, indicate that this is an honor society.
  • If you are still in college, it’s okay to leave your high school on your resume if you have available space for it, especially if you did something noteworthy during your high school years. After you graduate from college, leave high school off your resume.
  • What to do about that GPA? If it’s above 3.0 (on a 4-point scale), you may want to include it. If it starts with a 2 or lower, definitely leave it off. Or, you can include your GPA just in your major if you’d like, for example “3.4 GPA in Major.”
  • Before you graduate, you can still include your anticipated degree on your resume. For example, “Bachelor of Science in Public Relations expected in May 2023.”

For entry-level public relations positions, Jennifer Abshire of Abshire Public Relations & Marketing offers these additional suggestions:

  • Leave the objective off, or customize it for the specific position you’re applying for. Don’t use a generic one that you found on a template somewhere.
  • Include all your work experience, even if it seems not directly related to the position. (The worst that will happen is that it will show that you are a hard worker.) Abshire holds in high regard people who are well rounded and street smart, rather than with a high GPA and no work experience or community involvement.
  • Send a few samples of your writing or design work along with your resume.
  • If sending your resume (and samples) electronically, make one PDF file that has all the information in it, rather than sending multiple attachments. (For an inexpensive and easy-to-use program for creating PDFs, try CutePDF.)

A Few Common Sense Reminders in Closing

  • Jen Zingsheim Phillips says, “Don’t lie and don’t exaggerate.” It’s far too easy for you to get caught. Jen adds, “Employers will understand starting out — they will not understand lying.”
  • Doublecheck every link you include to ensure they go where you expect them to go.
  • Read your resume backwards, from the bottom up. It might be easier to spot errors this way. Your goal is zero mistakes.

After you’ve created your resume, have several people proofread it for you. Set it aside for a while. Then measure your resume up against this Resume Checklist.

What additional tips would YOU share?

I'm Listening
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Interview with a PR Practitioner

For this assignment in PRCM 2400, you will choose and interview a public relations professional.

In our course in Canvas, submit a Word file with your 500-word (minimum) recap of the interview. In addition to the recap, you’ll need to provide me with the PR professional’s contact information (name, title & company, phone number and e-mail address) at the top of the first page, before your recap of the interview.

Due Date: See our course in Canvas

You may conduct this interview face-to-face interview, via Zoom or phone. An interview that is e-mail or text-based only is not acceptable.

Schedule your interview at least a week before this assignment is due, preferably two. PR professionals sometimes have unpredictable schedules, and it’s possible that you may need to reschedule.

Include an introductory paragraph that introduces the PR professional, including title and company, educational background, etc. Mention your connection to the professional (how you found him/her) and how you conducted the interview (face-to-face, Zoom or phone).

After the interview is over, send your interviewee a thank you note. Handwritten and snail mailed is preferred; emailed is acceptable.

Questions/Topics you need to ask/include:

  • What’s a typical week like? (If no week is typical, then what was last week like?)
  • Tell me about a project you worked on that you are especially proud of.
  • What do you do to keep current in the PR industry?
  • What do you wish you would have known before starting your career in PR?
  • How important is writing in your career?
  • What are your thoughts on the importance of thank you notes?
  • What three tips would you offer someone just starting out in PR?
  • Additional required information to include in your paper
    • After interviewing this person, are you (the student, not the practitioner) more or less likely to want to have a career in PR? Why?
    • What did you write to your interviewee in your thank you note?

Some questions you may wish to ask:

  • Did your education prepare you for working in PR? How?
  • What has surprised you the most about working in PR?
  • How has PR changed since you entered the field?
  • How does technology affect your daily work?
  • When your company is hiring for an entry-level PR position, what makes a candidate stand out?
  • What professional organizations are you involved in? (For example, PRSA, IABC, etc.)
  • Ask for feedback on your resume

Some things you may wish to do:

  • Include a photo of your interviewee. (This can be a photo he or she provides or one that you take yourself.)
  • Link to your interviewee’s LinkedIn profile and/or blog.

Questions?

barbara_is_listening

[NOTE: This must be an informational interview that you conduct this semester. Do not “recycle” an interview that you conducted during a previous semester.]

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“Choose Your Own” Case Study Paper

When my kiddos were young, they loved the series of Choose Your Own Adventure books. Riffing on this, your second paper in PRCM 2400 will be a “Choose Your Own” Case Study paper.

At the end of each chapter in your Public Relations textbook are discussion questions. (Some of these discussion questions are ones we’re using as actual DQs in Canvas. But there are many more questions in your book than we will use as DQs.)

Find a Case Study in a chapter that interests you, and then look at the end of the chapter for a question labeled Case Study. For example, in Chapter 12, there’s a Case Study on Facebook, and then a corresponding question about the Case Study in the Discussion Questions section at the end of the chapter. (NOTE: Do not choose a Case Study from Chapter 1.)

You will need to do a bit of additional research about the topic before beginning to write your paper; the amount of research will vary based on which Case Study you choose.

Title your paper with the chapter number and the title of the case study as it’s written in the textbook (for example, Chapter 12: Mr. Zuckerberg Goes to Washington).

Then using 500-700 words (two to three double-spaced pages):

  • First, summarize the case study in one paragraph.
  • Then, answer the question(s) about the case study in paragraph form.

Cite your sources in this short paper just as you would for any paper you write at Auburn.

Image Credit: https://suggestedreads.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/CHOOSE-YOUR-OWN-ADVENTURE.jpg

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A Magazine, All About *You*

For my PR students at Auburn University

Here’s a fun assignment that will help us get to know each other. Since our class is semester is online, it’s even more important to help your class learn more about you since we won’t have the face-to-face time that we’d have in a traditional brick-and-mortar class.

Using your choice of software or online service (such as the Magazine Cover creator at  Big Huge Labs), create a magazine cover that depicts you (personality, background, aspirations). The finished cover doesn’t have to be perfect (mine definitely isn’t). If you need to get assistance from a more tech-savvy friend to create the cover, that’s fine; just be sure to give them credit

The Assignment

  • The cover photo must be of you, taken at some point during the last year or so. (If the photo is a group photo, be sure to somehow let us know which person is you, if it’s not readily apparent.)
  • Include at least your first name somewhere in the design. The easiest place to do this is in the title of the magazine, but you can put it somewhere else.
  • Feel free to emulate an existing magazine cover’s look and feel.
  • Save the magazine cover as a PNG, JPG, PDF or some other format that can be easily shared.
  • Go into your class in Canvas and find the “Getting to Know Us” discussion area on our class’ home page. Click Create Message, then enter your magazine’s title into the Subject area. Attach the cover. And also write a bit about yourself in the Message area. Click Post to have the message appear.
  • Toward the end of the week, review several of your classmates’ magazine covers. Reply to their posts with your feedback, comments, etc.
  • This assignment will “count” as your Discussion Question for Week One.

Questions?