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What “Wicked: Part One” Can Teach You About Conquering Finals

Image Credit: Vanity Fair

Final exams: the season of caffeine-fueled study sessions, color-coded notes and a lingering sense of dread. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but what if I told you Wicked: Part One offers some surprisingly relatable lessons to help you power through? Just like Elphaba, Galinda/Glinda and the gang at Shiz University, we’ve all got challenges to face and goals to crush. Here’s how you can use their experiences to ace your finals with a little strategy, resilience and maybe even some sparkle.

1. Perception Isn’t Reality: Don’t Let Stress Define You

Elphaba spends much of Wicked: Part One labeled as something she’s not. Sound familiar? Finals can make you feel like you’re in over your head, but that’s just stress talking. The reality? You’re more prepared than you think—you just need a game plan to prove it to yourself.

What to do: Break your study load into bite-sized pieces. Pick one chapter, one concept or even one page to tackle at a time. Small wins build momentum, and before you know it, you’ll see real progress.

2. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Glinda’s rise to popularity doesn’t happen in a vacuum. She’s got her squad—Pfannee and ShenShen—cheering her on (even if they’re mostly along for the social perks). Finals are no different. Studying with friends can keep you accountable, help you understand tricky concepts and make the whole experience less miserable.

What to do: Set up a study group and divide topics so everyone leads on something. Not into groups? Even just quizzing a friend or explaining a concept out loud can work wonders for retention.

3. Play to Your Strengths

Elphaba doesn’t try to be Glinda (and vice versa). They figure out what works for them and lean into it. Your study routine should do the same. If mind maps or flashcards have always worked for you, stick with them. If you learn best by teaching others, grab a whiteboard and start explaining concepts like you’re running the class.

What to do: Reflect on what’s worked for you before. Now’s not the time to experiment with new methods—focus on what helps you feel confident and prepared. (Try something new early next semester.)

4. Find Your Balance: Focus First, Fun Second

Pfannee and ShenShen might not have the deepest contributions, but they’re a reminder that a little fun keeps things light. Finals prep shouldn’t be all work and no play, but it’s also easy to let breaks turn into full-on Netflix binges. Strike a balance.

What to do: Try the Pomodoro Technique—25 minutes of focus, followed by a 5-minute break. After four cycles, reward yourself with a longer break. It’s productivity and permission to chill.

5. Channel Elphaba’s Resilience

Let’s face it: things don’t exactly go Elphaba’s way in Wicked: Part One. But she doesn’t give up. Even when the Wizard disappoints her or Glinda’s support feels conditional, she keeps pushing forward. Finals season can feel like one of those uphill battles, but resilience is what gets you through.

What to do: If you hit a wall—whether it’s a concept you don’t understand or just general burnout—step back, breathe and move on to something else. Come back later with fresh eyes. Progress over perfection is the goal.

6. Turn Notes into a Story

The magic of Wicked: Part One lies in the way it reimagines a familiar tale. You can do the same with your study material. Instead of staring blankly at pages of notes, try organizing them into a narrative that makes sense to you.

What to do: Pretend you’re explaining your material to someone else. Use visuals, create connections, or even write out mini summaries. The more your brain sees the “big picture,” the better you’ll recall details during the test.

Finals Are Your Yellow Brick Road

Finals may not feel as glamorous as heading to the Emerald City, but the effort you put in now sets you up for success down the road. Whether you’re channeling Elphaba’s grit, Glinda’s charm, or even Pfannee and ShenShen’s occasional lightness, remember this: you’ve got everything you need to make it through. Break things down, lean on your strengths and don’t forget to take care of yourself along the way. You’ve got this—now go defy gravity and crush your exams!

What other final exam-studying tips do you have to share?

Signature Block: Barbara is Listening
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What Thanksgiving Dinner Has Taught Me About Being a Better Communicator

A republish of one of my more popular posts.

As I sat there in the pre-dawn hours at my in-laws’ home in Biloxi a few years back, sipping my coffee in the dark, listening to nearly a dozen relatives snoring (mostly) quietly, I began to reflect on Thanksgiving and what it means to me. And inevitably, I started making connections between this traditional large family meal and my college classes. Why? I don’t know. But it popped into my head, so I went with it. I started thinking . . . what has Thanksgiving dinner taught me that has made me a better communicator? And this is what I came up with.

2020 Update: Scroll to the Gravy section of this post to see an addition.

Turkey: The best turkey I ever had was a deep-fried one. Mmmm. But boy oh boy can deep frying a turkey be a dangerous task. In my classes, sometimes I like to walk on the edge a bit with our discussions. I must always remember to keep the metaphorical fire extinguisher nearby, just in case of explosions.

Cranberry Sauce: It doesn’t all need to be sweetness and light in my classes. I can be tangy/tart and get some points across even better. I just need to watch for my snark level getting too high.

Dressing / Stuffing: Just like some folks prefer stuffing (cooked inside the turkey) and others prefer dressing (cooked outside), my students have preferred learning styles. If I want them all to learn, I need to offer both.

Rolls: At our house, the rolls were often an afterthought. Sometimes we baked them halfway through the meal and served them almost at the end. Great teaching ideas sometimes crop up last minute, too.

Gravy: The first time I had Thanksgiving with my in-laws, I saw my soon-to-be mother-in-law making hard-boiled eggs. When I asked, “What are the eggs for?” she looked at me quizzically and said, “For the gravy, of course.” It was that day that I learned that some of my preconceived notions about how things should be done were way off base. The gravy — hard-boiled eggs, giblets & all — was wonderful. Sometimes I need to add something a colleague suggests, something that may seem off-base to me at first, into my classes just to mix things up a bit.

Gravy 2020: The way we communicate has changed dramatically over these last few months, months that have felt like decades. The way we’re “supposed to” talk with our loved ones has shifted from face-to-face to masked face-to-face or Zoom calls. But that’s not all bad, you know? I have reconnected with several longtime friends over weekly virtual happy hours and with numerous cousins over Facebook, and for this I am grateful.

Green Bean Casserole: Has there ever been a tastier, yet less attractive, side dish? Sometimes the methods I use in my class may seem a bit slopped together, but I promise there is a method behind the madness, and it will all come out “tasting” wonderful in the end.

“Uncle Oscar”: I think everyone has that one relative — we’ll call him Uncle Oscar here — who you invite to dinner knowing full well he will attempt to monopolize the dinner conversation.  Consider making placecards and assigning seats for dinner. Whoever had the pleasure of sitting near Uncle Oscar last year gets to sit at the opposite end of the table this year. And in class, when I have an Uncle Oscar — the student who feels compelled to answer EVERY question I ask — I do my best to ask questions in a way so that Uncle Oscar doesn’t get the opportunity to answer first, at least. For example, I may say, “Let’s hear from two or three people who went to high school outside of the state of Wisconsin,” knowing full well that Uncle Oscar is a local boy. Or “Let’s hear from the last person to take his or her seat in class today.” And many times, I’ll have whoever has just answered a question choose who answers the next question. This helps us hear from more voices and learn from more points of view than just Uncle Oscar, no matter how smart or sweet he is.

Black Olives: As I was growing up, my mother would always open a can of black olives and leave it in the fridge before Thanksgiving dinner. It always brought us into the kitchen so we could snitch an olive or two and chat with her while she was cooking. Similarly, I leave a basket of candy in my office at all times. (I’m not confident my students share my affinity for black olives!) Some of the best conversations I have with my students are when they just happen to pop by for a Fireball, Nerds or a Snickers bar.

Dessert: My favorite part of Thanksgiving dinner is eating pie for breakfast the day after Thanksgiving. In my classes, I often like starting with the fun stuff first, especially when the previous class (meal) was a bit on the heavy side.

Leftovers: With every Thanksgiving dinner, at least every Nixon one, comes leftovers. Lots and lots of leftovers. Well, we often have planned-overs (we cook extra of some of the food with intentions of having it for another meal later). I frequently give students bite-size chunks of information on one day that I intend for them to repurpose another day in class. The key is getting them to remember the information from the previous day. If anyone has tips for this, please share!

So what has Thanksgiving dinner taught YOU about being a better communicator?

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Keeping Tradition Alive: The Role of “-30-” in Today’s News Releases

The tradition of using endmarks in news releases has been around for more than a century. These marks, like “-30-” or “XXX,” helped newsrooms avoid confusion, especially when stories were set in type or transmitted via telegraph.

Editors and printers needed a clear way to know where a story ended.

One of the most well-known endmarks is “-30-.” Its exact origin is a bit of a mystery. Some say it comes from telegraphy codes, where “30” meant “the end.” Others think it might relate to the Roman numeral “XXX,” which also means the end. By the early 1900s, “-30-” was a common way to signal the conclusion of a news story, especially in the U.S.

Other countries and newsrooms had their own ways of marking the end. Some used “XXX” or even just the word “END.” No matter the symbol, the goal was the same: make it clear where the story stopped.

With today’s digital technology, these symbols aren’t as necessary. News releases are shared electronically, so there’s no need to worry about confusing typesetters. Still, some journalists and PR professionals like to keep the tradition alive. Using “-30-” is a nod to the past and a way to stay connected to the roots of journalism.

While not essential anymore, these endmarks remind us of a time when clarity was key in the newsroom. For many, keeping these symbols is a small but meaningful way to honor the history of the profession.

A Question for You

Do you think endmarks like “-30-” are still relevant in the digital age? Why or why not?

Signature Block: Barbara is Listening

NOTES

The framework of this article was based on a previous post of mine, enhanced by ChatGPT. DALL-E created the image using AI.

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Editing Tips for New PR Pros: How to Make Your Writing Shine

If you’re just starting out in public relations, you’ve probably realized how important writing is in this field. Whether you’re drafting a news release, crafting a social media post or preparing a pitch, writing is at the heart of what you do. But writing a great first draft is only part of the process—editing is where the real magic happens.

Editing helps ensure your message is clear, your tone is right and your content is polished. If you’re new to PR (or even if you’re not), here are some simple editing tips to help you sharpen your writing and make sure it hits the mark every time.

1. Check If Your Message Matches Your Goal

Before you dive into the details, take a step back and look at the big picture. Ask yourself: does this piece do what I need it to do? If you’re writing a news release, are you getting the key points across clearly? If it’s a social media post, is it engaging and on-brand? Editing starts by making sure your message aligns with your goal.

Questions to ask yourself:

  • Am I making my point clearly and quickly?
  • Is this aligned with the campaign or client objectives?
  • Will the audience understand what I’m trying to say?

When you have a clear goal in mind, you can make sure every part of your writing supports that goal.

2. Make Sure the Tone Fits the Brand

One of the most important things in PR is making sure your writing sounds like the brand you’re representing. Whether you’re working for a laid-back tech company or a high-end fashion label, the tone of your writing needs to reflect that brand’s personality. This is especially important when you’re working across different platforms—what works on X/Twitter might not be right for a formal email to stakeholders.

Ask yourself:

  • Does this sound like the brand I’m representing?
  • Is the tone consistent throughout?
  • Would this tone work for the specific platform (like social media vs. a news release)?

Getting the tone right is key to building trust with your audience and keeping the brand’s voice consistent.

3. Keep It Simple and Clear

In PR, you don’t have much time to grab your audience’s attention. Journalists and readers don’t want to wade through jargon or long, complicated sentences. Make your writing as clear and straightforward as possible so people get your message quickly and easily.

Tips for clarity:

  • Break long sentences into shorter ones.
  • Avoid using jargon or industry-specific terms unless necessary.
  • Make sure your main point is clear right from the start.

Remember, people are busy, and you want your writing to be as easy to understand as possible.

4. Double-Check Your Facts and Grammar

This step might sound basic, but it’s incredibly important—especially in PR. Mistakes like misspelled names, incorrect dates or grammar errors can really hurt your credibility. Take the time to go through your work carefully and check for any small mistakes that could slip through.

When proofreading:

  • Make sure all facts, figures, and names are correct.
  • Look for spelling and grammar errors.
  • Pay attention to any words that could be unclear or lead to misinterpretation.

Accuracy builds trust. It’s always worth doing one more check to make sure everything’s spot on.

5. Tailor It to the Platform

In PR, you’re often writing for different platforms and audiences, so you need to make sure your content fits the format. For example, writing for Instagram requires a different style than writing for a news release or email. Tailoring your message to the platform will help it perform better and connect with your audience in the right way.

Think about:

  • Are you using Associated Press style (if that’s relevant for this content)?
  • Have you followed the format for a news release or media pitch?
  • Does your headline grab attention and fit SEO best practices if needed?
  • For social media, is your post the right length and tone for the platform?

Customizing your writing for each platform ensures it resonates with the audience wherever they’re reading it.

Wrapping It Up

If you’re new to PR, editing can feel a little overwhelming at first, but it’s an essential skill that will make your writing stronger and more effective. By focusing on your message, keeping the tone consistent, ensuring clarity, double-checking facts, and tailoring your content to the platform, you’ll be on your way to creating PR pieces that stand out.

Remember, editing is where you get to polish your work and make sure it represents you and your brand in the best possible way. Take your time, follow these steps, and soon enough, editing will feel like second nature. You’ve got this!

A Question for You (Especially PR Pros)

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced when editing your PR content, and how do you tackle it? Share your tips or struggles in the comments!

Signature Block: Barbara is Listening
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Staying on Track: Why Following Directions Matters in PR

In the ever-changing field of public relations, following directions isn’t just a good habit—it’s a key to success. PR professionals juggle a variety of tasks, from crafting messages and managing reputations to working with the media. Because of this, it’s crucial to be clear, accurate and detail-oriented to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Why is this so important? For one, when creating news releases or social media posts it’s essential to stay aligned with your client’s goals and expectations. Miscommunication or straying from what was asked can lead to confusion or even damage to a brand’s image. For example, if you don’t follow specific guidelines when working with the media, your message could be misunderstood or even ignored.

On top of that, PR often involves tight deadlines and fast-paced projects. Being able to follow directions helps keep things on track, reduces mistakes, and avoids unnecessary stress. When everyone is on the same page—whether it’s your colleagues, clients, or media contacts—it makes for smoother teamwork and better results.

If you’re a PR student, yesterday’s the time to start working diligently on following directions for assignments to help you prepare for your future career.

In short, paying attention to directions in PR helps you deliver the right message, at the right time, in the right way. It’s all about building trust and ensuring your work leaves a positive, lasting impression. With good communication and a focus on the details, you’re much more likely to achieve the best outcomes for your clients and your team (and even your professors).

My question for you: how do you balance creativity with the need to follow specific guidelines in PR?

Signature Block: Barbara is Listening

NOTES

The framework of this article was inspired by ChatGPT. WordPress created the image using AI.

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Listening: Your Secret Weapon in Public Relations

In the world of public relations, we often think about the messages we send out. But here’s a secret: effective PR is just as much about listening as it is about talking. Listening is our secret weapon because it enables us to truly understand our audience, build meaningful relationships, and respond effectively to any situation. Yep, you heard that right (pun intended)! Let’s dive into why listening is such a big deal in PR.

Understanding Your Audience

Imagine you’re at a party, and someone keeps talking about themselves without letting you get a word in. Annoying, right? The same goes for PR. To truly connect with your audience, you need to understand them. This means actively listening to their voices in meetings, interviews and conversations. When you know their likes, dislikes, and concerns through direct verbal communication, you can craft messages that hit the mark. For example, if clients keep mentioning a problem during phone calls, you can address it directly and show that you’re listening.

Building Trust and Relationships

Relationships are built on trust, and trust comes from listening. When you show people that you care about what they have to say, they’re more likely to trust you. This is crucial in PR. Whether you’re responding to questions in a press conference or engaging in a one-on-one conversation, acknowledging and addressing concerns builds loyalty. It’s like any good relationship: communication has to go both ways.

Listening in Person, Face to Face

There’s something powerful about face-to-face interactions. When you listen in person, you can pick up on non-verbal cues like body language, facial expressions and tone of voice. These cues give you a deeper understanding of what the person is really feeling and thinking. In PR, this means actively engaging during meetings, interviews and events. Nod to show you’re following along, maintain eye contact to show you’re focused and ask follow-up questions to dig deeper. This kind of attentive listening builds a strong rapport and shows your audience that you value their input.

Listening Using Technology Like Zoom or Teams

With the rise of remote work, listening through technology has become a vital skill. Platforms like Zoom or Teams are great tools, but they require a different kind of listening. Make sure you’re not multitasking during virtual meetings—close those extra tabs! (Yes, I’m guilty about this one, too.) Pay attention to visual cues like facial expressions and gestures, and listen carefully to the tone of voice. Use features like chat to ask questions or get clarifications without interrupting the speaker. By being fully present, even in a virtual setting, you show respect and ensure you don’t miss important details.

Handling Crises

When a crisis hits, listening is your best friend. During these times, it’s essential to hear what people are saying so you can respond appropriately. Are there rumors flying around in verbal conversations? Address them with clear, factual information. Are customers or clients upset during phone calls? Show empathy and take action to resolve their issues. Listening helps you understand the situation better and react in a way that can calm the storm.

Continuous Improvement

Listening isn’t just about fixing problems; it’s also about getting better all the time. Verbal feedback is a goldmine for insights. Maybe your client’s customers love their product but find the website hard to navigate. Or perhaps team members have suggestions for improving processes. By paying attention to this spoken feedback, you can make continuous improvements that benefit everyone. It’s like having a roadmap for getting better and better.

Sparking Creativity and Innovation

Here’s a fun fact: listening can boost your creativity. When you’re open to new ideas and perspectives, you can come up with innovative solutions and campaigns. Maybe a client suggests a new way of reaching out to their customers during a phone call, or a team member has a creative idea for an innovative campaign. These fresh perspectives can help you stand out and keep things exciting.

Wrapping Up

So, there you have it! Listening is a powerful tool in public relations. It helps you understand your audience, build trust, manage crises, continuously improve and spark creativity. Listening is our secret weapon because it equips us to connect more deeply with our audience and navigate the ever-changing landscape of public opinion. By making listening a priority—whether in person, through technology, or during phone calls—you’ll be better equipped to achieve your PR goals. Remember, in PR, it’s not just about what you say—it’s also about how you listen.

So, what do you think? How can listening help you boost your career in public relations?

Signature Block: Barbara is Listening

NOTES

The framework of this article was inspired by ChatGPT.

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Fast-Paced and Forward-Thinking: Essential Skills for Success in Accelerated Public Relations Courses

Taking a mini-mester course, especially one that compresses a semester’s worth of learning into just six weeks, can be a daunting but rewarding experience. These courses are intensive and require a different approach compared to traditional semester-long classes. If you’re gearing up for your first six-week mini-mester this summer, particularly in a field like public relations where adapting to changing circumstances and managing tight deadlines are part of the daily workflow, here are ten tips to help you make the most out of this accelerated learning experience.

1. Understand the Pace

  • Expect Intensity: The first thing to understand about mini-mesters is the pace. You will cover the same material that’s usually spread over several months in just a few weeks. This means there will be a lot of information to digest in a short period, mirroring the fast-paced nature of the public relations industry.
  • Daily Preparation: Prepare to engage with your course material daily. Unlike traditional courses, where you might have days between classes to review and study, mini-mester courses often require constant attention, much like a PR campaign that requires ongoing monitoring and adjustments.

2. Stay Organized

  • Use a Planner: With the fast pace, keeping track of assignments, tests, and other deadlines is crucial. Use a planner or digital calendar to mark important dates. (TIP: The Syllabus tab in Canvas will show you ALL your deadlines for this course in one view.) In public relations, missing a deadline can have significant implications, and this practice helps instill good habits.
  • Break Down Tasks: Large assignments can feel overwhelming. Break them down into smaller, manageable tasks that you can tackle daily. This approach is especially beneficial in PR, where campaigns and projects are often complex and multifaceted.

3. Manage Your Time Effectively

  • Prioritize Wisely: Identify which tasks are most important and which can wait. Prioritize coursework that is due sooner or requires more of your attention. This skill is invaluable in public relations, where practitioners often juggle multiple clients and projects.
  • Avoid Procrastination: In a 6-week course, there isn’t time to procrastinate. Try to start on assignments early, giving yourself plenty of time to ask questions or seek help if needed. In PR, early engagement can mean the difference between a successful campaign and a missed opportunity.

4. Stay Engaged with the Material

  • Active Learning: Engage actively with the material through summarizing, questioning, and applying the information. This helps deepen your understanding and retention. For PR students, this means not just learning theories but also applying them to real-world scenarios.
  • Regular Review: Set aside time each day to review your notes and key concepts to keep them fresh in your mind, much like how a PR professional would stay current with the latest industry trends and media landscapes.

5. Seek Help Early

  • Use Office Hours: Don’t hesitate to use the instructor’s office hours or seek help from teaching assistants. In a mini-mester, it’s crucial to address misunderstandings as soon as possible. Similarly, in public relations, early feedback can help refine strategies and improve outcomes.
  • Study Groups: Consider forming or joining a study group. Discussing the material with peers can provide new insights and reinforce your learning, akin to brainstorming sessions in a PR agency.
Image Credit: Alteryx.com

6. Take Care of Yourself

  • Balance Your Load: Be realistic about what you can handle. Taking a mini-mester course might mean needing to lighten your workload elsewhere or adjust your work commitments, similar to how PR professionals manage their workloads to avoid burnout.
  • Rest and Recharge: Ensure you get enough rest; sleep is crucial for memory and learning. Also, give yourself short breaks during study sessions to recharge, much like the strategic pauses in PR to assess campaign effectiveness.

7. Use Technology Wisely

  • Educational Tools: Utilize educational tools and apps that can help you organize your notes, manage your time, and review course material effectively. For PR students, this mirrors the industry’s use of tools for media monitoring and campaign analysis.
  • Digital Communication: Stay in touch with your classmates and instructor through digital platforms. Quick communication can be vital for clarifying assignments and coordinating with study groups, just as it is essential in maintaining client and team communications in PR.

8. Adapt Your Learning Style

  • Find What Works: Some find that visual aids like charts and graphs help, while others prefer reading and summarizing. Find what works best for you in this condensed format. In PR, professionals often have to adapt their communication styles to different audiences and media platforms.
  • Be Flexible: Be prepared to adapt your learning style to meet the demands of the course. Flexibility can help you absorb more information more quickly, a necessary skill in public relations where strategies often need to be pivoted with little notice.

9. Engage with the Course Material Before Classes Start

  • Prep Work: If possible, try to get a copy of the syllabus and start reviewing the first few chapters of the textbook before the course begins. This proactive approach is much like how a PR professional prepares for a campaign launch.
  • Familiarize Yourself: Understanding the course layout and expectations beforehand can give you a significant head start, similar to how PR professionals research and plan before initiating contact with the media or the public.

10. Reflect on Your Progress

  • Keep a Learning Journal: Regularly write down what you’ve learned, questions you have, and key takeaways. (TIP: Handwriting your notes can help you retain the information better and for a longer period than typing your notes.) This can enhance your learning and provide a valuable resource for review, similar to reflective practices in PR that help professionals learn from each campaign.
  • Adjust as Needed: Be prepared to adjust your strategies based on what is and isn’t working. Regular reflection can help you optimize your approach to the course, just as continual evaluation and adjustment are critical in successful public relations campaigns.

Conclusion

Mini-mester courses are challenging, and they offer a unique opportunity to accelerate your learning. By staying organized, managing your time effectively and staying engaged with the material, you can not only survive but thrive in this accelerated learning environment. Remember, it’s a sprint, not a marathon, and with the right strategies, you’ll cross the finish line successfully, much like how a well-executed PR campaign leads to success.

What other tips do you have for success in a mini-mester course?

Signature Block: Barbara is Listening

NOTES

The framework of this article was inspired by ChatGPT.

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The Newly Refreshed PESO Model©: Discussion Questions for Public Relations Students

Early in 2024, Gini Dietrich created and published a revision to her iconic PESO Model on her blog Spin Sucks. At all of the universities where I teach as an adjunct professor, we have been using PESO Model for quite some time. I’m thrilled (yes, really) to share this revision with my students. Next week, I’ll have my Belmont University students enrolled in my Public Relations Writing II course dig into this refreshed model.

For a structured discussion in a Public Relations Writing course using the refreshed PESO model, each of four teams will focus on one component of the model — Paid, Earned, Shared or Owned — while also considering the model as a whole. Here’s a breakdown of how the discussion questions are structured for each team:

General Questions for All Teams:

  1. Integration Strategies: How can the PESO model integrate with traditional PR strategies to create a comprehensive media plan?
  2. Digital Impact: How has the rise of digital and social media reshaped the components of the PESO model?
  3. Future Evolution: Predict how the PESO model might evolve with the advancement of technology and changing media consumption habits.

Specific Questions for Each Team:

Team Paid Media:

  1. Trends in Paid Media: Discuss recent trends in paid media and how they affect the other elements of the PESO model.
  2. Effectiveness of Paid Media: How does paid media contribute to the overall goals of a PR campaign under the PESO model?
  3. Integration with Other Components: How can paid media be effectively integrated with earned, shared, and owned media?

Team Earned Media:

  1. Earning Trust: What tactics can be employed to increase trust and credibility through earned media?
  2. Challenges in Earned Media: What are some common challenges in utilizing earned media effectively, and how can these be overcome?
  3. Synergy with Other Media: How does earned media complement the efforts in paid, shared, and owned media?

Team Shared Media:

  1. Community Engagement: What are some best practices for using shared media to engage with a community or audience?
  2. Challenges in Shared Media: Discuss the challenges of maintaining brand consistency across various shared media platforms.
  3. Interaction with Other Media: How can shared media be used to amplify the effects of paid, earned, and owned media?

Team Owned Media:

  1. Content Strategy: How can owned media be optimized to improve SEO and overall brand presence online?
  2. Role of Owned Media in PESO: Discuss the strategic importance of owned media in the PESO model.
  3. Leveraging Owned for Other Media: How can owned media content be leveraged to enhance efforts in paid, earned, and shared media?

Be prepared to report back to the class. Each team will have 8-10 minutes. Each team member must speak (at least a little). Using images to help support your discussion is encouraged, but not required.

Each team will start off by tackling the general questions, giving everyone a solid grasp of the PESO model. Then, you’ll dig into their assigned media type—think trends, how it meshes with other media and all the dynamic interplays involved. This method not only broadens your understanding but also lets them specialize and really get into the nitty-gritty during their discussions.

Signature Block: Barbara is Listening

NOTES

If you are a public relations educator and want to use or adapt this discussion for your own class, please feel free! I’d love to know how it goes.

The framework of this article and its discussion questions was inspired by ChatGPT.

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Your A+ Triple Threat: Master Finals with Sleep, Sweat & Study Smarts


As final exams approach, students often find themselves in a whirlwind of stress and study sessions. While it’s crucial to focus on your studies, it’s equally important to maintain a healthy balance with sleep and exercise. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the challenging waters of final exams with a holistic approach to studying.

  1. Plan Your Study Schedule Wisely
    Start Early: Begin your study preparation well in advance of the exam dates. This allows you to break down the material into manageable sections and avoid last-minute cramming.
    Set Realistic Goals: Each day, set clear and achievable study goals. This could include covering certain chapters, revising specific topics, or practicing exam questions.
  2. Incorporate Active Learning Techniques
    Active Recall: Instead of just reading your notes, test yourself on the material. Flashcards, practice tests, and teaching the material to someone else are great ways to reinforce learning.
    Variety in Study Methods: Mix up your study methods to keep things interesting. Use mind maps, summaries, quizzes, and group studies to diversify your learning process.
  3. Don’t Underestimate the Power of Sleep
    Regular Sleep Schedule: Maintain a regular sleep schedule, even during intense study periods. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night to ensure your brain is rested and ready to absorb information.
    Avoid All-Nighters: Pulling an all-nighter can disrupt your cognitive functions. Instead, study during your most alert hours of the day and give your brain the rest it needs at night.
  4. Incorporate Physical Activity into Your Routine
    Regular Exercise: Engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily. This can include walking, jogging, yoga, or any other physical activity that you enjoy.
    Exercise as a Break: Use exercise as a study break. It helps in clearing your mind, reducing stress, and improving concentration when you return to your books.
  5. Healthy Eating and Hydration
    Balanced Diet: Fuel your brain with nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Avoid heavy, greasy foods that can make you feel sluggish.
    Stay Hydrated: Keep yourself well-hydrated with water or herbal teas. Dehydration can lead to fatigue and decreased concentration.
  6. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques
    Take Short Breaks: During long study sessions, take 5-10 minute breaks every hour. This can help in maintaining focus and retaining information.
    Mindfulness Practices: Incorporate mindfulness or meditation into your daily routine to reduce stress and improve mental clarity.
  7. Organize Your Study Space
    Clutter-Free Environment: Keep your study area clean and organized. A clutter-free space can help in reducing distractions and improving focus.
    Comfortable Setting: Ensure your study space is comfortable, well-lit, and conducive to learning.
  8. Seek Support When Needed
    Study Groups: Join or form study groups to gain different perspectives and clarify doubts.
    Tutoring Services: Don’t hesitate to seek help from tutors or professors if you’re struggling with certain topics.

    Balancing study with adequate sleep and exercise is key to successful exam preparation. Remember, your health and well-being are just as important as your grades. So, plan wisely, stay active, rest well, and you’ll be on your way to achieving your academic goals. Good luck with your finals!

What are two or three of your best tips for studying for final exams?

Signature Block: Barbara is Listening
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From Confused to Confident: Mastering APA Format in 10 Easy Steps

person writing on a notebook beside macbook
Photo by Judit Peter on Pexels.com

Students in my PRCM 1000 Public Relations and Media Relations Fundamentals course have just completed their first papers using American Psychological Association (APA) format. In our course, I provided them with a variety of helpful resources. While most of the students caught on quickly to using APA format, there were still quite a few who struggled with this new (to them) way of writing.

Here are some of the most common errors that these students made, with links to resources for additional information and help.

  1. Getting the Format Just Right: APA has its own style for how your paper should look. Remember to double-space, keep those margins at one inch, and use a readable font like 12-point Times New Roman. Also, don’t forget about the running head and page numbers – they’re important too.
  2. Citation Confusions: When you mention someone else’s ideas, APA wants you to include the author’s last name and the year the work was published right there in your text. It’s easy to miss one of these or get the format a bit mixed up, but with a bit of practice, you’ll get the hang of it.
  3. Reference List Hiccups: At the end of your paper, you’ll list all your sources. This part can be tricky. Each entry needs to follow APA’s rules for things like authors, titles and publication details. It’s all about getting the details right – like getting names and dates in order and using italics where needed.
  4. Title Page Troubles: Your title page is like the welcome mat of your paper. It should have your paper’s title, your name, and where you study. Sometimes there’s an author note, too. Make sure this page is neatly organized as per APA’s layout.
  5. Heading Hang-ups: APA uses specific styles for headings to organize your paper. It’s easy to get these mixed up or forget them, but they really help make your paper clear and easy to follow. (NOTE: Headings were not required for this first paper.)
  6. Abstract Angles: If you need an abstract, keep it short and sweet (150-250 words). It’s like a mini-version of your paper, highlighting the key points. (NOTE: An abstract was not required for this first paper.)
  7. Quote Quirks and Paraphrasing Pitfalls: Using quotes? Make sure you don’t overdo it and follow APA’s rules for formatting them. When you’re putting things in your own words (paraphrasing), be sure it’s really in your own words to avoid plagiarism.
  8. Plagiarism Pointers: Always give credit where it’s due. Make sure you’re citing all your sources to avoid any plagiarism pitfalls.
  9. Technical Term Tangles: APA likes it when you use the right technical terms but in a clear way. It’s about striking a balance between being accurate and being understandable.
  10. Consistency is Key: Stick to the same formatting, style and voice all through your paper. It helps in making your paper look professional and well-thought-out.

Remember, mastering APA style is a learning curve, and it’s perfectly fine to take your time to get familiar with it. Use resources like the APA manual, online guides or your campus writing center. And always, always proofread your work. You’ve got this! ?

What questions do you have about APA style? Please let me know. I’m happy to help!

Signature Block: Barbara is Listening

NOTES

The framework of this article was inspired by ChatGPT.