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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.

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New to PR? Avoid These Typical News Release Errors

When you’re drafting a news release, the devil’s in the details, especially with AP style. It’s a bit like Goldilocks: not too hot, not too cold, but just right. For example, get your dateline city names in ALL CAPS. It’s a spotlight on where the action is happening. And those state abbreviations? They’re not a free-for-all; they’ve got to match AP’s specific style.

Headlines, though? They’re more of a low-key affair. Stick to sentence case—only the first word and proper nouns earn the right to a capital letter. It’s like a calm handshake compared to a high-five. And when releasing your news, timing is everything. “For Immediate Release” can scream urgency, but sometimes a specific date whispers professionalism.

Remember, too, that active voice is your friend. It strides confidently into the room, while passive voice might just hover at the door. These aren’t just tips; they’re the threads that weave your news release into a tapestry of credibility. Let’s zoom in and fine-tune these elements, ensuring your news release hits all the right notes with the precision of a professional.

Common Errors to Avoid

Below are some more of the most common errors I tend to see in the first news releases written by public relations students.

  • Forgetting that a news release needs to be NEWSWORTHY
  • AP style errors, most notably including a serial comma, capitalizing titles after a name and improper abbreviations
  • Some cities don’t need states in the dateline.
  • Missing a strong summary lede
  • Missing the nut graf
  • Missing required elements, such as end marks, contact information and boilerplate content
  • Including exclamation points unless they are part of a quotation from a source
  • Using I/we/our, unless you are using a direct quotation. The story should read as though it is from a journalist, not a PR practitioner or the client.
  • Editorializing in a news story.
  • Failing to use a quotation or two to liven up the story

So what’s the best way to avoid these errors? Read news releases from written by public relations practitioners. And just like getting to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice, practice.

PR Pros & Journalists: What other mistakes do you tend to see new public relations writers make?

Signature Block: Barbara is Listening

Image Credit: Created using DALL-E 3

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Navigating Names, Numerals, and More: A Focused Guide for Your AP Style Quiz

If you’re a public relations or journalism student preparing to take your first Associated Style quizzes, be sure to read these helpful tips.

General Tips

  • Review the AP Stylebook: Familiarize yourself with the key sections that will be covered in the quiz.
  • Review Resources in Canvas: If your professor has provided additional resources, such as videos, in your course, take advantage of them.
  • Practice Quizzes: Take practice quizzes to identify your weak areas. See Where to Find AP Style Practice Quizzes.
  • Study Group: Form a study group with others in your class to discuss complex rules and exceptions.

Abbreviations

  • Focus on common abbreviations like states, addresses, months and organizations.
  • Understand when to use an abbreviation and when to spell it out.

Numerals

  • Learn the rules for when to spell out numbers and when to use numerals.
  • Pay attention to specifics like ages, percentages and dates.

Names and Titles

  • Learn the AP Style guidelines for using courtesy titles.
  • Understand how to abbreviate academic degrees and professional titles.
  • Know when to use full names and last names only.

Grammar

  • Brush up on common grammar rules covered in AP Style.
  • Practice identifying and correcting grammatical errors in sample sentences.

Quiz Day Tips

In my classes, a lockdown browser is required for AP Style quizzes. Additionally, you may not use any resources while taking the quiz (including but not limited to the AP Stylebook, websites or your own notes.)

  • Test Your Tech: Ensure that your computer, lockdown browser and internet connection are all working well in advance. (Taking the practice quiz is a great way to do this.)
  • Find a Quiet Space: Choose a distraction-free environment where you won’t be interrupted during the quiz.
  • Read Carefully: Even in a digital format, make sure to read each question and all answer options before selecting your choice.
  • Pace Yourself: Time management is crucial. Keep an eye on the clock but don’t rush. My graded quizzes are 15 questions in 15 minutes.
  • Review: If time allows, review your answers before submitting the quiz.

What additional tips do you have?

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Where to Find AP Style Practice Quizzes

white newspaper beside teacup
Photo by Elijah O’Donnell on Pexels.com

If you’re preparing to take graded Associated Style quizzes, it would definitely benefit you to take a few practice quizzes first. Below are several sites with practice quizzes. NOTE: I have not verified that every quiz site has correct answers on all their quizzes, but this should give you a great, low-pressure start.

Try out the quizzes from:

Have you come across other sites with AP Style quizzes? Please share them in the comments.

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From Chaos to Coordination: How Google Drive Can Transform Your Project Team in a College Course

Working on a team project can be a lot of fun, but it can also be challenging. One of the biggest challenges is keeping everyone organized and on the same page. That’s where Google Drive comes in.

Google Drive is a free online storage and collaboration tool that can be a lifesaver for team projects. It allows you to create shared folders and files, which means that everyone on your team can access and edit the same documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. Plus, Google Drive keeps track of all changes made to files, so you can easily revert to a previous version if necessary.

Here are some tips for using Google Drive to organize your college public relations team project:

  1. Create a shared folder for your project. This will be your central hub for all of your project files.
  2. Create a subfolder structure within the shared folder to organize your files. For example, you might have subfolders for different types of files (e.g., press releases, media kits, social media posts), different team members, or different clients.
  3. Share the folder with your team members. You can choose to give them full edit access or view-only access, depending on their needs.
  4. Encourage your team members to use Google Drive to create and edit all of the project files. This will make it easy to keep track of all of the changes and to ensure that everyone is working on the latest version of each file.
  5. Use Google Drive’s real-time collaboration features to work on files together. This can help to speed up the workflow and to improve communication among team members.

Here are some additional tips for using Google Drive to organize your college public relations team project:

  • Use descriptive file names. This will make it easy for you and your team members to find the files you need.
  • Use tags to organize your files. Tags are labels that you can apply to files to make them easier to find. For example, you might tag a file with the name of the client, the type of project, or the deadline.
  • Use Google Drive’s search feature to find files quickly and easily. You can search by file name, tag, or keyword.
  • Use Google Drive’s commenting feature to leave feedback on files. This can help to improve communication among team members and to ensure that everyone is on the same page.
  • Use Google Drive to create a shared calendar for your team. This will help you to keep track of important deadlines and to schedule meetings and events.
  • Use Google Drive to create a shared contact list for your team. This will make it easy for everyone to access the contact information for clients, journalists, and other stakeholders.
  • Use Google Drive to create a shared resource library for your team. This could include templates for press releases, media alerts, and social media posts, as well as research reports and other relevant documents.

By following these tips, you can use Google Drive to organize your team project and to share resources, which will help you to set yourself up for success in your college public relations course.

And remember, Google Drive is your friend! It’s there to help you make your life easier, so don’t be afraid to use it to its full potential.

What tips on using Google Drive for team projects do you have? Please share them in the comments.

The framework of this article was inspired by Google Bard.

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Cracking the Code: Essential AP Style Tips for PR Success

Four Rotor Enigma Machine from the Spy Museum

In the dozens of public relations courses I’ve taught over the years, one of my students’ biggest struggles is writing using Associated Press style.

Why is learning AP style so important? PR practitioner Sandra Hernandez offers this:

PR writers really need to know the things that make them effective. I learned to write in AP in college, because it was necessary to pass the class. I continued to write in AP because I found that what I send to media had a better response rate when written in AP.

To help students learn more about AP style, I sought feedback from a variety of public relations practitioners and faculty members, trying to come up with a list of what PR writers REALLY need to know (cold, without even looking in the AP Stylebook) about AP style.

The most important (and sometimes confusing) parts of AP Style for PR writers are:

  • dates (especially when to abbreviate)
  • addresses (especially when to abbreviate)
  • names (when to use titles, etc.)
  • numerals (when to spell out, when to use digits)
  • datelines (which cities need to be identified with their states)

Now you have choices about how to access the AP Stylebook. You can purchase a hardcopy of the book, buy an online subscription to it or find it in your college library.

Many PR writers can also benefit from brushing up on standard grammar. My favorite site for general grammar advice is Mignon Fogarty’s Grammar Girl. I strongly recommend that you subscribe to Grammar Girl’s podcast.

So, PR pros and journalists, what would you add? What can help PR students understand what they REALLY need to know about AP style?

[Updated from a blog post from April 2010]

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