Seen but not heard

As a child, I knew the power to speak one’s mind.  I think that so many times people want to remain quiet and not say anything because they do not want to offend people and granted one must use his or her common sense and not simply spat out every thought that comes into one’s mind. When I was younger I spoke my mind clearly and I had no problem showing people who I really was. I think when people grow older there is a tendency to become more insecure in ourselves like when we are teenagers and even as adults we worry about impressing people and what they think of us. I think that even though first impressions are important one must say what he or she thinks. If you have an idea do not be afraid to voice it because maybe there is a problem and you have the solution to that problem, yet you do not raise your voice, therefore no one is going to hear you or your possibly great idea. It is so important to not worry about making a fool of yourself. I think that is one of the greatest reasons why individuals do not  speak is because they are afraid of what others will think of them. Sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and open your mouth and speak your peace. Who knows? Maybe you will give an idea that could cause a great change to occur for the better good. It is good to be seen, but remember you must also be heard.

End of Semester

Well, we are drawing near the end of the semester. It is almost over and I know that some people will be sad to leave because they will be graduating. Others will jump merrily for joy at the thought of never having to indulge another morsel of the Tuscan Restaurant’s gourmet food. I will not be graduating until 2010 of December. I have more to learn and a long way to go. I am so close and yet so far away. In some respects, I am happy to not be graduating this summer because I have some time to ponder about what career move I intend to make which will shape the life that I have dreamed for myself, which I hope will be part of God’s plan. School has not been easy for me, especially this semester because I have been taking a full load of courses. I do not know how some students manage to take 8 classes without having a nervous breakdown. I go crazy at times just thinking about the load that I am taking now. I suppose that every person is different. Some people are better at handling pressure than others. I just have to tell myself to keep my eyes on the prize and to keep going.

ch 14

Information overload is persuasive in our society. You can hellp reduce clutter by keeping your messages simple, short, and to the point. In addition, limit messages to only those who are in your key audiences. Don’t shotgun information to the entire planet.

E-mail bulge is overwhelming many organizations and individuals. Use wikis, text messaging, RSS, and applications such as Twitter to reduce the flow.

E-mail is rapid and coefficient. It is not, however, a substitute for personal one -on -one communication.

E-mail is less formal than a letter, but more formal than a telephone call. You can increase the effectiveness of your e-mail messages by (1) providing key information in the subject line, (2) keeping them to 25 lines or less, and (3) using proper grammar, spelling and punctuation.

Business letters are personalized communication that should be well organized, concise, and to the point. They can prevent misunderstandings and provide a record of an agreement or a transaction.

Memos should be one page or less and state the key message immediately. A memo has five components: (1) date, (2) to, (3) from, (4) subject, and (5) message.

Proposals must follow a logical, well-organized format. They are prepared to convince management to make a decision about a contract or approve money and resources for a project.

A position paper, or “white paper” gives the organization;s perspective on a particular trend or industry. They should begin with an “executive summary” or an overview, so people can read the highlights in a few seconds.

ch 12

The World Wide Web is the first medium that allows organizations to send controlled messages to a mass audience without the message being filtered by journalists and editors. Before the Web, the placement of advertising in the mass media was the only method by which the organization controlled the message.

The new media, including the Web, has unique characterisitics. This includes: easy updating of material, instant distribution of information, an infinite amount of space for information and the ability to interact with the audience.

Writing for the Web requires nonliner organization. Topics should be in index-card format instead of a long, linear narrative. This allows viewers to click on the information most interesting to them.

Written material for the Web should be in short, digestible chunks. Two or three paragraphs should be the ideal length of a news item. Longe pieces of information require too much scrolling and turn off viewers.

The second generation of the Internet, called Web 2.0, has given rise to “social media” in which most of the Internet content is consumer generated. It provides public relations professionals with the opportunity to participate in social networking sites to get feedback and to also build relationships.

RSS stands for Real Simple Syndication. A user may sign up for any number of RSS feeds from various organizations and news outlets. RSS also allows organizations to monitor blogs and other websites that may mention the organization’s products or services.

Blogs have become mainstream in terms of numbers and influence. From a public relations standpoint, there are three kinds of blogs: corporate, employee and third-party.

Flickr is the major photo sharing site. Virtual worlds are part of social media. a major site is Second Life.

The next generation of the Internet (Web 3.0) will see the further development of smart phones as minicomputers. The cost of mobile-enabled content will go down, which will enable users to send and receive vast amounts of information.

Ch 11

Journalists depend on public relations for receiving most of their information; public relations people rely on media for widely spread distribution of information.

The most common compliants journalists have about public relations people according to PRWeek Survey, are lack of familarity with editorial requirements and format, poorly written materials, too many unsolicited e-mails and phone calls, lack of knowledge about their product or service and repeated calls and follow-ups.

Flack is a disparaging term for the press agent or publicist.

The major complint about journalists is that hey are sloppy in their accuracy and often don’t take the time to do their homework.

Publications and broadcasts programs that engage in senstational journalism require special handling and precautions. Declining an interview is always an option.

News conferences should be held only if there is significant news that lends itself to elaboration and questions from journalists. News conferences can also be held via teleconferences or Webcasts.

Previews and parties are acceptable ways of giving exectutives  and reporters a chance to know each other better.

Press tours, often called junkets, should be used only if there is a legitimate news story or angle. Avoid junkets that simply wine an dine journalists.

A meeting with a publication’s editorial board is a good way to establish rapport and long term relationships.

There are mnay guidelines for how to conduct effective media relations. The bottom line is to be accurate, truthful, and provide outstanding service.

Don’t irritate reporters by asking “Did you get my news release?” Also, don’t ask to see an advance copy of the story or when a story will be published.

If you need to set the record straight, begin with the reporter who wrote the story.

Crisis communications is a test of excellent media relations. You need to work closely with the media to assure that he public is fully informed.

Ch 10

Media directories, whether print, CD-ROM or online, are essential tools for compiling media lists and distributing information. Media lists and e-mail addresses must be updated and revised on a regular basis; journalists frequently change jobs.

Tip sheets let publicists know what kind of material a publication or broadcast station is seeking for a particular purpose.

Mailing labels must be accurate; they should be addressed to a specific editor by name and include such details as the floor or suite in an office building.

The vast majority of news releases and other press materials are now distributed via e-mail and through electronic wires. Online newsrooms, have become the primary source for journalists seeking late- breaking news and other information.

Electronic newswires such as Business Wire, distribute news releases to Internet search engines and social networking sites, which allows the public to access the information in addition to the traditional media.

Keywords are important for search engine organization (SEO). Publicists must use keywords that consumers will likely use to search for information.

Mail called snail mail, is still widely used to distribute publicity materials. Organizations often mail news releases and media kits in addition to providing the same materials online or on a CD format.

The fax machine is a good way to send media advisories and late-breaking news releases. However, it is not wise to mass distribute routine news releases by fax.