'The Three Commandments of Presenting and how to obey them. Consulting to Management.' By S. Wyeth
'Oral Presentations' In the Student Skills Guide by S. Drew
'Speaking as Part of a Group' In Presentation Skills for Students by J. Van Emden and L. Becker
I believe the key messages from this week's readings were;
The key messages of these readings were how to create and enact the most effective presentation possible, as well as some common errors to avoid. The most important parts of an effective presentation are the use of visual aids, speakers notes, time limits, identifying the aim and the audience. The 'commandments' of what not do are; not to be arrogant,boring or confusing. These readings show that many people find presentations difficult and that there are many things to consider before to ensure that the audience is engaged. With group presentations it important to divide the work load evenly and utilise individual strengths.
The key points in the readings could be applied to my group's work;
for our presentation. There were some very interesting points raised particularly in regard to the use of PowerPoint. However I think that PowerPoint if used to its best effect can work well, enhancing the speech rather than detracting. As raised in the 'Oral Presentations' reading, visual aids give the audience something else to look at, and aid understanding. The most important part of the presentation is to ensure that the audience is engaged and not bored by the presentation.
The readings made me think more about public relations practice;
A major part of public relations is presentations and public speaking, so obviously it is important to get this down to an art, so that your message is communicated clearly and concisely. Public relations practitioners need to be able to communicate verbally, as well as they can in the written form. The references to group work was also significant. Having the skills to work with others is to vital to the workplace, and developing these skills will make make it easier and be more impressive to a employer.
The readings related to the other readings I've done in previous weeks;
The readings I have done in other weeks on group work, fit in with these, explaining how to best work as a group. These readings also emphasis how to utilise your skills, and utilise the strengths of your group.
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Week 9 Readings
'Community Relations: How an entire industry can change its image through proactive local communications. By Smith, A
'Producing a newsletter' By Tymson, C.,Lazar, P. & Lazar, R.
'Newsletters' by Baverstock, A.
I believe the key messages from this week's readings were...
The key message from the 'Community Relations: How an entire industry can change its image through proactive local communications' was how to create positive community relations. This reading highlighted how although this reading was referring to the construction industry that the suggestions on how to create a positive community relations and maintain these relations, and deal with any complaints could and should be applied to every industry and organisation. Every staff member must contribute to positive community relations, and therefore they do as much good as they can for the company. The message put out to the public must be '...consistent and coordinated messages...'.
The main message of 'Preparing a Newsletter' is how to create an effective newsletter, and this involves identifying the aims of the newsletter, who is it directed at, how often will it be produced and what is the most suitable format.
The Main message of the 'Baverstock' reading is to emphasis the positives and negatives of the having a company newsletter. The positives included that it was effective, inexpensive, promotes communication between the company and the customers and even customer loyalty. The disadvantages were that it takes work to produce and a poorly produced newsletter can send a negative message.
The key points in the readings could be applied to my group's work...
The 'Smith' reading could be directly applied to my group's assignment because our major strategy is to create more positive relations with the community. This reading gave some really good strategies for how to address and create positive community relations. These strategies included ensuring that everyone is committed to creating positive relations, have a complaints procedure, produce a newsletter and have a written strategy for promoting positive relations.
The reading made me think more about public relations practise...
Because this weeks readings were all about newsletters this made me think about how to produce an effective newsletter. Producing an effective or ineffective newsletter, can really promote the company or damage it.
The readings related to the other readings I've done in previous weeks...
The readings this week related to previous week's readings because this built on other public relations practise readings on media releases. Newsletters, like media releases are important and practical part of public relations.
'Producing a newsletter' By Tymson, C.,Lazar, P. & Lazar, R.
'Newsletters' by Baverstock, A.
I believe the key messages from this week's readings were...
The key message from the 'Community Relations: How an entire industry can change its image through proactive local communications' was how to create positive community relations. This reading highlighted how although this reading was referring to the construction industry that the suggestions on how to create a positive community relations and maintain these relations, and deal with any complaints could and should be applied to every industry and organisation. Every staff member must contribute to positive community relations, and therefore they do as much good as they can for the company. The message put out to the public must be '...consistent and coordinated messages...'.
The main message of 'Preparing a Newsletter' is how to create an effective newsletter, and this involves identifying the aims of the newsletter, who is it directed at, how often will it be produced and what is the most suitable format.
The Main message of the 'Baverstock' reading is to emphasis the positives and negatives of the having a company newsletter. The positives included that it was effective, inexpensive, promotes communication between the company and the customers and even customer loyalty. The disadvantages were that it takes work to produce and a poorly produced newsletter can send a negative message.
The key points in the readings could be applied to my group's work...
The 'Smith' reading could be directly applied to my group's assignment because our major strategy is to create more positive relations with the community. This reading gave some really good strategies for how to address and create positive community relations. These strategies included ensuring that everyone is committed to creating positive relations, have a complaints procedure, produce a newsletter and have a written strategy for promoting positive relations.
The reading made me think more about public relations practise...
Because this weeks readings were all about newsletters this made me think about how to produce an effective newsletter. Producing an effective or ineffective newsletter, can really promote the company or damage it.
The readings related to the other readings I've done in previous weeks...
The readings this week related to previous week's readings because this built on other public relations practise readings on media releases. Newsletters, like media releases are important and practical part of public relations.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Week 8 Readings
'Writing a Media Release ' in The new Australian and New Zealand public relations manual.
'Trends in online media relations: web-based corporate press rooms in leading international companies. By Gozalez-Herrero, A and Ruiz de Valbuena, M
'To contact...or not? Investigating journalists' assessments of public relations subsidies and contact preferences.' By Sallot, M and Johnson, A
I believe the key messages from this week's readings were..
Obviously the key messages from the 'public relations manual' were with regard to the best way to write a media or press release. The emphasis of this chapter is to how to best compose a media release to the requirements of the media, as this will increase the possibility of the release being printed, as is. Therefore the release needs to be 'newsworthy, well written, appropriately targeted and professionally presented'. It also illustrated the basic key elements of presentation for a media release- eg. headline, date, contact details etc
The key message in 'Trends in online media relations' is framing theory. Meaning that if a practitioner knows how to frame a story in a way that suits the the media outlet, it is more likely to run your organisation's story. The studies also show the negative stereotypes that public relations officers can encounter from journalists.
'To contact.. or not? Investigating journalists assessments of public relations subsidies and contact preferences' main message was that although the Internet is a excellent source for communication, and how the web resources need to be accessed easily.
The key points in the readings could be applied to my group's work..
The readings on writing media releases can be used for my group assignment, as the hints for writing successful and professional media releases can be applied to any form of writing, and the assignment will only be improved through professional writing.
The readings made me think more about public relations practise...
The 'Trends in online media relations: web-based corporate press rooms in leading international companies' reading made me realise that their can be negative relationships or stereotypes between journalists and public relations officers. Therefore it is more to cultivate good professional relationships with journalist, to achieve a mutually beneficial relationship.
The readings related to the other reading I've done in previous weeks...
The 'To contact...or not?' reading related to previous readings on utilising the Internet as a resource, and how important it is not only to be able to use the Internet, but to get the most out of it.
'Trends in online media relations: web-based corporate press rooms in leading international companies. By Gozalez-Herrero, A and Ruiz de Valbuena, M
'To contact...or not? Investigating journalists' assessments of public relations subsidies and contact preferences.' By Sallot, M and Johnson, A
I believe the key messages from this week's readings were..
Obviously the key messages from the 'public relations manual' were with regard to the best way to write a media or press release. The emphasis of this chapter is to how to best compose a media release to the requirements of the media, as this will increase the possibility of the release being printed, as is. Therefore the release needs to be 'newsworthy, well written, appropriately targeted and professionally presented'. It also illustrated the basic key elements of presentation for a media release- eg. headline, date, contact details etc
The key message in 'Trends in online media relations' is framing theory. Meaning that if a practitioner knows how to frame a story in a way that suits the the media outlet, it is more likely to run your organisation's story. The studies also show the negative stereotypes that public relations officers can encounter from journalists.
'To contact.. or not? Investigating journalists assessments of public relations subsidies and contact preferences' main message was that although the Internet is a excellent source for communication, and how the web resources need to be accessed easily.
The key points in the readings could be applied to my group's work..
The readings on writing media releases can be used for my group assignment, as the hints for writing successful and professional media releases can be applied to any form of writing, and the assignment will only be improved through professional writing.
The readings made me think more about public relations practise...
The 'Trends in online media relations: web-based corporate press rooms in leading international companies' reading made me realise that their can be negative relationships or stereotypes between journalists and public relations officers. Therefore it is more to cultivate good professional relationships with journalist, to achieve a mutually beneficial relationship.
The readings related to the other reading I've done in previous weeks...
The 'To contact...or not?' reading related to previous readings on utilising the Internet as a resource, and how important it is not only to be able to use the Internet, but to get the most out of it.
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Week 7 Readings
Week 7 Reading;
'A typical public relations program' in the Public Relations Manual: Tymson & Lazer
I believe the key messages from this week's readings were...
This reading was really helpful and practical guide for how to manage a Public Relations plan. It went through a step-by-step process of how to achieve each task and the best way to get successful results.
The Key points in the reading could be applied to my group's work;
The whole chapter is relevant to my group's work as it breaks down every task we need to complete for our Public Relations plan. Particularly the objectives section and budget section, as it went through how these sections contribute to the plan and how to measure if our objectives and budget are satisfactory-whether they aim too high or too low or are too complex. The case study (AMP Sponsorship of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Touch Relay) was also really helpful as it gave us an example of how to set out our Public Relations' plan and the kinds of things to think about within the plan.
The reading made me think more about public relations practise;
This weeks reading really helped me to get a clear understanding of the step-by-step process involved in creating a Public Relations' plan. The reading illustrated all the things that a Public Relations officer must address and how important planning is.
The readings related to other readings I've done in previous weeks;
This week's reading tied the previous weeks readings nicely together. I think this reading gives an excellent overview of a PR plan, and flows on from the readings on research, and strategies.
'A typical public relations program' in the Public Relations Manual: Tymson & Lazer
I believe the key messages from this week's readings were...
This reading was really helpful and practical guide for how to manage a Public Relations plan. It went through a step-by-step process of how to achieve each task and the best way to get successful results.
The Key points in the reading could be applied to my group's work;
The whole chapter is relevant to my group's work as it breaks down every task we need to complete for our Public Relations plan. Particularly the objectives section and budget section, as it went through how these sections contribute to the plan and how to measure if our objectives and budget are satisfactory-whether they aim too high or too low or are too complex. The case study (AMP Sponsorship of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Touch Relay) was also really helpful as it gave us an example of how to set out our Public Relations' plan and the kinds of things to think about within the plan.
The reading made me think more about public relations practise;
This weeks reading really helped me to get a clear understanding of the step-by-step process involved in creating a Public Relations' plan. The reading illustrated all the things that a Public Relations officer must address and how important planning is.
The readings related to other readings I've done in previous weeks;
This week's reading tied the previous weeks readings nicely together. I think this reading gives an excellent overview of a PR plan, and flows on from the readings on research, and strategies.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Week 6 Reading
'Crisis and Issues Management' Public Relations: Theory and Practise, S Mackey In J, Johnston and C, Zawawi (eds)
'Taxonomy of mediated crisis responses' by Taylor, M and Kent, M
'Crisis Communication Practises at an International Relief Agency' By Davis, B
'Creating and Managing a Crisis Team in Crisis Control: preventing and managing corporate crises' By Campbell, R
I believe the key messages from this week's readings were;
The Mackey readings key message is that crisis and issue management can be one of the most stressful challenges facing a PR officer. And how the organisation deals with the challenges it faces during a crisis can be extremely important to whether an business can recover from a crisis situation. It also highlighted the fact that it is extremely important to for PR officers to be thinking ahead and planning for any possible crisis scenarios that may occur. They need to already have the plans in place.
The 'Crisis Communication Practices at an International Relief Agency' was a insightful case study that illustrated how essential a communication plan is. It is part of every aspect of the successful running of an organisation, particularly a international organisation like Direct Relief.
The Taylor and Kent reading explained the many benefits of using the Internet and having a company website, particularly in a crisis. The Internet can be used to get information out immediately, tell your side of the story without media's influence, promote their product and publise their good deeds.
The Campbell reading emphasised the importance of having an efficient team prepared for a crisis situation. The team needs a leader to make decisions, and the team must have extensive skills and know how to deal with a stressful situation.
The Key points in the reading could be applied to my group's work in that they;
The Taylor and Kent reading showed that a use of the current Wine Country Tourism website could be used to promote a more harmonious relationship with the Cessnock community, by using it to communicate with the community and encourage dialogue between the two.
The Campbell reading also showed how a PR team can effectively work with each other to achieve its goals.
The readings made me think more about the public relations practise in that;
All of these readings illustrated different ways for PR practitioners to deal with a crisis, all of these strategies are helpful. And they outlined the ways that PR officers should already have these strategies in place for crisis situations, so that the reaction time is quicker.
The readings related to other readings I've done in previous weeks;
This crisis and issue management reading follows on from the other readings in the Johnston and Zawawi textbook. Each week the textbook readings build on each other, from Strategies, research, community relations and now crisis management. All of these reading would be common issues facing PR officers, and they would have to be knowledgeable and skilled in all of these areas to be successful.
'Taxonomy of mediated crisis responses' by Taylor, M and Kent, M
'Crisis Communication Practises at an International Relief Agency' By Davis, B
'Creating and Managing a Crisis Team in Crisis Control: preventing and managing corporate crises' By Campbell, R
I believe the key messages from this week's readings were;
The Mackey readings key message is that crisis and issue management can be one of the most stressful challenges facing a PR officer. And how the organisation deals with the challenges it faces during a crisis can be extremely important to whether an business can recover from a crisis situation. It also highlighted the fact that it is extremely important to for PR officers to be thinking ahead and planning for any possible crisis scenarios that may occur. They need to already have the plans in place.
The 'Crisis Communication Practices at an International Relief Agency' was a insightful case study that illustrated how essential a communication plan is. It is part of every aspect of the successful running of an organisation, particularly a international organisation like Direct Relief.
The Taylor and Kent reading explained the many benefits of using the Internet and having a company website, particularly in a crisis. The Internet can be used to get information out immediately, tell your side of the story without media's influence, promote their product and publise their good deeds.
The Campbell reading emphasised the importance of having an efficient team prepared for a crisis situation. The team needs a leader to make decisions, and the team must have extensive skills and know how to deal with a stressful situation.
The Key points in the reading could be applied to my group's work in that they;
The Taylor and Kent reading showed that a use of the current Wine Country Tourism website could be used to promote a more harmonious relationship with the Cessnock community, by using it to communicate with the community and encourage dialogue between the two.
The Campbell reading also showed how a PR team can effectively work with each other to achieve its goals.
The readings made me think more about the public relations practise in that;
All of these readings illustrated different ways for PR practitioners to deal with a crisis, all of these strategies are helpful. And they outlined the ways that PR officers should already have these strategies in place for crisis situations, so that the reaction time is quicker.
The readings related to other readings I've done in previous weeks;
This crisis and issue management reading follows on from the other readings in the Johnston and Zawawi textbook. Each week the textbook readings build on each other, from Strategies, research, community relations and now crisis management. All of these reading would be common issues facing PR officers, and they would have to be knowledgeable and skilled in all of these areas to be successful.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Week 5 Reading
Week Five Readings;
'Internal and Community Relations' Chapter 11 in Public Relations: theory and practise
PRIA Case Studies
I believe the Key Messages from this weeks readings were;
The 'Internal and Community Relations' chapter presented the key messages of the reading to be that Internal and community relations should be the main priorities in Public Relations. Public Relations plays a very important role as the 'social conscience' for many companies and this helps to build goodwill within the surrounding community. Internal Relations has also been recognised as an important link between job satisfaction and productivity. This works in reverse also, as an unsatisfied employee can damage a company's image.
The Case Studies highlighted the challenges campaigns face and what strategies they employed to achieved their goals.
The Key Points in the Readings could be applied to my group's work in that they;
The Case studies were particularly helpful in highlighting the strategic planning that is involved in PR and how to set out our strategic plan, as well as some important issues to consider. It was good to see a 'real' PR plan (particularly the Australia Day Council, as we have seen the success of this for ourselves) and how they deal with challenges and achieved their goals.
The 'Internal and Community Relations' chapter, was also very relevant to my group work. A major part of my group assignment relates to community relations. This chapter provided some very helpful information as to how to find out what community members are feeling and thinking, as well as how to include the public in decision making, therefore building a greater relationship with the community, and a feeling of 'ownership' over decisions made and as if the community is part of the organisation's 'club.'
The Readings made me think more about Public Relations practise;
Both the readings made me think about how much work goes into every PR strategic plan, and how the background work, such as research can really make a difference to the outcome of the plan.
The Readings related to the other readings I've done in previous weeks in that;
I think the 'Internal and Community Relations' chapter flowed on from the previous weeks readings, highlighting the main areas of importance for PR practitioners, Strategy, Research, Media Relations and Internal and Community Relations.
I also feel the Case studies continue to support my growing understanding of PR, and the role it plays within organisations.
'Internal and Community Relations' Chapter 11 in Public Relations: theory and practise
PRIA Case Studies
I believe the Key Messages from this weeks readings were;
The 'Internal and Community Relations' chapter presented the key messages of the reading to be that Internal and community relations should be the main priorities in Public Relations. Public Relations plays a very important role as the 'social conscience' for many companies and this helps to build goodwill within the surrounding community. Internal Relations has also been recognised as an important link between job satisfaction and productivity. This works in reverse also, as an unsatisfied employee can damage a company's image.
The Case Studies highlighted the challenges campaigns face and what strategies they employed to achieved their goals.
The Key Points in the Readings could be applied to my group's work in that they;
The Case studies were particularly helpful in highlighting the strategic planning that is involved in PR and how to set out our strategic plan, as well as some important issues to consider. It was good to see a 'real' PR plan (particularly the Australia Day Council, as we have seen the success of this for ourselves) and how they deal with challenges and achieved their goals.
The 'Internal and Community Relations' chapter, was also very relevant to my group work. A major part of my group assignment relates to community relations. This chapter provided some very helpful information as to how to find out what community members are feeling and thinking, as well as how to include the public in decision making, therefore building a greater relationship with the community, and a feeling of 'ownership' over decisions made and as if the community is part of the organisation's 'club.'
The Readings made me think more about Public Relations practise;
Both the readings made me think about how much work goes into every PR strategic plan, and how the background work, such as research can really make a difference to the outcome of the plan.
The Readings related to the other readings I've done in previous weeks in that;
I think the 'Internal and Community Relations' chapter flowed on from the previous weeks readings, highlighting the main areas of importance for PR practitioners, Strategy, Research, Media Relations and Internal and Community Relations.
I also feel the Case studies continue to support my growing understanding of PR, and the role it plays within organisations.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Week 4 Reading
Public Relations: theory and practise, 'Media Relations' by Jane Johnston and Clara Zawawi
'Two Theories of Media Relations', By R. Stanton
'The Epistemic struggle for credibility: Rethinking media relations' By J. Motion and K. Weaver
I believe the Key Messages from this Week's readings were;
The key message of the the Johnston and Zawawi was to emphasis the dual relationship between PR and Journalism. Both of these industries support and provide each other with information. It also explained the importance of understanding how the media industry works, so you have the best opportunity to get your message to the target audience. The tools of a Media kit were explained which was helpful.
'Two Theories of Media Relations' emphasised the importance of the Media in reaching the stakeholders, and some of the theories relating to media relations.
The Motion and Weaver reading highlighted the fact that to promote an organisation's profile it will only successfully reach the stakeholders if the story includes some element of news or entertainment values.
The Key points in the readings could be applied to my group's work in that they;
The Motion and Weaver provided a case study of 'Greenpeace' which provided helpful inside for our my group assignment, as to how to get an organisation into the public sphere with the message you want to get to your audience.
The Readings made me think more about the Public Relations theory/practise;
The Johnston and Zawawi reading showed how a working relationship between PR and Journalism can be successful and how it is important to have an understanding of the tools of Media relations and knowledge of the hierarchy of Journalism.
The readings related to the other readings I've done in previous weeks;
I feel this week's readings led on from the previous weeks, in that Strategy, Research and Media Relations are all vital skills are PR practitioner must learn to be successful in the industry.
'Two Theories of Media Relations', By R. Stanton
'The Epistemic struggle for credibility: Rethinking media relations' By J. Motion and K. Weaver
I believe the Key Messages from this Week's readings were;
The key message of the the Johnston and Zawawi was to emphasis the dual relationship between PR and Journalism. Both of these industries support and provide each other with information. It also explained the importance of understanding how the media industry works, so you have the best opportunity to get your message to the target audience. The tools of a Media kit were explained which was helpful.
'Two Theories of Media Relations' emphasised the importance of the Media in reaching the stakeholders, and some of the theories relating to media relations.
The Motion and Weaver reading highlighted the fact that to promote an organisation's profile it will only successfully reach the stakeholders if the story includes some element of news or entertainment values.
The Key points in the readings could be applied to my group's work in that they;
The Motion and Weaver provided a case study of 'Greenpeace' which provided helpful inside for our my group assignment, as to how to get an organisation into the public sphere with the message you want to get to your audience.
The Readings made me think more about the Public Relations theory/practise;
The Johnston and Zawawi reading showed how a working relationship between PR and Journalism can be successful and how it is important to have an understanding of the tools of Media relations and knowledge of the hierarchy of Journalism.
The readings related to the other readings I've done in previous weeks;
I feel this week's readings led on from the previous weeks, in that Strategy, Research and Media Relations are all vital skills are PR practitioner must learn to be successful in the industry.
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