List of Exhibits xi
Preface xiii
Part 1 An Introduction to the Basics 1
1 What is Public Relations Writing? 3
What is Public Relations? 4
Types of Public Relations Writing 7
Communication and the Public Relations Writer 8
Persuasion and the Public Relations Writer 10
Note 11
References and Suggested Reading 11
2 Basics of Public Relations Writing 13
Grammar 13
Spelling 18
Punctuation 18
Sentence Structure 19
Word Usage 20
Simplicity 20
Style 21
Diversity, Bias, and Cultural Sensitivity 24
Legal Issues 25
Puffing 25
Corporate vs. Commercial Speech 26
Copyrights 26
Trademarks 28
Privacy 28
Defamation 28
Ethical Issues 29
Rewriting and Proofreading 35
Assignments 36
References and Suggested Reading 39
3 The Public Relations Process 40
The Four Phases 40
Research 40
Planning 41
Target Publics 41
Goals and Objectives 41
Strategies and Tactics 42
Budget 42
Timetable 43
Execution 43
Evaluation 43
Assignments 47
References and Suggested Reading 51
Part 2 Research 53
4 Research 55
Secondary Research 55
Primary Research 58
Interviews 59
Before the Interview 59
Conducting the Interview 60
After the Interview 61
E-mail Interviews 61
Advantages 61
Disadvantages 61
Focus Groups 62
Surveys 63
Content Analysis 65
Additional Primary Research 66
Assignments 69
References and Suggested Reading 72
Part 3 Planning 73
5 Planning and Message Design 75
Developing the Message 75
The Planning Outline 80
Type of Project 80
Situation 80
Objectives 80
Target Public(s) 80
WIN Analysis of Key Public(s) 81
Specific Appeal(s) to be Used 81
Core Message 81
CommunicationChannel 81
Evaluation Methods 82
Assignments 83
Note 87
References and Suggested Reading 87
Part 4 Execution 89
6 News Releases 91
Types of News Release 91
Components 92
Body of the Release 93
Leads 94
Localizing 97
Formats 99
Broadcast Print Releases 99
Radio News Releases 105
Video News Releases 106
Social Media Releases 107
Timing 110
Distribution 111
Assignments 112
References and Suggested Reading 116
7 Other Media Formats 117
Media Alerts 117
Media Pitches 123
Public Relations Photos 125
Assignments 128
References and Suggested Reading 131
8 Backgrounders and Features 132
Background Materials 132
Fact Sheets 133
Backgrounders 136
Biographical Sketches 136
Features 139
Types of Feature 140
Writing the Feature 141
By-lined Articles 141
Case Studies 144
Matte Releases 144
Assignments 148
References and Suggested Reading 151
9 Web Sites and Social Media 152
Web Sites 152
Writing for the Web 153
Conceiving and Designing the Web Site 154
Multimedia 156
Online Media Rooms 157
Blogs 157
Components 159
Ethical Considerations 159
Promoting Your Online Presence 162
Intranets 162
Wikis 163
Assignments 163
References and Suggested Reading 167
10 Business Correspondence 168
Memoranda 168
Letters 170
E-mail 175
Voice Mail 177
Assignments 178
References and Suggested Reading 182
11 Reports and Proposals 183
Reports 183
Research Reports 183
Annual Reports 184
Proposals 185
New Business Proposal 188
Request for Proposals 188
Grant Proposals 189
Assignments 190
References and Suggested Reading 194
12 Advocacy Writing 195
Letters to the Editor 195
Op-ed Articles 196
Position Statements 198
Talking Points and Speeches 200
Public Service Announcements 202
Public Relations Advertising 203
Assignments 206
References and Suggested Reading 210
13 Promotional Publications 211
Newsletters 211
Newsletter Goals, Publics, and Strategy 211
Developing the Newsletter and its Content 213
Writing Newsletter Articles 215
Other Newsletter Considerations 216
Magazines 219
E-zines 219
Brochures 221
Brochure Format, Content, and Writing 221
Fliers and Posters 226
Assignments 227
References and Suggested Reading 231
Part 5 Evaluation 233
14 Evaluation 235
The Components of Public Relations Measurement 235
Awareness 236
Media Coverage 236
Internet Statistics 237
Readership Surveys 238
Acceptance 238
Action 239
References and Suggested Reading 239
Appendix A Planning Outline 241
Appendix B Checklists 242
Appendix C Special Events 276
Index 287