This week's reading made me think more about PR theory and practice in that the article highlighted the importance of high quality writing skills.
This semester, we have already learnt how important press/media releases are when covering an event or story. Therefore it would make sense that in order to provide a journalist with a worthwhile story, the quality of writing needs to meet a high expectation level.
I believe writing can become confusing at times when practitioners are writing for different types of media. For example, Wise mentions writing for the web is a different style of writing to, say, newspaper writing. If you become used to writing in a particular way for a particular form of media, I understand how the transition of writing could be slightly confusing and take a bit of adjustment. However this would also come with experience. Entry-level practitioners not only have to write high quality, accurate material, they are adjusting to whole industry. This, understandably, would take some time. Whereas a practitioner with 10 years experience could make the transition between web writing and newspaper/magazine writing without a problem.
I think the key point to remember from this weeks reading is understanding just how important quality writing skills are. Although technology these days is such that we have spell check and grammar checks available within programs to check for errors, I think students need to be able to write as if those technological advances were not available. As practitioners, we may not always be sitting behind a computer with a little bit of time to type something and have it checked. We may instead be out at a conference and having to take notes/write within a short time frame. I think writing skills are becoming underrated, and like Wise says in his article "And for the vast majority of graduates, the possession of quality writing skills is key to the beginning of their public relations journey" (p. 41).
I have commented on http://www.cmns1290nathanswan.blogspot.com
References
Wise, K., Public Relations Quarterly; Summer 2005; 50, 2; ABI/INFORM Global. pg. 37
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5 comments:
I agree with what you said about students needing to have good writing skills. Spelling and grammar is an essential skill, not just in PR but in all areas of Communications. Being able to write a coherent sentence is an important life skill which a lot of people overlook these days because of technological advances like spell check on computers. But you are right, we won't always have access to computers when we're at conferences etc and people need to be able to decipher your notes. You explained the reading simply (which is good because aren't some of these readings long-winded and boring?). A+
I found the point about writing for different types of media from this weeks readings interesting aswell, as it made me think differently about PR practice. This as because I did not realise there would be that much difference between writing a media release for a newspaper in comparison to information for websites. I also found it important to remember that Wise stated that when writing for the web, you need to be more concise and use a conversational tone.
The point you raised about technology hindering PR graduate's writing skills was exceptional! I totally agree that we should be able to write as if we didn't have access to computers. The example you provided about writing in media conferences was also helpful. Great ideas within this blog Kel!
Hey Kellie,
Your thoughts on the readings this week were similar to mine. the text emphasised the importance of good writing skills, i particularly found your point that "students need to be able to write as if those technological advances (spell check) were not available" very interesting. I believe that society (not to pick on students) has come to rely on these technological advances - and that to maximise our success in the field of PR we should develop our ability to write well with out these new luxury's.
Cheers
Felicity
Hi kellie,
Good blogging, i agree with you about how you must have exceptional skills in writing when you are in P.R. which scares me because im a terrible speller. It would make you look like a professional and smart practitioner if your media release was correct and well written.
abby
The point to remember is that the spelling and grammar checker on Microsoft Word is not always going to get it right. We do need to review our work as we don't always get it right the first time. It's part of your practice and should be incorporated in all of your normal practice. My other point is that good writing skills also depend on a logical thought process; something that is overlooked at times.
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