For over a decade we’ve been taught the conventional styles of writing, from kindergarten through high school. Learning all about nouns (remember those; a person, place or thing), verbs, and adjectives to more complex functions of grammar such as pronouns, conjunctions, and fragment sentences. Over the years we (perhaps it’s not we but rather I, the jury’s still out on that one) have become accustom to certain writing styles. I feel as though I’ve been familiarized with every writing technique there is except for Media Writing. How on earth is it possible that every course/teacher I’ve had over the years omits such a writing style from the curriculum? As mentioned earlier, perhaps I am the only one suffering from media writing ignorance. Media writing is a complex and ever changing function of Public Relations. Allow me to take you on the journey through the world of media writing or, the two weeks of experience I do have should do!
There’s been constant emphasis on choosing an audience: knowing their demographics; what do they do; why are they interested. Persuading that audience, thinking in terms of relationship building not selling, all the while you’re to maintain a casual professional tone. Wait we’re not done yet, make it easy for the reader; use bullets, sub headings, make it esthetically appealing. What ever happened to choosing a position and defending it? I would like to believe that I am not alone and this fascinating world of public relations is as intimidating to others as it is to me. Sometimes I think it is only I, just today a friend of mine who by the way is in the same program and I were reading a blog and she makes a comment that it is redundant. There I am thinking to myself, are my writings redundant? Either way it’s simply another practice in writing that I am left to consider.
Blogging (which by the way isn’t even listed as a word, I’m either not alone or have an outdated version of MS Word) is in a league of it’s own. As far as I was concerned a blog was a form of expression, a freelance writing mechanism. It’s safe to say that I have been completely misled because almost five hours later I am almost concluding my first ever, attempt at a blog.
Although I am only two weeks into my Bachelor Degree of Public Relations and as discouraged as I may be, I am more intrigued than ever. So I ask you to please handle me with care and be gentle as writing was never my strong suit.
Until my next blog,
a PR hopeful
