Dear Austin,
I know public relations may seem trivial compared to your “Writing Intensive English major,” but PR has importance to everyday life. PR is essentially about helping organizations better relate to their public and in doing so putting the organization in the best light. For example, PR helps corporations like Apple deal with problems, like when people’s lab tops do not operate up to par. However, a good PR group can be proactive about issues so that damage control will not be as bad. Apple has been proactive attempting gain approval of the public because the PC companies dominate the market. Practicing good PR can lead to numerous benefits even in a huge crisis. Tylenol improved its image after disaster struck and their medicine was poisoned back the 1980s. They took all their medicine off the shelves and repackaged everything so it could not be tampered with as easily. People trusted more in the Tylenol brand and as result people were grateful for what they did to protect the public.
PR can really help an organization understand their strengths and weaknesses. An organization can realize what it needs to improve and what it needs to change through focus groups and other forms of research done by a PR firms. This research determines the public opinion of the organization, which if need be can be improved through good PR. For example, the National Hockey League does not get huge ratings in America. So, all your favorite NHL teams have PR representatives attempting to find ways to make hockey more relevant to Americans. They work within the organization to improve the public opinion of the sport and put it in the best possible light.
The important aspect to remember is that PR people do not "spin" issues, they put them in the best perspective possible. That may sound like spinning PR itself, but it really is not. There are regulations to follow; people within PR follow a code of ethics proposed by the Public Relations Society of America. The code requires everyone to work towards standards of being honest, loyal and fair. Although no one enforces these restrictions, the threat of losing your job and your reputation within PR is enough to keep anyone in line. Either way, PR is a rewarding field of work, encompassing many different forms of communication and can help any type of organization prosper.
Warm Regards,
-Novak
Thursday, September 4, 2008
The Pros of PR
If you really think about it, whether someone is going into the Public Relations industry or not, everyone is constantly using the fundamentals of PR in their lives on a daily basis. We communicate and interact with the elements of our surroundings everyday. We strive to protect our own image and take on immediate damage control if a crisis should occur throughout our day. We network everyday. We build connections off of people we know. We convey messages and give/receive pieces of information everyday. We create verbal news releases all the time. And this is all often done subconsciously. We may not think about it, but we utilize PR every single day. Without PR, we would lack the foundation of what keeps us going. Life would lack interest and creativity. So PR should not be seen as a negative, but rather as a positive concept. And it never stops. :)
Payal
Payal
Public Relations' Bad Rep
Caitlin,
You clearly do not understand what public relations is all about. Over the years it has earned a bad reputation through a few bad apples. But let me tell you what it means to me. PR is a means to communicate ideas, thoughts and expressions from a person or group to a larger group. In some cases, a PR representative must clarify or explain to the public what a company (or individual) did, that on the surface, looks worse than it is. A PR representative's job is to get the truth across to the public. It is easier to believe the bad things than the good. Especially when it comes to public figures, people feel the need to believe these bad things, and they feel the need to spread their opinions on others. This is why public relations is necessary.
I hope this helps you understand a little more about PR, and I hope this will change your mind about PR representatives do.
Best,
Libby
You clearly do not understand what public relations is all about. Over the years it has earned a bad reputation through a few bad apples. But let me tell you what it means to me. PR is a means to communicate ideas, thoughts and expressions from a person or group to a larger group. In some cases, a PR representative must clarify or explain to the public what a company (or individual) did, that on the surface, looks worse than it is. A PR representative's job is to get the truth across to the public. It is easier to believe the bad things than the good. Especially when it comes to public figures, people feel the need to believe these bad things, and they feel the need to spread their opinions on others. This is why public relations is necessary.
I hope this helps you understand a little more about PR, and I hope this will change your mind about PR representatives do.
Best,
Libby
Public Relations in not what you think
Hello Auntie M,
It's great to have finally heard from you. It has been quite some time since we sat down and chatted. However, you being about ten states away does not help the cause. Anyway, you have been inquiring about my future and I have heard through my mother that you do not think that Public Relations is a respectable field of work. I am attempting not to be offended since, having known me since birth, you can attest to my genuine concern for others and goal to enhance the world in any way.
However, since you do not seem convinced, let me explain a little more about Public Relations and what exactly practitioners take part in. I would also like to sidenote that i have been interning at PR firm for the past couple of months and therefore have gained a bit of credibility for this protest.
The ultimate goal of public relations is to communicate; communicate internally with others in the office or externally with the public or the media. Regardless of how simple that may read right now, there are many outlets that PR practitioners can use in order to get the message across. There are also many techniques. Now here is where your view of "spin doctors" comes into play. Although I must admit that some PR practitioners go about attaining their goals of communication in not so ethical ways, I can assure that this is rare and not at all something taught in the classroom. In fact, each class and textbook that I have encountered here at Marquette has told me exactly the opposite. I have been told over and over that there are certain ethics that must be followed in PR just like in all professions and day to day choices for that matter.
However I do not wish to preach and will make this last point brief. The vague area in which PR practioners usually get a bad wrap is when dealing with the media. Now, the media do not have a pristine throne either but once again, that is a common misconception. A PR practioner when pitching to the media must above all exert honesty. There is nothing more important than making sure that the information relayed to the public through the media is true. Since the reality is that if the information is not true then eventually the public will find out and cause many more problems for the praticioner than expected. Therefore, practitioners take care that the answers to the questions asked are honest. If a practioner does not have the knowledge necessary to answer a media question than a practioner refers to another source who can be more helpful. There is not spinning, lying or half-truthing here.
Alright, that is all for now. I do hope that i have at least changed your mind a bit about public relations and will continue to do so. love you.
A
It's great to have finally heard from you. It has been quite some time since we sat down and chatted. However, you being about ten states away does not help the cause. Anyway, you have been inquiring about my future and I have heard through my mother that you do not think that Public Relations is a respectable field of work. I am attempting not to be offended since, having known me since birth, you can attest to my genuine concern for others and goal to enhance the world in any way.
However, since you do not seem convinced, let me explain a little more about Public Relations and what exactly practitioners take part in. I would also like to sidenote that i have been interning at PR firm for the past couple of months and therefore have gained a bit of credibility for this protest.
The ultimate goal of public relations is to communicate; communicate internally with others in the office or externally with the public or the media. Regardless of how simple that may read right now, there are many outlets that PR practitioners can use in order to get the message across. There are also many techniques. Now here is where your view of "spin doctors" comes into play. Although I must admit that some PR practitioners go about attaining their goals of communication in not so ethical ways, I can assure that this is rare and not at all something taught in the classroom. In fact, each class and textbook that I have encountered here at Marquette has told me exactly the opposite. I have been told over and over that there are certain ethics that must be followed in PR just like in all professions and day to day choices for that matter.
However I do not wish to preach and will make this last point brief. The vague area in which PR practioners usually get a bad wrap is when dealing with the media. Now, the media do not have a pristine throne either but once again, that is a common misconception. A PR practioner when pitching to the media must above all exert honesty. There is nothing more important than making sure that the information relayed to the public through the media is true. Since the reality is that if the information is not true then eventually the public will find out and cause many more problems for the praticioner than expected. Therefore, practitioners take care that the answers to the questions asked are honest. If a practioner does not have the knowledge necessary to answer a media question than a practioner refers to another source who can be more helpful. There is not spinning, lying or half-truthing here.
Alright, that is all for now. I do hope that i have at least changed your mind a bit about public relations and will continue to do so. love you.
A
Letter to a Friend
Sarah,
I am well aware of your disappointment in my choice of education, but I would like you to know that the profession I have chosen to take is an extremely good one. There have been many times that you have tried to dissuade me into not studying public relations because of your belief that all people in PR are just a bunch of liars and scumbags. However, while continuing my education in PR I have been able to see for myself that this field is not as bad as you make it seem. Public relations are actually a necessity to any company or organization and it helps in many positive ways.
There are many ways of defining just what public relations is. A simple definition may be that public relations is just the way to associate goodwill toward an individual, cause, or company. However, I believe that the most important aspect of that definition is how exactly public relations is able to do just that. Public relations practitioners are able to generate goodwill by understanding the organization and its publics. They build a bridge between the public and the organization; a bridge that enables the flow between ideas and opinions.
It is this act of finding an understanding in the public that allows the field of public relations to be positive to any organization. It is also because of this that I have decided to continue in the field of PR.
Thanks,
Cristal
I am well aware of your disappointment in my choice of education, but I would like you to know that the profession I have chosen to take is an extremely good one. There have been many times that you have tried to dissuade me into not studying public relations because of your belief that all people in PR are just a bunch of liars and scumbags. However, while continuing my education in PR I have been able to see for myself that this field is not as bad as you make it seem. Public relations are actually a necessity to any company or organization and it helps in many positive ways.
There are many ways of defining just what public relations is. A simple definition may be that public relations is just the way to associate goodwill toward an individual, cause, or company. However, I believe that the most important aspect of that definition is how exactly public relations is able to do just that. Public relations practitioners are able to generate goodwill by understanding the organization and its publics. They build a bridge between the public and the organization; a bridge that enables the flow between ideas and opinions.
It is this act of finding an understanding in the public that allows the field of public relations to be positive to any organization. It is also because of this that I have decided to continue in the field of PR.
Thanks,
Cristal
Working in Public Relations
Dear Mom,
I know you have been wondering lately, “What, exactly, are you majoring in?” You understand that the major is called public relations, but you are still kind of confused about the details. Please let me explain:
You are putting your money into a degree that will one day allow me to be the spokeswoman for clients from a wide range of industries. I will be the person in charge of conveying a message to the public that is representative of my client’s interests.
These messages can have varied forms. One day I could be writing a press release announcing the launching of a new product for a Fortune 500 company and the next day, I could be in front of reporters, releasing information about the hiring of a new CEO.
But the ultimate, for me, would be representing well-known personalities or clients, and assisting them with their publicity, one of the many fields of public relations.
Talk to you soon!
Why I Chose PR
Dear Friend,
I am very eager to be entering into the field of public relations; however, it troubles me that you do not fully understand my reasons for doing so!
I hear you think my career choice is one that can be cunning and manipulative, but this really isn’t the case. Actually, PR is legitimate because it places exposure in credible third-party outlets. Also, did you know that without public relations, there would be no beneficial relationships between businesses and the public, no mutual understanding between organizations, a lack of rapport among groups of employees...? And that's just to name a few.
I am not sure if you realize all that PR entails. I will share a short story that may give you a different perspective. After experiencing my first PR internship this summer, I can say with confidence that public relations is essential to the development of not only organizations, but our community in general. One of my clients at my internship is Milwaukee Irish Fest. Last month, I was assigned to help line up media for Irish bands. On the first day of the festival, I was on the grounds by 4 a.m., ready to welcome news crews and talent for the early morning live shots. Many watch spots like these on TV every day and do not realize the effort it takes on our side to make it happen!
Thanks for listening.
Jenna
I am very eager to be entering into the field of public relations; however, it troubles me that you do not fully understand my reasons for doing so!
I hear you think my career choice is one that can be cunning and manipulative, but this really isn’t the case. Actually, PR is legitimate because it places exposure in credible third-party outlets. Also, did you know that without public relations, there would be no beneficial relationships between businesses and the public, no mutual understanding between organizations, a lack of rapport among groups of employees...? And that's just to name a few.
I am not sure if you realize all that PR entails. I will share a short story that may give you a different perspective. After experiencing my first PR internship this summer, I can say with confidence that public relations is essential to the development of not only organizations, but our community in general. One of my clients at my internship is Milwaukee Irish Fest. Last month, I was assigned to help line up media for Irish bands. On the first day of the festival, I was on the grounds by 4 a.m., ready to welcome news crews and talent for the early morning live shots. Many watch spots like these on TV every day and do not realize the effort it takes on our side to make it happen!
Thanks for listening.
Jenna
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
PR's purpose... more than what meets the eye
Dear Dad,
I know you don't fully understand why I have chosen to pursue the study of public relations, so I will try my best to clear up any misunderstandings here. Public relations is much more than the twisting of news stories and working with the media. It goes so far beyond that.
PR is a strategic management function. In your business you have long-term and short-term goals, which include expanding the knowledge of what you do and gaining new clients and pieces of business. PR can help you accomplish those objectives in several ways.
First, PR practitioners can help you to evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats your business faces while trying to accomplish its goals. By identifying these key pieces, you will be better able to understand what can be done to highlight strengths, decrease weaknesses, work with your opportunities, and neutralize threats, making your overall company and its goals more sound and feasible.
PR can also aid in the implementation phase. Through working with the media to place creative stories about your business, readers and potential clients will be able to see your company in a new light, ideally bringing new business to your company.
Branding is also another aspect of PR. Through complete and cohesive branding, including uniform letterhead, business cards, presentation materials, and a website, your company can present itself as a united and coherent company with clearly laid out goals and objectives.
PR is much more than you initially thought, and can do so much for your or any company. The variety of the nature of PR is what has drawn me to it, and now I know you can see what PR is and how it can have a positive and imperative impact on any company.
~Kate
Public Relations is important too!
Dear Friend,
I know you, like all of our friends, are confused to exactly what it is I plan on doing with my life. Sometimes I get a little jealous when I think of how easy your careers are to explain. I'm sure you've never had your grandmother ask you exactly what a nurse does. Whereas my grandmother has asked me multiple times "now Hayley, tell me again what it is that a PR practitioner does?"
I am just writing this letter to explain that I am doing something worth worthy with my life, and that public relations is important to our society. No, I am not going into the health professions, or becoming a lawyer, but the work I plan on doing will still make an impact. The public relations department of a company is often viewed as the conscious of the company. Simply put, public relations protects and defends the good name of a company. The role of public relations is to manage the flow of information between the organization and its publics. Public relations makes sure that both the people within the organization, and its publics remain satisfied. This would be nearly impossible without the role of public relations. The work I would do as a public relations practitioner would even affect you as a nurse. Hospitals have their own public relations departments too! If there would be an issue in the hospital you work in, instead of chaos erupting, the public relations department would take care of the issue before it even became an issue.
So even in a field like the health professions, public relations is important. I know you still maybe do not understand. But I just want you to know that public relations is important too! Even though I may not directly be saving lives, the work of a public relations practitioner is still very important to society. Thank you for understanding and appreciating what I do!
Sincerely,
Hayley
I know you, like all of our friends, are confused to exactly what it is I plan on doing with my life. Sometimes I get a little jealous when I think of how easy your careers are to explain. I'm sure you've never had your grandmother ask you exactly what a nurse does. Whereas my grandmother has asked me multiple times "now Hayley, tell me again what it is that a PR practitioner does?"
I am just writing this letter to explain that I am doing something worth worthy with my life, and that public relations is important to our society. No, I am not going into the health professions, or becoming a lawyer, but the work I plan on doing will still make an impact. The public relations department of a company is often viewed as the conscious of the company. Simply put, public relations protects and defends the good name of a company. The role of public relations is to manage the flow of information between the organization and its publics. Public relations makes sure that both the people within the organization, and its publics remain satisfied. This would be nearly impossible without the role of public relations. The work I would do as a public relations practitioner would even affect you as a nurse. Hospitals have their own public relations departments too! If there would be an issue in the hospital you work in, instead of chaos erupting, the public relations department would take care of the issue before it even became an issue.
So even in a field like the health professions, public relations is important. I know you still maybe do not understand. But I just want you to know that public relations is important too! Even though I may not directly be saving lives, the work of a public relations practitioner is still very important to society. Thank you for understanding and appreciating what I do!
Sincerely,
Hayley
PR is not the enemy
Dear Aunt Mae,
It has been brought to my attention that you have been misled about the goals and means of Public Relations. Seeing as though I am going into a career in this field, I thought I could clarify some points so it doesn't seem as if your niece is turning to the dark side for a job.
Public Relations is actually a very complex and compelling career, with many different responsibilities. One key component of PR is communication. This communication is two-way: sending messages, news, announcements, releases, and such to the public to keep them informed and updated on a company's progress and projects. It is also just as important for messages and reactions from the public to be brought back to the company, so they can understand how they are being perceived and interpreted by the community. This feedback is usually collected through research and surveys, collecting information from the public and bringing it back to the company so they can learn what they are doing right/wrong and make adjustments if needed.
Another way to communicate to the public is by creating venues such as brochures, pamphlets, publications, and news releases to aide in communicating from a company to the public.
Another responsibility is crisis control for a company, if something bad were to happen. PR professionals are brought into a company both to create a plan of action for the crisis, as well as create plans for a company to avoid crisis in the future.
In addition, PR professionals also launch new products or services that a company is coming out with. Again, a marketing plan is drawn up by a PR professional to bring attention to the launch.
So as you can see, Public Relations professionals have a genuine concern for a company, as well as the public, when performing his/her job. It is not a career based on deception and cunning plans, but on promoting a relationship between a company and the public.
Dear Friend,
I understand your concern as I enter into the PR field. It is often an industry shown in a maniacal manner with manipulative agents who twist the truth and falsely portray their clients so as to deceive "gullible" public. I promise you that as a young practitioner entering into this broad domain of Public Relations, it is an entirely respectable field full of honest and hard working individuals who only want the best for their clients and want to help enhance the reputation and service of the businesses they work for.
The latter form of PR that I mentioned is the real type of Public Relations and a workforce that I am excited to join. It is a career that involves seeing the positive in every situation and helping the rest of the world see that as well.
I know when there is something that has a lot of negatives surrounding it, it can be hard to see that there is in actuality a good side. There is a bad side to just about everything and it is up to the good practitioners of Public Relations to show the rest of the world how important their job is. PR is about good communication and having the right set of morals, and while I know sometimes it may be a challenge deciding what the ethical course to take, I know that I was raised well and my education in PR at Marquette has emphasized ethical ways to practice PR and I am ready to move forward in this as a career.
Sincerely,
Sarah
P.S. For more information on the positives of Public Relations, check out the PRSA. They are an organization for PR practitioners and it's members are committed to ethical PR practices.
What Public Relations is about
Mom and Dad,
Although you support my second major, Public Relations, I though it would be important to explain to you what it is. People who work in public relations generally have one key role- to control the flow of information between an organization and its public(s).
Now, some may say that this can be interpreted as "spinning" or telling only part truths. However, good PR professionals are always honest and open with their publics, and never lie. They also never make assumptions.
For example, PR practitioners who are spokespeople are asked a lot of questions at press conferences. If there is a question asked that they do not know the answer to, they would never make something up. Instead, they would say that they will let the public know when they have more information, or that they will get the information.
I recommend that you talk to me if you have other questions. Thanks!
-Ashley
Although you support my second major, Public Relations, I though it would be important to explain to you what it is. People who work in public relations generally have one key role- to control the flow of information between an organization and its public(s).
Now, some may say that this can be interpreted as "spinning" or telling only part truths. However, good PR professionals are always honest and open with their publics, and never lie. They also never make assumptions.
For example, PR practitioners who are spokespeople are asked a lot of questions at press conferences. If there is a question asked that they do not know the answer to, they would never make something up. Instead, they would say that they will let the public know when they have more information, or that they will get the information.
I recommend that you talk to me if you have other questions. Thanks!
-Ashley
Information, Not Manipulation
Dear Tim,
I know you think my decision to study public relations is a waste of my time and of our parents' money. You think it's not as practical as your study of engineering and math. You think that all practitioners do is spin the truth to put their clients in a good light and that there is no real value to public relations. Well, you're wrong.
As a public relations practitioner, my job will be to do more than take a bad story and make it sound good, or choose words that change the meaning of a message. My job will be to relay accurate and important information to the public about the companies or clients I represent.
Think about it this way: what if your beloved Pistons player Rip Hamilton is accused of something he didn't or put in to some sort of negative spotlight. Now let's say I do public relations for Pistons Basketball. Don't you think it would be important for me to get information out about correcting the false information and shining a good spotlight on Rip? Wouldn't you want to know the real truth? That's what I'm here for. I'm not manipulating information; I'm sharing what is accurate about whomever I may work for.
Have fun crunching numbers, and go Pistons,
Liz
What is PR
Dear Friend/Family,
I feel as though you do not completely understand what public relations practitioners do. Public relations practitioners are vital in keeping the public informed on what companies are doing. This relationship also creates a checks and balances relationship, much like in the three branches of our great government. Because companies know public relations practitioners are going to be informing the public about their companies, they are striving to really make a difference and run there companies in the best possible fashion. Without public relations practitioners, companies would be able to do whatever they pleased without the public ever finding out about it and things you use or rely on in your everyday life may not be anything like what you expect them to be. Companies would be able to cut costs and the expense of the reliability and durability of their products/services.
Why P.R. you may ask.
Dad,
I know you are confused as to why I chose to pursue a career in P.R. as opposed to a more traditional business career, like the one you chose. Well frankly Dad...accounting is boring. I wanted a career where I could challenge myself everyday. Numbers will always add up the same way, however, in p.r. there is always a new way to think about problems and campaigns. Pursuing a career in P.R. will allow me to think about all situations in new ways. In order to get noticed or get the story out you have to have an interesting angle or a new idea. I like that I will get to do something new everyday. I like the possibility of being able to go to work and work on a new project/s every day. I like that my job duties will not be explicitly laid out, that I will have some freedom to get the job done. All in all, to me p.r. is a career full of possibilities and variety. A chance for me to come up with creative solutions on a daily basis.
P.R. is also a career that is based upon my strengths. I am a good writer and speaker. I can easily relate to many different types of people. I am creative and innovative. A career in P.R. will allow me to shine
all in all, P.R. is a career where I think my talents and drives will be put to best use.
All the best,
Cara
I know you are confused as to why I chose to pursue a career in P.R. as opposed to a more traditional business career, like the one you chose. Well frankly Dad...accounting is boring. I wanted a career where I could challenge myself everyday. Numbers will always add up the same way, however, in p.r. there is always a new way to think about problems and campaigns. Pursuing a career in P.R. will allow me to think about all situations in new ways. In order to get noticed or get the story out you have to have an interesting angle or a new idea. I like that I will get to do something new everyday. I like the possibility of being able to go to work and work on a new project/s every day. I like that my job duties will not be explicitly laid out, that I will have some freedom to get the job done. All in all, to me p.r. is a career full of possibilities and variety. A chance for me to come up with creative solutions on a daily basis.
P.R. is also a career that is based upon my strengths. I am a good writer and speaker. I can easily relate to many different types of people. I am creative and innovative. A career in P.R. will allow me to shine
all in all, P.R. is a career where I think my talents and drives will be put to best use.
All the best,
Cara
PR is valuable!
Dear Charlie,
It is understandable that you disagree with my choice to pursue a career in Public Relations because it is so frequently misunderstood. I am sure the first thing that came to mind was an MTV reality show star’s work. However, that is far from what truly makes up the world of PR.
Public Relations is mostly about having experts handle situations with various impacted communities when issues arise. These issues could be positive, such as how to announce the Vice Presidential Candidate, or an issue could be a response to a very tragic event such as a plane crash.
Regardless of what a PR practitioner is responding to or announcing, it is certainly not all about party planning. Those types of events are a way to increase publicity and awareness, but for the person planning the event it is certainly not just fun and games, it is a serious process of planning and budgeting.
Sincerely,
Becky
Dear Friend,
Through the past three years you have expressed your concern about me pursuing a career in public relations. I am writing you this letter in hopes of clearing up any misconceptions you may have. Although many people look at public relations practitioners as those who "spin the truth," that is not entirely true. Yes, there are situations in which a practitioner must put a positive spin on an issue, but more importantly, the position is here to manage relations between a company and its' clients or publics. This is the type of position I would like to pursue. A public relations practitioner uses their communication skills to be a "middleman" between the two. They are responsible for making sure that a company or person keeps a strong, positive reputation to the public. At some points, they may need to do damage control which could potentially be looked at as spinning or presenting half truths to the public. I believe that it is all how you look at a situation. If you pursue a career intending to do good and make a positive change, then the job will have a positive affect. I hope that you can trust that this is what I will be able to do after I graduate with my degree in public relations.
Kathryn
Through the past three years you have expressed your concern about me pursuing a career in public relations. I am writing you this letter in hopes of clearing up any misconceptions you may have. Although many people look at public relations practitioners as those who "spin the truth," that is not entirely true. Yes, there are situations in which a practitioner must put a positive spin on an issue, but more importantly, the position is here to manage relations between a company and its' clients or publics. This is the type of position I would like to pursue. A public relations practitioner uses their communication skills to be a "middleman" between the two. They are responsible for making sure that a company or person keeps a strong, positive reputation to the public. At some points, they may need to do damage control which could potentially be looked at as spinning or presenting half truths to the public. I believe that it is all how you look at a situation. If you pursue a career intending to do good and make a positive change, then the job will have a positive affect. I hope that you can trust that this is what I will be able to do after I graduate with my degree in public relations.
Kathryn
Letter to a Friend
Dear Friend,
I would like to begin by letting you know how much I appreciate your concern for my decision to pursue the field of public relations. I understand that your intentions are sincere but I am also aware of the misconceptions that people can have about public relations.
Often times people assume that the role of public relations practitioners is to distort messages or spin information and then presents it to the public. Based on the knowledge and skills I have learned over the past three years at
It is difficult to describe public relations in one simple definition because of the many roles that or "faces" that it has. First and foremost, public relations is based on communication. Public relations practitioners use their ability to communicate with others as a way to build connections and establish relationships with the public; they work as mediators between their client and the public.
Although people can believe the myth that public relations practitioners are manipulators, it is important to understand the positive impact that PR practitioners can have on the success of organizations and individuals. It is their job to help enhance a company, service or individual’s reputation by presenting them in a positive light. For example, in times of crisis, public relations works as a type of damage control and helps organizations maintain a positive reputation and not suffer from negative media exposure.
It is also important to note the significant role that ethics plays amongst public relations practitioners. My education at
I hope I have cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about public relations and that you understand the passion I have for this field. Thanks again for informing me of your concern and please let me know if there is anything else I can clear up for you!
Your friend,
Amanda E
Letter to a Friend
Dear Friend,
I know that for the past two years I have attended Marquette you have been concerned with my plan in pursuing Public Relations. I am just beginning my third year in studying Public Relations and wanted to reassure you that Public Relations is both an honorable and very necessary profession, especially in this fast pace world we live in today. I know you have heard myths in the past about Public Relations, saying that how can Public Relations be a liable job if there is no set definition of what its practitioner. I also know that you think that Public Relations practitioners are manipulators who rely on spins to hype up their clients and get farther ahead. But myths are myths and I just wanted to better inform you about what Public Relations really is.
I know that the myths are easy to believe and that you have heard that Public Relations practictitioners jobs are simply to skew information and to faulsy represent their clients to the public to only show what the client wants the public to see. However, there is much more to this fast growing profession.
To me, Public Relations is a very energetic and vast way that people can help represent the image, goals, and products to the public. Public Relations is a way for company's, businesses, industries, and organizations to put what their work into the public eye in a way that they will both be favored and seen in a positive light. Public Relations works hard with companies to improve things such as image and goals, and help them often times get back on track after a crisis. This does not mean that Public Relations covers up or hides information from the public because of the crisis. This means that they publicly address the crisis and tell the public what they and the company plan to do to get back on their feet and into a more favorable light for their clients. Public Relations means representing and emphasizing to create a client- company relationship. Also, Public Relations isn't simply writing brochures it is event planning, organizing, and implementing. It is advertising and using the media all in one to help promote the good of their clients.
I feel that the most important part of Public relations is the relations that are created between the Public Relations practitioners to the clients to their publics. If Public Relations wasn't involved with helping companies and many other organizations improve their public images, then many of the events, fundraisers, and products that are sitting in your shelves today you may never have even found.
Though I could go on for ever about the numerous functions that Public Relations practitioners do, I hope that this somewhat gives you a better perspective of what I will be doing. I also hope that you can understand and support all of the great opportunities Public Relations can offer me.
Thanks for your understanding!
Kara Mullikin
I know that for the past two years I have attended Marquette you have been concerned with my plan in pursuing Public Relations. I am just beginning my third year in studying Public Relations and wanted to reassure you that Public Relations is both an honorable and very necessary profession, especially in this fast pace world we live in today. I know you have heard myths in the past about Public Relations, saying that how can Public Relations be a liable job if there is no set definition of what its practitioner. I also know that you think that Public Relations practitioners are manipulators who rely on spins to hype up their clients and get farther ahead. But myths are myths and I just wanted to better inform you about what Public Relations really is.
I know that the myths are easy to believe and that you have heard that Public Relations practictitioners jobs are simply to skew information and to faulsy represent their clients to the public to only show what the client wants the public to see. However, there is much more to this fast growing profession.
To me, Public Relations is a very energetic and vast way that people can help represent the image, goals, and products to the public. Public Relations is a way for company's, businesses, industries, and organizations to put what their work into the public eye in a way that they will both be favored and seen in a positive light. Public Relations works hard with companies to improve things such as image and goals, and help them often times get back on track after a crisis. This does not mean that Public Relations covers up or hides information from the public because of the crisis. This means that they publicly address the crisis and tell the public what they and the company plan to do to get back on their feet and into a more favorable light for their clients. Public Relations means representing and emphasizing to create a client- company relationship. Also, Public Relations isn't simply writing brochures it is event planning, organizing, and implementing. It is advertising and using the media all in one to help promote the good of their clients.
I feel that the most important part of Public relations is the relations that are created between the Public Relations practitioners to the clients to their publics. If Public Relations wasn't involved with helping companies and many other organizations improve their public images, then many of the events, fundraisers, and products that are sitting in your shelves today you may never have even found.
Though I could go on for ever about the numerous functions that Public Relations practitioners do, I hope that this somewhat gives you a better perspective of what I will be doing. I also hope that you can understand and support all of the great opportunities Public Relations can offer me.
Thanks for your understanding!
Kara Mullikin
Letter to a Friend
Dear Friend,
I know that you are concerned that I plan on pursuing a career in Public Relations, but I would like to assure you that I believe this is an honorable and excellent profession for me to enter. There are too many myths about what a PR professional is and I believe this is where you’re getting your skewed perception of what a Public Relations really is.
Many people believe that the job of a Public Relations specialist is to spin stories and manipulate people. However, there is much more to this growing industry. Public Relations includes activities and policies used to create public interest in a particular person, idea, product, institution, or business establishment. These Public Relations professionals work to present their product, client, or company in a positive and favorable light. This simply means that the PR representative is emphasizing the good of their client. In order to create this stellar image of the client, PR professionals use a mixture of media, advertising, and promotion. This combination gets their clients name out to the public.
Another important part of public relations is creating a favorable relationship between the product and the public. The public is the target audience for many PR professionals. This means the intention of Public Relations is to inform and persuade.
I hope that I have cleared up some of the negative opinions you may have of Public Relations. Please understand that there are many positive aspects of the industry as well. I would really appreciate your support in all my future decisions.
Thank you,
Christine
Letter to a Friend
Dear Friend,
I understand that you have concerns about me entering the public relations field but I assure you this is the right choice for me. Public relations practitioner is more than just putting out hypes and half truths about clients. A public relations practitioner is there to help a company when it is in trouble, tell the public about new events and products they have, and so much more.
Public relations is such an interesting field. There are so many different things you can do such as writing news releases, helping plan events, or writing scripts for television and radio. Public relations works with for profit as well as non profit clients, the possibilities are endless.
I hope that this short letter has helped you see that public relations is not all about fluff but instead is there for the betterment of the company and public. I think this is the right choice for me and if you have any other concerns, please let be know.
Your Friend,
Mary
I understand that you have concerns about me entering the public relations field but I assure you this is the right choice for me. Public relations practitioner is more than just putting out hypes and half truths about clients. A public relations practitioner is there to help a company when it is in trouble, tell the public about new events and products they have, and so much more.
Public relations is such an interesting field. There are so many different things you can do such as writing news releases, helping plan events, or writing scripts for television and radio. Public relations works with for profit as well as non profit clients, the possibilities are endless.
I hope that this short letter has helped you see that public relations is not all about fluff but instead is there for the betterment of the company and public. I think this is the right choice for me and if you have any other concerns, please let be know.
Your Friend,
Mary
Letter to Friend...
Dear Friend,
I sincerely appreciate your concern in my future profession but there is no need for you to worry. For the past three years I have studied PR and have fallen in love with it. Never once have I come across public relations practitioners as manipulators who rely on spins, half truths or hypes on behalf of their clients. On the other hand, I learned that PR is a way of communicating what you are to the public through different activities and press coverage that help develop the goodwill of the company.
As you know, I am a very passionate person and any job that I take on in the future I will invest nothing but positive energy to it and put the organization in the best possible light. This is a great skill for PR practioners to have and I love that I can use my skills of every day life in my future profession. I love showing the good in people or any organization that I work for if I genuinely believe they are working for the better of others. I would never work for an organization unless I knew they felt the same as me in this aspect.
I hope that you can see my drive for this profession and that you have confidence in my abilities that I will succeed. Thank you and I can't wait to get together after graduation for lunch some day.
Sincerely,
Lauren
I sincerely appreciate your concern in my future profession but there is no need for you to worry. For the past three years I have studied PR and have fallen in love with it. Never once have I come across public relations practitioners as manipulators who rely on spins, half truths or hypes on behalf of their clients. On the other hand, I learned that PR is a way of communicating what you are to the public through different activities and press coverage that help develop the goodwill of the company.
As you know, I am a very passionate person and any job that I take on in the future I will invest nothing but positive energy to it and put the organization in the best possible light. This is a great skill for PR practioners to have and I love that I can use my skills of every day life in my future profession. I love showing the good in people or any organization that I work for if I genuinely believe they are working for the better of others. I would never work for an organization unless I knew they felt the same as me in this aspect.
I hope that you can see my drive for this profession and that you have confidence in my abilities that I will succeed. Thank you and I can't wait to get together after graduation for lunch some day.
Sincerely,
Lauren
Letter to a Friend
Dear Friend,
I appreciate your concern about my choice to pursue a career in Public Relations, but I esure you that it is the right occupation for me. Comming into Marquette University I knew from the start I wanted to pursue a career in PR. After taking PR courses over the past 2 years I am still confident that PR is what I want to spend the rest of my life practicing.
I understand that you are worried with my decision because you are unclear about what exactly a PR professional does and feel as if all PR professionals are "spin doctors," but this generalization is completely false. Without the work of PR many businesses would be portrayed in poor light, and not have a positive relationship with the public. Public Relations is responsible for keeping you happy with the companies you do business with.
I believe that PR is the right profession for me because of the many "faces" it has. It is hard explain the PR profession cut and dry because there are so many different jobs a PR professional does. This is perfect for me. Instead of simply doing the same task at my job day in and day out, in PR I will never know what the day will hold. Some days may be filled with alot of writing, and other days it might be necessary to meet with my clients to put together a PR plan.
I hope after hearing me out you will be able support my choice to pursue a career in Public Relations. If you still have further concerns with my decisions and want a more indepth look into the profession please visit the link to the Public Relations Society of America at www.prsa.org.
Your Friend,
Meghan
I appreciate your concern about my choice to pursue a career in Public Relations, but I esure you that it is the right occupation for me. Comming into Marquette University I knew from the start I wanted to pursue a career in PR. After taking PR courses over the past 2 years I am still confident that PR is what I want to spend the rest of my life practicing.
I understand that you are worried with my decision because you are unclear about what exactly a PR professional does and feel as if all PR professionals are "spin doctors," but this generalization is completely false. Without the work of PR many businesses would be portrayed in poor light, and not have a positive relationship with the public. Public Relations is responsible for keeping you happy with the companies you do business with.
I believe that PR is the right profession for me because of the many "faces" it has. It is hard explain the PR profession cut and dry because there are so many different jobs a PR professional does. This is perfect for me. Instead of simply doing the same task at my job day in and day out, in PR I will never know what the day will hold. Some days may be filled with alot of writing, and other days it might be necessary to meet with my clients to put together a PR plan.
I hope after hearing me out you will be able support my choice to pursue a career in Public Relations. If you still have further concerns with my decisions and want a more indepth look into the profession please visit the link to the Public Relations Society of America at www.prsa.org.
Your Friend,
Meghan
Explaining PR
Dear Friend,
I realize that you are concerned that I am entering the field of public relations. Like many others, you think that public relations practitioners rely on manipulation, spin, and hype. However, I assure you that public relations works to encourage goodwill, build positive relationships, and enhance image.
Public relations is centered primarily on communication. A public relations practitioner is responsible for communicating a message from an organization to various publics. In order to deliver this message, a public relations practitioner uses various tools, such as news releases, public service announcements, and advertising. Regardless of the tool used, in almost all of a public relations practitioner’s work, the intention is to persuade or inform.
Contrary to many people’s belief, public relations practitioners do good, especially in nonprofit sector. Eventually, I hope to work as a public relations practitioner for a nonprofit or nongovernmental organization. In that way, I will be a positive asset to society and also work to reverse negative perceptions of public relations.
Fondly,
Katie
I realize that you are concerned that I am entering the field of public relations. Like many others, you think that public relations practitioners rely on manipulation, spin, and hype. However, I assure you that public relations works to encourage goodwill, build positive relationships, and enhance image.
Public relations is centered primarily on communication. A public relations practitioner is responsible for communicating a message from an organization to various publics. In order to deliver this message, a public relations practitioner uses various tools, such as news releases, public service announcements, and advertising. Regardless of the tool used, in almost all of a public relations practitioner’s work, the intention is to persuade or inform.
Contrary to many people’s belief, public relations practitioners do good, especially in nonprofit sector. Eventually, I hope to work as a public relations practitioner for a nonprofit or nongovernmental organization. In that way, I will be a positive asset to society and also work to reverse negative perceptions of public relations.
Fondly,
Katie
Letter to a Friend
Dear Friend,
Let me begin by letting you know that I appreciate your concern for me as I plan to enter the field of Public Relations after I graduate in May. I know you mean well, and it is easy to believe that PR is made up of negative manipulations, because that is the side of PR we have seen in movies and TV most often--it makes for good entertainment, that's for sure.
The Public Relations I intend on going into is all about enhancing the reputation of a company or client. Yes, this can be done in a sneaky way, but it is all about putting a positive spin on issues in order to help to company stay in a good light. It's about finding the silver lining, in a way--something I've always been good at!
In any field, there is a 'dark side'--and part of the exciting challenge is staying away from the temptation and come out ahead in the industry. PR is all about communicating effectively and appropriately, and that is what I have been studying here at Marquette. I am confident in my skills, and I hope you can understand that I am not entering the "Hollywood" version of Public Relations--though that might be a fun challenge someday...
Sincerely,
Katie
Let me begin by letting you know that I appreciate your concern for me as I plan to enter the field of Public Relations after I graduate in May. I know you mean well, and it is easy to believe that PR is made up of negative manipulations, because that is the side of PR we have seen in movies and TV most often--it makes for good entertainment, that's for sure.
The Public Relations I intend on going into is all about enhancing the reputation of a company or client. Yes, this can be done in a sneaky way, but it is all about putting a positive spin on issues in order to help to company stay in a good light. It's about finding the silver lining, in a way--something I've always been good at!
In any field, there is a 'dark side'--and part of the exciting challenge is staying away from the temptation and come out ahead in the industry. PR is all about communicating effectively and appropriately, and that is what I have been studying here at Marquette. I am confident in my skills, and I hope you can understand that I am not entering the "Hollywood" version of Public Relations--though that might be a fun challenge someday...
Sincerely,
Katie
Dear Journalist,
As one of my friends and colleagues in the field of journalism, I know you have expressed concern that I am entering the “dark side of journalism” by minoring in public relations. I want to assure you I am making a good choice and that PR is not the dark side. In fact, it can be and often is far from it.
While some PR practitioners may spin information, that is not what the profession is about. PR is about getting information to various publics, much like journalism. The only difference is that PR has an opinion and wants to persuade as well as inform. Persuading does not involve lying or telling half truths – it is presenting information in a logical and meaningful way to show your point of view.
Public relations is a way for businesses of all kinds to communicate with publics, including the media. Having a background in both public relations and journalism will help me understand where each side is coming from and will help me be a much more effective communicator and writer. I hope you take this to heart and support my PR decision.
Best,
Lindsay
While some PR practitioners may spin information, that is not what the profession is about. PR is about getting information to various publics, much like journalism. The only difference is that PR has an opinion and wants to persuade as well as inform. Persuading does not involve lying or telling half truths – it is presenting information in a logical and meaningful way to show your point of view.
Public relations is a way for businesses of all kinds to communicate with publics, including the media. Having a background in both public relations and journalism will help me understand where each side is coming from and will help me be a much more effective communicator and writer. I hope you take this to heart and support my PR decision.
Best,
Lindsay
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Letter about Public Relations
Dear Friend,
Many people, like yourself, may be confused about the purpose of a Public Relations practitioner and the field overall. You may have heard public relations practitioners labeled as "spin doctors," responsible for essentially "lying" to the public during times of crisis. I hope at the end of this letter, you better understand the role of public relations in an organization, and have a more positive outlook on it.
Public relations has been referred to as the "conscience" of an organization. Public relations practitioners help to maintain relationships between an organization and its publics by informing them of what's new with the organization, what's upcoming, and by also listening and responding to feedback from both inside and outside the whole organization. The public relations department relies on other departments for information to help react to any feedback, whether positive or negative, coming from both within and outside of the organization.
Some may think that in order to "cover up" some mistakes or crises the organization goes through, public relations practitioners have to lie so that they do not lose their stakeholders. This is untrue. Public relations practitioners do everything they can to first prevent a crisis from ever occurring, as well as making sure that crises that do occur never happen again. The public relations department of any organization wants to maintain all relationships they have with people both inside and outside, so practitioners do their best to respond to all feedback and to take necessary action. This generally involves interaction among one or more of the other departments of the organization.
I hope you have a better understanding of public relations. Public relations practitioners want to keep their relationship with you as an audience, so feedback is important to help the organization continue to function successfully.
I assure you that this profession is just right for me, and I hope you better understand why. However, I appreciate your concern! Please let me know if you have any other questions, and I will do my best to answer them!
Sincerely,
Ashley
Many people, like yourself, may be confused about the purpose of a Public Relations practitioner and the field overall. You may have heard public relations practitioners labeled as "spin doctors," responsible for essentially "lying" to the public during times of crisis. I hope at the end of this letter, you better understand the role of public relations in an organization, and have a more positive outlook on it.
Public relations has been referred to as the "conscience" of an organization. Public relations practitioners help to maintain relationships between an organization and its publics by informing them of what's new with the organization, what's upcoming, and by also listening and responding to feedback from both inside and outside the whole organization. The public relations department relies on other departments for information to help react to any feedback, whether positive or negative, coming from both within and outside of the organization.
Some may think that in order to "cover up" some mistakes or crises the organization goes through, public relations practitioners have to lie so that they do not lose their stakeholders. This is untrue. Public relations practitioners do everything they can to first prevent a crisis from ever occurring, as well as making sure that crises that do occur never happen again. The public relations department of any organization wants to maintain all relationships they have with people both inside and outside, so practitioners do their best to respond to all feedback and to take necessary action. This generally involves interaction among one or more of the other departments of the organization.
I hope you have a better understanding of public relations. Public relations practitioners want to keep their relationship with you as an audience, so feedback is important to help the organization continue to function successfully.
I assure you that this profession is just right for me, and I hope you better understand why. However, I appreciate your concern! Please let me know if you have any other questions, and I will do my best to answer them!
Sincerely,
Ashley
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