Working in the PR industry has given me a glimpse that when it comes to writing styles it all depends upon a consultancy. What matters mostly is, with one`s little knowledge that they have gained from school they can try to adapt new styles. All the practice that I did before joining the industry about writing a press release and backgrounder to name a few, felt like I have wasted my time as I never really used the format. Nevertheless, I gained a lot after learning about the new writing style.
During my internship I realized that with my consultancy they focus less on the 5w`s + 1h, instead what they do is come up with a lead that comprises anything about the company that is breath taking and the same time a little bit persuasive enough to grab the journalists attention. From there, all important details unfold as the press release continues to go down. Nevertheless, I believe this style works for them as all consultancies are competing to get free publicity in order to stand out. Another reason as to why they use it is to generate interest within journalists so that they can come to their events or give them free publicity. From my understanding there is a little bit of advertising and more of public relations in order to make the press release enticing.
However for some of us who had no idea of how the industry works, I have to admit it wasn`t easy. One time, my supervisor gave me a task to write a press release for one of our major client. My main challenge was understanding their writing style, though I was provided with the information for the press release writing it all down wasn`t close to being easy. The other problem was limited time to write therefore I had to spend a lot of time cracking mi head to come up with something that is feasible at the same time up to their standard. From that time I realized that when writing press releases one has to really think about the bigger picture being the journalists. If what you wrote would be news-worthy enough for them at the same time enticing enough to make them attend your events or feature your press release.
1 comment:
During my placement I got to realise that we learn in school is slightly different from what is happening in the industry, In school they emphasise more on the 5W's and H but out there it doesnt necessarily have to be that, As long as your press release is able to make it to the newspaper thats all that matters
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