"Show, don't tell." That's what good writers learn early.
When you're doing PR, people would like to "see" what you're talking about - so show them. If you wanted to explain Toastmasters to someone for example, wouldn't it be a good idea to show someone giving the kind of speech we give at Toastmasters?
The first speech a new person at Toastmasters gives is an "icebreaker." It's just what it sounds like. It's a 4 to 6 minutes speech introducing a person to the Toastmasters' club he or she has just joined.
Today, Sherry Ransom, gave an icebreaker speech that I posted on YouTube. Check it out at the following address and then come back here and tell me what you think about it. You can also make comments in the section below her speech. I'm sure Sherry would like to see what you had to say about her speech. Last thing, don't forget to rate it with the number of stars you think it deserves. Here's the address for you to click on or put into your browser to see Sherry "Stepping into the Light."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-59KSXXy9IY
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Friday, December 5, 2008
My first entry
Welcome to my blog where we will talk about PR and everything dealing with public relations.
Public Relations is not a four letter word. PR has gotten a bad rap over the years. "That's just PR," people will say. What they mean is that it's not really true; it's what the company or the government wants you to think is true.
PR is like anything else. If abused, it can not serve the high purpose for which it is intended. Everything is like that if you think about it. Look at all the good things fire does for us - heats us in the winter, cooks our food, etc. But it can also burn our house down if it's not handled right.
I've been doing PR for more than 30 years. I want you to know that PR people who really practice the trade don't lie. It's not that they are any better than anyone else, but if they lie -- even once -- they are finished as a credible source. So good PR people don't lie. Remember that as you deal with PR people. I want you to report any time you know for a fact that a PR person has lied. Let's put the spotlight where it belongs to get those who don't belong in the business out of it.
Over the past 30 years, I've been a PR person for the US Army in Europe and here in the US. I was also the world-wide PR/Media Relations manager for a Fortune 75 company conducting press briefings and conferences throughtout Europe, Asia and the US for more than ten years. I would hold regular press briefings at the National Press Club in Washington. I've also worked at a PR/Ad agency and as the manager of PR and Media Relations for a dot.com in Austin, Texas. I presently have my own PR consulting company - TG Media and Public Relations.
I am currently doing pro bono work as a PR person for a great organization - Toastmasters (TM). I'll be sharing information with you on what we are doing with my local TM club and what we are doing with TM in Texas. This is not an official Toastmasters International authorized site. The views expressed in this blog are mine and do not necessarily reflect the official views of Toastmasters International.
I encourage you to send me your comments or questions. Let's talk about all aspects of PR and how it can help you as an individual or help your club or any organization in which you are apart get your message out to every day people.
By the way, I've done other things that were almost as interesting as working in the PR world. In a 20-year career in the US Army, I was a combat helicopter pilot in Vietnam. I had other tours of duty in Korea, Thailand, Germany and several US Army posts.
What are your questions about PR or about flying helicopters?
Public Relations is not a four letter word. PR has gotten a bad rap over the years. "That's just PR," people will say. What they mean is that it's not really true; it's what the company or the government wants you to think is true.
PR is like anything else. If abused, it can not serve the high purpose for which it is intended. Everything is like that if you think about it. Look at all the good things fire does for us - heats us in the winter, cooks our food, etc. But it can also burn our house down if it's not handled right.
I've been doing PR for more than 30 years. I want you to know that PR people who really practice the trade don't lie. It's not that they are any better than anyone else, but if they lie -- even once -- they are finished as a credible source. So good PR people don't lie. Remember that as you deal with PR people. I want you to report any time you know for a fact that a PR person has lied. Let's put the spotlight where it belongs to get those who don't belong in the business out of it.
Over the past 30 years, I've been a PR person for the US Army in Europe and here in the US. I was also the world-wide PR/Media Relations manager for a Fortune 75 company conducting press briefings and conferences throughtout Europe, Asia and the US for more than ten years. I would hold regular press briefings at the National Press Club in Washington. I've also worked at a PR/Ad agency and as the manager of PR and Media Relations for a dot.com in Austin, Texas. I presently have my own PR consulting company - TG Media and Public Relations.
I am currently doing pro bono work as a PR person for a great organization - Toastmasters (TM). I'll be sharing information with you on what we are doing with my local TM club and what we are doing with TM in Texas. This is not an official Toastmasters International authorized site. The views expressed in this blog are mine and do not necessarily reflect the official views of Toastmasters International.
I encourage you to send me your comments or questions. Let's talk about all aspects of PR and how it can help you as an individual or help your club or any organization in which you are apart get your message out to every day people.
By the way, I've done other things that were almost as interesting as working in the PR world. In a 20-year career in the US Army, I was a combat helicopter pilot in Vietnam. I had other tours of duty in Korea, Thailand, Germany and several US Army posts.
What are your questions about PR or about flying helicopters?
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