PR Writing

Writing a press release or any other article whose purpose is to promote public relations for an individual or for a company, requires writers to walk a thin line. They must maneuver between the facts upon which their writing is based, and the reputation of the person or business that has employed them to present those facts in a light that reflects best upon their own interests.

P.R. writing is a fine mixture of fact and fiction. While outright fabrication of facts is not only unethical, but can also rebound with negative repercussions if found out, the gentle omission of facts that are less than flattering to the client’s needs whilst ensuring the wording of facts that promote good public reception of the client or his business, are essential. P. R. Writing will begin with the bare bones of the facts about the situation or the person/product. Then, like a skilled carpenter, the writer will hone the material by cutting away any less-than-desirable content and polishing the areas that will draw the reader and the reader’s opinion, to the desired outcome.

Unlike articles written purely for factual information, these types of articles are usually designed to be released to the press to promote and foster the public’s good opinion about the writer’s employer or that employer’s business.

How to Write a Public Relations Communication

Public Relations constitute an important aspect of Corporate Functions. A corporate establishment has several interest groups looking to it for information on a continuous basis. These target audiences may be listed as follows:
Investors, who have staked their Capital in the Company, and are therefore keen to know of the health of the Company.

Workers, who are contributing their labor in return for wages, and are ever worried about job safety.

The local community, who have an interest in the Health and safety aspects.

The customers, who are interested in the Quality and After Sales Service of the products.

The Competitors, who are eager to know of the product launches and pricing strategy.

The Government, having the duty to ensure compliance with the regulatory frame work.

The Public in general.

Effective Public Relations Communication has to keep the interests of all the above segments and disseminate information accordingly. Companies must devise a strategy for doing this. This will include the frequency for each type of communication to be issued, the media through which it will be given and create a specific budget for it. The P.R. Department shall follow these guidelines when carrying out its duties.

Three keys to successful P.R.:

1. Keep your target audiences in mind and craft your language accordingly.

2. Address emotional and logical concerns and answer these promptly.

3. Be result-oriented.

The most important aspect to be taken care of is that the flow of information shall not be interrupted, because that would lead to speculations, misinformation and bad publicity.