What do you think is the most important skill for PR people to possess? Some options:
- Ability to pitch media
- Understanding of Facebook, Twitter and other online tools
- Multi-tasking and time management
- Knowing how to measure PR outputs and outcomes
- Networking/developing relationships
- Fostering/sparking online conversations
- Basic understanding of HTML
- Incorporating customer service into the PR mix
How about writing? People can learn to pitch media, be more organized, measure, or use social media for business; however, if you can’t write, it’s nearly impossible to execute any of these tasks well. As communicators, writing is our foundation. And, while some communication is becoming more conversational (even informal), clearly articulating ideas is what we do. This takes many forms: press releases, pitching bloggers and reporters, e-newsletters, case studies, speeches, message development, blogging, tweeting, and so on. PR 2.0 isn’t just about social media. There are lots of other facets to the industry. As such, writing for different mediums is a critical skill. In fact, the ability to write well across a variety of platforms can fast-track a PR person’s career.
If you need to brush up on your writing skills, here are a five helpful resources:
- 7 Ways to Improve Your Writing … Right Now
- How to Use a Writing Frame
- 73 Ways to Become a Better Writer
- Copywriting for Social Media
- Taylor Momsen Did Not Write This Headline (about the importance of strong headlines)
How do you keep your writing skills sharp?
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Great post Heather! Thanks for bringing these resources into one post. Actually, I think you nailed it when you said what we as PR Pros do is “clearly articulate ideas.” Being able to communicate ideas, whether in writing, through images, or spoken voice, is the key skill anyone in our profession should possess. Keep up the great work!
Good writing isn’t just important in PR; it’s important in any field. Good writing is definitely the most important skill in PR since it can be used across so many platforms.
As Public Relations major in college, I always thought that PR was all about public speaking and interpersonal interaction, so that’s where I focused all of my time and energy.
Big mistake.
It took a long time for me to develop the ability to write clearly and concisely, and it’s definitely a skill I’m still developing, but a skill that I don’t think you can put a price on when executed effectively. I’d definitely put writing at or near the very top.
I think the internet and social media has caused writing to be more important in all facets of our lives. Everyone is not a broadcaster of information, and writing is the tool that is utilized to do so. A lack of practice after high school and college has left my skills a bit on the rusty side, but thanks to an internship at livefyre with excellent writers such as jmatthicks to help me along the way, I have resurrected something inside of me that was dying to come out. Writing is a great form of self-expression and an incredibly valuable trade in today’s connected world.
Great post! I agree with @tjpip that the key of what you mentioned is “clearly articulate ideas.” I think the key to articulating clearly is being able to understand your audience. Who will they be? How might they perceive this message? Have I correctly identified my audience? So often I think we focus on our target audience without recognizing they might not be our actual audience. In terms of good writing skills (which I agree is an essential skill) I think it is about the right type of writing for the right audience. I try to keep my writing skills sharp by writing often and in different forms; blogging, letters, communication plans, emails, to practice putting together clear ideas for different mediums. =)
@JonHearty livefyre That’s very kind of you Jon, I appreciate that a lot. But don’t downplay the amount of help you’ve offered and provided to all of us. I think your reputation around the Livefyre blogs speaks volumes for you if you’re not willing to!
@JMattHicks livefyre thanks buddy that means a lot. I’m having an amazing experience with everything at Livefyre, and am certainly learning a ton. Congrats on breaking 200 points!
@JonHearty livefyre Ha ha thanks man! I’m STILL trying to catch jenna langer and dannybrown . But then again, who isn’t trying to catch Danny?! ha ha
I’m with you Heather. Writing is PR’s number one skill, no doubt in my mind. Considering the amount of writing we do vs verbal communication, not only does it dominate actual time/space, I think it dominates in influence, too.
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I’m not sure it’s the most important, but it has to be near the top.
The explosion of social networking has lead to an increase in low quality content so those capable of creating quality and engaging pros will find it easier to gain exposure to those who can’t.
I’m not sure it’s the most important, but it has to be near the top.
The explosion of social networking has lead to an increase in low quality content so those capable of creating quality and engaging pros will find it easier to gain exposure to those who can’t.
Like Google Says. Content is a King
Helpful resources for writers! especially Copywriting for social media is awesome! Thanks the useful resources Heather
Because of social media so many business bloom and some others were launched. This might be the biggest reason why social media is so important today. This brings to the idea that in the near future, most social media sites are no longer free. But until then we should enjoy the present and use this social media like facebook for the good of our business.
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