This week we will examine the writing for public relations.
There is a fairly standard format for creating press releases. Using this format will help your credibility and chances of being published by a news outlet. Each press release should include the following:
PRESS RELEASE WRITING STYLE: There is a standard writing style for press releases. Journalists expect to see this format and by using it, you will greatly increase the chance your press release will be published or aired as written.
The first element is an attention-getting headline. Please follow the elements for writing effective titles that we studied earlier this semester.
The body of the press release should be written in the “Inverted Pyramid” style, which we also examined earlier this semester. In this style, the most important part of a story and critical details are communicated first. After the most crucial news is presented in the first paragraph, each succeeding paragraph fills in the rest of the story with details and background in descending order of importance.
PRESS RELEASE LENGTH: Be concise. The ideal length of a press release is about 300 to 400 words. That’s just three or four short paragraphs and a couple of quotes.
Following the press release format precisely, employing good grammar, sentence structure and spelling are imperative.
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: | These words should appear at the top left of the page, in upper case. If you don’t want the story to be made public yet, write “HOLD FOR RELEASE UNTIL ….” instead. |
| Headline | Just like a headline in an newspaper, compose a title that describes the content of the story. |
| City, State, Date | These details precede the story and orient the reader. |
| Company/organization info | Include any background information about the company or organization featuring in this press release. |
| Contact Information | Include contact person, company name, phone ,email, physical/postal address. |
| ENDS or ### | This indicates the end of the press release. |
| (number of words) | If you like you could include the total number of words contained in the press release. |
Lab Assignment, Week 14:
Please write a 300 -400 word press release as discussed in Chapter 12 in your textbook and using the template above. The subject matter is up to you, but it must be a real event at Dominican College or another community. It is acceptable write about something connected with a school organization or group (i.e. club, a team, service organization) to which you are connected. It would be ideal to include a quotation from someone familiar with the subject matter, but for this assignment, it is simply encouraged; it is not mandatory.
Finally, please do not forget to screenshot your work and submit it on Blackboard by Sunday at 11:59 PM.