The Web pages of PR Writing lessons will open in a separate browser window. When you're done you can simply close that window and you'll return to this page.

Lesson One: Press Release Basics

The basics of journalistic writing - the 5 W's, inverted pyramid ... the importance of story in PR writing... analyzing the elements of a news story... Reading assignment for next class: Chapter 1 and 9.

Lesson Two: Writing for Editors

The news angle... the role of the editor... what do editors look for in a story? the press release and media alert format... Reading assignment for next class: Chapter 5, and "Qualities of Good Message Design," pp. 268-270.

Lesson Three: Pre-writing and Planning your Message

The importance of the writing process... outlining, clustering and other ways of organizing information... crafting the message... the importance of revisions and redrafts. For next class, read Chapter 11.

Lesson Four: Features

Discovering feature material, placement of ideas... Other uses of PR writing for feature stories. Also, press releases for arts events and similar activities... the relationship of the press release to the press kit, and the press conference... For next class, read Chapter 2.

Lesson Five: Pitching Stories and Interviews

Memos, pitch letters and confirmation letters... "scripting" the interview... how to meet the media. For next class, read Chapter 3.

Lesson Six: Press Release Enhancements

Different ways to diversify your style and make your copy more compelling.... different types of press release lead. For next class, read Chapter 6.

Four principal vehicles for broadcast publicity... differences in writing for the ear vs. the eye... basic principles of writing for the ear, and formats for the broadcast release & PSA. For next class, read Chapter 11.

Lesson Eight: Midterm Exam

Multiple choice test and a writing exercise. Students will be given a total of two hours to complete the exam.

Lesson Nine: Video News Releases and Radio Actualities

VNRs, filmscripts, presentations, visual treatments... how do news outlets use your PR submissions.. new technologies in PR. For next class, read Chapter 14

Lesson Ten: PR Writing and the Web

How public relations professionals are using the Internet... Web-based challenges and opportunities. Writing for Web sites. For next class, read Chapter 4.

Lesson Eleven: Research and Fact-Finding

Fact-finding, newsgathering, organizing your information... essentials for interviews... research tools. For next class, read Chapter 8 and Chapter 17.

Lesson Twelve: Planning Memos, Backgrounders, and other Written Communications

Public relations writing for internal audiences. Writing backgrounders, position papers and other longer pieces for different publics. Also, discussion of advertising for the PR professional... developing a concept and a visual... stages of creativity. For next class, read Chapter 16.

Lesson Thirteen: Speeches and Presentations

Types of speeches... the mechanics of organization... making brief remarks, presentations, formal speeches. For next class, read Chapter 15.

Lesson Fourteen: Public Relations Campaign Design

Developing the outline of a PR campaign and communicating your ideas to different publics... different types of media kit. For next class, re-read Chapter 6.

Lesson Fifteen: Final Exam

Multiple choice test and a writing exercise. Both in-class and online students will take the class in the classroom. Students will be given a total of two hours to complete the exam.