You knew that curveballs were in the works. And it only makes sense that we close the Assignment Four loop with a media relations role-play exercise.
In a perfect world, everyone will participate. Unfortunately, the world isn't perfect, and we only have so much time on our hands. So, we'll play it by ear.
That means everyone needs to be prepared, just in case you're one of the randomly selected media pitchers. (I'll explain more on Monday.)
In a real-world setting, PR pros must always be prepped for that reporter on deadline. And if you don't pitch on Monday, you'll get your chance.
Situation
You recently targeted a journalist/blogger for your Amazon Kindle Fire story pitch. He's flooded with story ideas, and he's also on deadline, so he asks you to hop on a Skype video call to share the details. Plus, as one of Amazon's new PR pros, he wants to e-meet you. You agree to speak on Monday evening, 11/7.
You recently targeted a journalist/blogger for your Amazon Kindle Fire story pitch. He's flooded with story ideas, and he's also on deadline, so he asks you to hop on a Skype video call to share the details. Plus, as one of Amazon's new PR pros, he wants to e-meet you. You agree to speak on Monday evening, 11/7.
The Activity
You're Amazon's PR pro, and I'm the targeted journalist/media pro. I'll ask a series of basic questions about your pitch (e.g., 5 W's and an H). You'll clearly and succinctly answer the questions.
This is an exercise in pitching the media. You've piqued the media's interest, you have a "live" meeting, and this is your chance to sell Amazon's POV and clinch the story.
You're Amazon's PR pro, and I'm the targeted journalist/media pro. I'll ask a series of basic questions about your pitch (e.g., 5 W's and an H). You'll clearly and succinctly answer the questions.
This is an exercise in pitching the media. You've piqued the media's interest, you have a "live" meeting, and this is your chance to sell Amazon's POV and clinch the story.
Is your story idea/pitch appropriate for your target audience? In this outlet? The journalist/blogger will make the call based
upon how well you pitch/sell the idea.
Pitch Tips
- What is the most important information?
- How do you pitch your Kindle Fire story so that it's meaningful (for the media person and his audience), without being vague or fluffy?
- Speak with crisp, clear, active-voice language (I sometimes call this "speaking in bullet points").
- Why do readers of this outlet need this information? And why should this outlet be the one to publish the information?
- You're pitching a story idea, but you're also telling a story. Keep it real.
Why Am I Sharing This on Saturday Afternoon?
- I promised a few curve balls, and I'm a man of my word.
- Deadlines force you to consider the essentials.
- Think fast on your feet!
- This is real-life public relations.
- Outside of public relations, this is real-life professional life (How many times has a manager said, "Can you stop by and give me a quick report on that project you've been working on?").
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Bravo. This is an excellent curveball, because it reinforces the reality of the PR world (as well as the journalism world). Fact is, PR pros and journalists have to be prepared for anything at anytime. That is because anything can happen at anytime as long as the world turns.
ReplyDeleteAs such, PFR&P students, especially those new to the field, can use practice handling the unforeseens.
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ReplyDelete(rolling up sleeves) Okay, lets do this!
ReplyDeleteIf we have numerous clients and a reporter calls about one, we have to be prepared so it's good to remember to remain up to speed.
ReplyDeleteThere's so much we have to do well and so much to remember, I hope it all fits inside my head! I'm writing this at work and just remembered I need to call my doctor to refill a prescription, and have to get back to a friend on show tickets before they sell out, trying not to forget I have a soda in my freezer at work... Time slices, time slices...