Writing Well vs Writing Relevant

One of the most interesting things I have learnt at my internship at the Public Transport Authority was the difference between writing well and writing relevant.

After drafting a communications plan for an upcoming project, my supervisor helped me then demolish it and make some major changes. The issues weren’t so much about my style of writing but more the relevance of the information that I had included.

I sourced the information for the draft from internal documents and online publications to identify issues and impacts of the project.  But the issues that I had identified were not necessarily the PTA’s place to address. I learnt that my focus needed to be on responding to the big issues well and not trying to target every possibly relevant stakeholder.

The communications plan also provided challenges related to how facts, details descriptions of government policy can quickly change. In looking at a project that had first been conceived in 2009, I discovered a lot had changed between the planning and consultation processes and the impending implementation. It was interesting to see a written history of how government agencies manoeuvre in different political, economic and social climates.

So from now on I won’t just be considering my writing style and attention to detail when I write. I’ll also be looking at the practical impacts of what I write.

Sssshhh, it's a secret

I am currently interning at the Public Transport Authority and finding it really interesting to be working in a department whose actions actually affect everyday people. The PTA is responsible for the public transport infrastructure, this includes building train lines, stations, bus stops ext.

Stakeholders

There are so many different stakeholders to consider, from local residents opposing plans for a new train station being built near their home, to the state premier who needs to ensure the PTA deliver on his election promises.

PTA projects can have significant effects on various communities and individuals. When making decisions about projects the PTA must consult with various other government departments, shires, agencies and of course the public. It is important that the public are consulted, because the projects are being funded by tax payers contributions.

Keeping it under wraps

From a communications point of view including so many people can be problematic in preventing information from being leaked to the general public. The more people that know a secret, the harder it is to keep.

Last week the PTA had a case where information about the new underground Perth Busport’s second entry had been leaked to the media. At that point in time the PTA had not yet informed the public of the decision to include a second entry in the busport.

Fly through animation of the new underground Perth Busport.

For more information on the Perth Busport second entry click here.

The art of being prepared

Information leakages are difficult to manage because so many other departments and agencies have to have access to the information. I was very impressed with how my supervisor, the Communication Project Manager handled the situation. She had all the documentation already written and ready to be sent out. Had she not been prepared she would have had to work all night writing and finalising fact sheets, media releases and speech notes.

It just goes to show how much being organised pays off.

Whitney

Event Co-ordination, the many levels.

Hi again!

In March, i was given the task of arranging and gathering all the neccessary contacts and information needed to plan an event for the company that would be held at the end of the year. From my previous experience, the people here would rather spend months planning and ensuring the right information, target audience and media relations are there for your event, than rushing it and gaining no attention at all.

So, i began my first step in formulating what kind of event i wanted and the important stakeholders that need to be present at this event. For this, i quickly thought back to PR 201 and PR Media where we learnt about stakeholders and how to formulate and event timesheet. It was so crucial i understood all my stakeholders firstly because at even'ts like this my company needs the attention and awareness about their products and services and if i did not get it right the first time, i will be putting the company's reputation at stake.

It was also crucial i understood the many levels of authority i had to get passed in order to get my invitations and media releases passed on to the right person. The level goes as follows:-

1. Send an enquiry to the organization
2. Call the supervisor or general manager
3. Set up a business proposal meeting
4. Discuss and propose why they should attend your event and what benefits they will recieve
5. Confirm Attendance.

I learnt that sending an invitaiton doesn't always guarentee attendance, sometimes we have to set up meeting and dinners to attract their attendence and it was very normal in Asia to have business meetings such as these to show how willing and how much effort we are willing to put in to get the money, awareness or sponsorships for our events.

Thanks for reading, more to come!

Jun

Time To Say Goodbye: PR 393 Internship

They say we meet to part and part to meet. Until when you have bonded so much with an environment and suddenly have to leave, you don't know the true meaning behind that say.

Hi fellow interns!

After a short lived month, I finally had to come to the end of my enjoyed and educative journey. Time to say good bye to my fellow work mates at Office of The President arrived before I knew it.

It has been a very good experience putting theories I learnt in class in practice. I salute Curtin University for giving us this opportunity to prepare us for the harsh and tough world out there before we can actually face it all. Job hunting wont be easy but at least we all know what to expect.

Back to business though, the last of my days where more focused on planning upcoming events, in which one was going to be held on March 1st. I was asigned to help draft a media plan for that day which I did and later on my bosses went through it and told me it was indeed impressive and that they will make a few corrections before sending it in.

In that whole month, I realized PR was not only based on theory but it was in the  heart of an individual practitioner. If it feels right, then it definitely is right but if you feel its wrong then it is wrong on the next person as well. So it is basically the values and morals of an individual practitioner guiding them to do right by their stakeholders.

One more thing I came to uncover true is that the public are the ones who build an organization or company and they have the power to break it into pieces, that is to say, one good word that spreads around about a certain organization paints it 'good' but if one bad word spreads, the organization is doomed. That cleared, I realize it is good to communicate, keep the public in the loop and not darkness because once they start assuming, nothing goes right.

Am glad I had the chance to do this placement because then I saw Public Relations in different eyes and it was a great experience.

I should really say, I enjoyed my time with everyone and I do hope we meet again soon. 

It was indeed nice to share what I went through, done and learnt with you guys and I hope you have rather enjoyed my posts.

Neo here, thank you all.

Different strokes for different...stakeholders?

Stakeholders. We all know what they are. This word is used over and over in every assignment we do but getting into the nitty gritty real life experience you actually realise the importance of knowing who your stakeholders are.

I've always been interesting in the community relations side of PR, getting involved with the people and forming that relationship with the public. Through my placement though I have been reminded that there are usually two or more sets of stakeholders and both are equally as important.

In working at Swan Districts Football Club, I have realised the importance of knowing your stakeholders through and through and there are two sets at SDFC.

The first lot of stakeholders are the fans, the members, the supporters of the football club. These stakeholders are reached through the footy, talking about the players and merchandise.

The second group of stakeholders are the sponsors and financial contributors. This communication is more strategic and involves an in depth plan to reach them, specifically to provide financial support for the club.

I know this might seem a bit obvious but the need for different communication plans within one organisation surprised me. It makes sense though because by tailoring your communication to the stakeholder, your message will have more impact.

So over my time at SDFC I have had to do stories for oil and gas magazines, as well as writing Media Releases for family days.

I think this placement has really drummed into my mind the importance of being diligent in figuring out just how unique each stakeholder is and making sure they are provided for in a way that is perfect for them.

Just some musings!

I hope everyone is enjoying their placements, we're at the pointy end!

Lucy