As we are about to start our Debating in class, obviously the two texts on oral presentation were very helpful. I am not only glad to have read these because we have debates coming up, but because they provided so much important information that I know will be useful in many situations throughout my life. The text made us aware of skills and tactics we should use in oral presentations and gave us checklists so we could better organise ourselves. An important point at the beginning of the chapter was “employers want to recruit graduates or higher diplomates with good verbal skills”, being in the Public Relations industry this is essential. In preparing an oral presentation you should first look at the aim of your presentation, purpose, audience, topic and context. Both texts suggested looking at the room you will be presenting in and most importantly being organised and well practiced so to reduce nerves and ensure a smooth running presentation. Another point I thought was important was to look at you presentation when it is done to see what you could improve in the future, and what was good or bad about it and why. Also thinking about the audience is essential to pitch a presentation correctly. One needs to identify the characteristics of an audience and what you need to do to accommodate for this eg language, dress, formality.
The other reading this week was on Media Relations. This topic outlined some roles of Public Relations practitioners, different media mixes, and some media related tools. It told us that even though there is often conflict between the media and Public Relations practitioners there “is a growing interdependence in the two industries” and this can be “developed and enhanced through mutual understanding of, and respect for, each other’s roles and responsibilities”. The text outlined some of the roles of the media, for example; the newsroom, deadlines, what makes the news and news style which gave us better understanding of their profession. The media is such a powerful tool and this was reinforced in this weeks reading.
References:
Chapter 10 of Public relations: theory and practice / edited by Jane Johnston and Clara Zawawi. Crows Nest, N.S.W. Allen & Unwin, 2004. 2nd ed
Drew, S. (2001) Oral Presentations (pp 98-114) in The Student Skills Guide. (2nd ed.) London:Gower.
4 comments:
Hey Lauretta
I also found it interesting how the set text highlighted the interdependence between practitioners and the media. While you note that there is conflict between the two industries i also found it interesting that the practitioner will enhance the success of campaigns by developing positive relationships with journalists, therefore minimizing (in some cases) negative publicity.
Cheers
Hi Lauretta!
I also thought that the texts on oral presentations were really helpful coming up to our class presentations, they provided some handy hints! Likewise, I agree that the skills developed in doing our presentations and taking on board the points in the reading will be really advantageous in the workplace, especially in a PR position.
I liked how you brought up the point that although in the past (and also presently) there is often conflict between the media and public relations, an interdependancy between the two is growing - I think this is good in many ways and could help to curb the ongoing impression that the PR profession is "spin-doctoring". An ideal relationship between PR and the media could potentially produce great results for both sides.
I also considered after the presentations this morning and your blog posting, the important consideration of ethics in the relationship between PR and the media ie, providing true and honest information to the media which will then present to the public.
Cheers,
Laurie
Lauretta I thought the point you made about employers wanting to recruit graduates with good verbal skills is important. It was excellent that you pointed this out as many students focus on how critical it is to have excellent writing skills and forget about verbal skills. Also the point you made regarding the media and pr practitioners having more interdependence on each other is also something I agree with even though there is conflict. I too think it is important that as pr practitioners we should maintain mutual relationships with the media.
Happy Blogging Lauretta
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