1) You are new at a job in public relations. You have been taught to keep news releases factual and skip the hype. However, management wants you to "jazz up" the news release and say the new product is, among other things, "revolutionary." What would you do? Explain your answer.
As a new employee it is extremely important to know your boundaries. Keeping that in mind, I would first create a draft of the release in the manner that I was taught; skipping the "filler, fluff" words and remaining factual. From there, I would ask my employer to review the draft and further elaborate where they would like me to "jazz" it up specifically in my draft. Remaining as respectful and professional as possible, I would explain to my employer that I have learned to stick to the five W's (who, what, when, where, why and how) and maintain as unbiased as possible so as to ensure professional credibility. If necessary, I would cite other PR works or successful professionals who follow the same guidelines I was taught. I want to ensure that I am on the same team as my employer and that we both want the best for the release, but that compromising our credibility by adding in fluff words will not benefit the release at all.
2) You are the public relations director of a repertory theater. The city editor of the local daily calls you and asks if you could send him 10 complimentary tickets. He explains that his wife’s family is in town for the weekend. What would you do? Explain your answer.
As timely, respectfully and professionally as possible, I would first express my excitement that he is interested in attending the theater, and then explain that I do not have the authority to grant such a request. Credibility and professionalism are difficult characteristics to get back if lost, and providing 10 complimentary tickets to a media outlet professional could be considered a bribe. I would explain the theater's policy and offer to inform him of any promotional events or coupon deals going on, as well as mention his wife's family coming into town to verify that I do care not only about his attendance but also his family. Humanizing a situation can ease the tension a bit in these types of scenarios.
Taylor,
ReplyDeleteI think your approach to both of these scenarios was very professional and well thought out. I struggled with these questions and I really liked how you explained your reasoning behind each answer. Great job!
Hello Taylor! I agree with your first answer I think that as a professional you should only use factual information about your product you are trying to sell. Great work!
ReplyDeleteHi Taylor,
ReplyDeleteI like your response to the second part of this question! I struggled a lot with answering that one. I agreed that I wouldn't give the family all of the tickets for free, but offer some sort of discount instead.
Hi Jenna, I struggled with this question as well and I really had to put myself in the situation and go over every possible scenario. I am not a fan of conflict so I felt that offering a solution to the issue at hand would help to dissolve some of the backlash I would likely receive.
Deletehi Taylor,
ReplyDeleteI really liked the way you answered the first question. It was definitely a wise choice to have a draft of the intended release before meeting with the boss, I think it shows professionalism and punctuality. Also, I think you thought of a respectful way to explain why remaining concise and factual was a better route. The answer appealed to the company's image as a whole.