Writing for PR 101

Every week PR pros write thousands of words. We draft and finalize press releases, pitches, fact sheets, client emails, create business proposals and more. With all this information coming from our fingertips, sometimes we forget how to be creative with words. Here's a few new pointers.

Remember to read. When you read, you learn.
When writing, consider the audience and your voice. Think to yourself who will read this, and what will they hear?
Embrace the style guide. (i.e. AP Stylebook)
Do not trust Microsoft Word's spell check and grammar check... always proofread!
Consider your quote structures and remember that the commas and periods are always within the quotes.
Beware of the pronouns. Make them agree!
Lastly, always remember to give your work time to breathe. Step back and take a break from it. Then reread it for edits.

Find New Buzzwords.

Most communications professionals have been guilty or using, and overusing buzzwords every now and then. Why do we do this, even when we know it's wrong? Even when we know it reflects poorly on us as communications professionals? Even when we know influencers hate it? Further, even when we know these words end up as e-mails in spam folders and cause a glazing (or even rolling) of eyes for those who read them? So why do we use them a lot? It's obvious, because it's the words most people want to read/hear and they are easy to understand.

This week, I invite you to try and be more creative. Pull out your thesaurus and try something new. You may find it to be more successful.

Here are some overused buzzwords you should try to stay away from:

leading

solution

best

innovative/innovate/innovator

leader

top

unique

great

extensive

leading provider

exclusive

premier

flexible

award winning/winner

dynamic

fastest

smart

state of the art

cutting edge

biggest

easy to uselargest

real time

Royal Wedding: PR Firms Jump Right In

Press releases have come flurrying in once the engagement of Prince William and Kate Middleton this week.

Within minutes of the announcement that Prince William and Kate Middleton were engaged to be married, PR companies across the country jumped into action by using the engagement to publicise their travel clients. Here are a few of the travel offerings and wedding related press releases the couple has received thus far.

Kate and William: Dublin's on your doorstep, says Irish Ferries

"To celebrate the news that William and Kate are to marry and live in north Wales, Irish Ferris is offering the happy couple free crossings to Dublin."

"Dublin's bright lights, great 'craic' and top class shops are less than two hours from Anglesey, where William is based," says Irish Ferris Declan Mescall.

This makes the Irish capital closer and easier to reach than London's West End - perfect for Kate's girly weekends when William is flying, or a romantic break for the couple themselves.

Irish Ferris is giving Kate and William unlimited Holyhead to Dublin travel, in Club Class, as long as they live in north Wales."

Royal retreat fit for a King

"Finally, it's the news we've all been waiting for, Prince William and Kate Middleton have announced their engagement! Following the recent royal proposal in Kenya where should the couple celebrate their honeymoon? Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa in the Philippines, of course!"

Celebrating the Royal Engagement

"Today's announcement of the royal engagement is a cause for celebration, not just for the royal couple and their family, but fro the whole of England.

The engagement of Prince William and Kate Middleton is wonderful news, and all that Visit England join the rest of the country in congratulating the young couple on their impending marriage.

The happy couple have yet to announce the location for the ceremony, or the honeymoon - and although traditional locations such as Westminster Abbey have been suggested, there are many other options to be considered.

Attached: 10 Alternative Locations for the Perfect English wedding."

With news of a royal wedding, try amaging retreats for your very own special day

"News of a certain engagement today will get many thinking of their own specila day and Amazing Retreats can offer a venue to make you feel like royalty! From a Scottish Castle, which has played host to many a celebrity bash, to country manor houses and even a fort in the Soleng Amazing Retreats has secluded wedding venues aplenty!"

Following in the footsteps of Prince William and Kate Middleton and propose to your loved-one in Kenya

"Folowing the exciting announcement of Prince William and Kate middleton's engagement, Kuoni has selected a range of romantic Kenya holidays that provide the perfect setting to propose to your loved-one."

Calling all Kate and WIlliams to Ten Manchester Street, Marylebone

"Ten Manchester Street is offering all engaged couples called William and Kate a complimentary afternoon tea with chilled bottle of champagne."

Complimentary Room for Newly-Engaged Couples at The Landmark London

"Marylebone's regal 5-star hotel The Landmark London are offering any couple who have become engaged in the last month a free night's stay at The Landmark London complete with a bottle of chilled Champagne in the room to celebrate their engagement."

Fit for a King - free overnight stay and spa treatments at The Cornwall Hotel Spa & Estate

"For happy couples that have become engaged this week - The Cornwall Hotel Spa & Estate, a 43 acre woodland retreat and luxury hotel are offering a free overnight stay and a his and hers spa treatment."