A Presentation to Robert Houk’s ETSU Writing for Mass Communications Class Mary Ellen Miller, MBA

March 15, 2017

1. Tips to share from a master writer 2. How and who to write for today 3. Jobs of the Future

` 1. Process ◦ Start Early ◦ Write Fast ◦ Set it aside ◦ Revise (Writing takes

time!)

` 2. Technique ` The nuts and

bolts/grammar ◦ Subject-Verb agreement: ◦ Singular with singular ◦ Plural with plural

` Find a storyline ` Research

` 3. Flow ◦ The opposite to “writer’s

block” ◦ Feel passion for your

work ◦ Get mentors/coaches/ other sets of eyes

` Mirror outlet you’re pitching ` Op-Ed ` Speech ` Media Advisory: Not as lengthy as news

release ` Media Alert:

who/what/where/when/why/how ` Newsletters ` * Hanna Porterfield, author of “Why Writing Should be the

Most South After Skill in PR” Public Relations Tactics

` Social Media ` Website ` Concise writing ` Same brand voice ` SEO keywords

` Emails ` Short and to the point ` Even texts

` In public relations, be the news source for your company/persona (don’t rely on the media to tell your story.)

` Example: Tweeter in Chief

` Some measurement examples: ` Vocus, Bulletin Intelligence, Media Analytics

` Write as often as you can (even outside the office. Write Yelp reviews!)

` “If it’s not read, it’s worthless” Suzette Norris ` Read a variety of publications ` Listen to/watch podcasts/TED talks ` Readers are Leaders (Tip: Overdrive app from

the Johnson City Public Library. Loads of FREE e- and audio books!)

Robotics will replace: Bank Tellers, Surgeons, Phone Operators, Salespeople, Drivers

` “Master the art of communication – it’s one way

that machines will never be able to compete.” Crystal Akins

“In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different.” Coco Chanel

` Let’s stay connected

` @marketingmel,

LinkedIn, etc.