The 10 Commandments for Avoiding a Public Relations
Disaster:
Ever wonder why so many people have gotten into trouble because of what they
have said or written that has become public on TV, radio, newpapers, or the
internet?
I recently discovered an ancient scroll with ten sacred
commandments that can ensure that the reader will avoid these public relations
pitfalls.
1. Thou shalt think – and think clearly and carefully – before thou speaketh or
writeth.
2. Thou shalt not write or say anything (that is, ANYTHING) that thou wouldst
not be proud to see quoted in the newspaper, TV, radio, or Internet.
3. Thou shalt never say or write anything that is “off the record,” since thou
knowest that in today’s world, NOTHING is off the record.
4. Thou shalt avoid jokes and trying to be “funny” or “cute,” since thou
knowest that most humor has a hostile and sarcastic element. Thou shalt leavest
the humor to the professional comedians and comedy writers.
5. In whatever thou sayest and writest, thou shalt ask, “How would someone who
hates me interpret this?”
6. Thou shalt keep things positive, and avoid the negatives.
7. Thou shalt not insult any specific individual or group.
8. Thou shalt avoid the temptation to say something controversial, or to offer
an “off the cuff” opinion about anything controversial.
9. Thou shalt offer opinions only within one’s own areas of knowledge,
competence, and experience.
10. When in doubt about what to say or write, thou shalt consult.
I am not certain which ancient public relations firm wrote the above
ten commandments and I do not in any way claim to own them. However, their relevance for today's world is unquestioned.
Tune- Up: Letters for publication are one of the most overlooked areas of opportunity for those seeking to promote their products or services. Many editors are crying out for good, entertaining, controversial letters to print. Letters to the editor offer excellent opportunities to build name and brand familiarity Joseph Reriani. - PR Consultant
This article is part of Joseph Reriani's "PR Tune-up Blog" newsletter posted to over 6,000 subscribers weekly. The newsletter was first published in 2002 at http://www.Reriani.com. For more articles and PR tune-up tips, please visit www.PrudentPressAgency.com and www.SkyNewswire.com. Joseph Reriani is a Media Consultant and Fellow with the Chartered Institute of Public Relations- United Kingdom. He is the President/CEO of Prudent International Inc and Executive Editor of Prudent Press Agency. He is also an Assistant Editor of SkyNewswire.com directed by Jackie Mugambi . He is a trained journalist and specializes in helping businesses, organizations, and individuals improve their public image by effectively employing the power of public relations. Mr Reriani can be reached at admin @ Reriani.com. You may freely copy and re-publish this article without altering any part in the body.