Writing for PR & Advertising
2025
This comprehensive course develops essential strategic communication skills across multiple formats including press releases, media pitches, advertisements, and multimedia content. Students learn to craft targeted messages that achieve specific organizational objectives while understanding the strategic, ethical, and theoretical foundations of effective communication. Through hands-on projects, students prepare for the diverse writing demands of modern advertising and public relations careers while mastering consistent style and grammatical precision
Strategic Communication Outside the Classroom: The West Wing
Original Assignment Context
For this assignment, I was tasked with exploring strategic communication beyond traditional academic resources. The challenge was to identify a non-traditional source (podcast, blog, social media account, etc.) that offered valuable insights into public relations or advertising practices, extract three specific takeaways, and present them to the class with visual elements in a 3-5 minute presentation.
What I Learned
Through this assignment, I developed my ability to recognize effective communication strategies in diverse media formats and translate those observations into practical applications. This experience enhanced my critical thinking skills and taught me to find inspiration in unexpected places. I learned to refine complex communication concepts into clear, actionable insights that can be applied across various strategic communication contexts.
The Client Project: Morning Grind Coffee
Original Assignment Context
This project required me to represent a local organization and develop a comprehensive strategic media package. Working under real-world constraints, I created a 5-8 page branded package that included key messages, a news release, a publicity pitch idea, three social media posts, a mock advertisement/PSA script, and two additional media kit elements, where I took the liberty to include a fact sheet and special menu for Morning Grind’s newest location: Monticello, Ga. The assignment culminated in a reflection paper explaining my strategic choices.
What I Learned
Creating this strategic media package strengthened my ability to develop cohesive messaging across multiple platforms while maintaining brand consistency. I gained practical experience in tailoring communication strategies to specific organizational goals and target audiences. This project enhanced my skills in writing for different formats and purposes, from formal press materials to engaging social media content. I also developed a deeper understanding of how various communication elements work together to create an effective strategic campaign.
Pitching: Leadership Ideas Festival 2024
Original Assignment Context
This multi-part assignment challenged me to develop and execute a newsworthy media pitch. I was required to prepare a comprehensive pitch strategy, deliver it via phone to an editor (simulated in-class experience), and follow up with a professional email pitch. The assignment demanded thorough research to identify a truly newsworthy angle, careful preparation of talking points, and the ability to adapt during a live conversation with an editor.
What I Learned
This experience significantly improved my media relations skills, particularly in developing compelling story angles that appeal to journalists. I learned to anticipate questions, think on my feet during live conversations, and effectively follow up in writing. The assignment taught me valuable lessons about news values, editor expectations, and the importance of preparation in media relations. I also gained confidence in my verbal communication abilities and learned techniques for maintaining focus during professional conversations.