Archive for the ‘Recommended reading’ Category

I know it may seem like an odd hobby, but–for me–finding lists on the Web or in trade/specialty publications of misused words and terms is something I love to see. So, here’s PR Daily‘s list of “10 Words That Might Not Mean What you Think They Do,” which includes the real meaning of “disinterested.” It’s actually not the uncaring, uninterested insult many people think it is. It merely means “neutral, unbiased.” Aside from the legal implications of disinterested parties, sometimes we all need someone who is disinterested to provide some objective input!

http://www.prdaily.com/Main/Articles/10698.aspx

From PR Daily: Put that jargon to good use: play “Word Quest” in your next meeting! http://www.prdaily.com/Main/Articles/9866.aspx

Of course, it’s generally best to AVOID using jargon when talking to people outside your specialty area, but this lets you have some fun with it when you’re not at risk of making your listener (or reader) feel uninformed!

There are some interesting insights that apply not only to journalists but also to corporate communicators in this post found today at www.edit30.com. The piece cites “Texas Watchdog writer and blogger” Lynn Walsh’s guidelines for coaching journalists on how to use social media in developing news stories then states that the guidelines have a mirror image that is valuable for communications professionals looking the other direction, pitching the media. (If the link no longer goes straight to the post, you can likely use the search box to access it by typing in the name SOCIAL MEDIA AS A PR TOOL.)

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Here’s a link to an interesting content grid/graphic from Eloqua.com: http://bit.ly/czcccS

It illustrates both centralized and decentralized communications and categorizes them by whether they create/contribute to awareness or consideration while also identifying type, channel, two-way channel, or data rich.  As with all communications about your product or service, it’s critical to be clear about not only your objective but the means and language you use to convey it so that you’re differentiating yourself and using language and messaging that is appropriate for your prospective clients. And, as always, remember it’s not just about the words–it’s also spelling them right and punctuating them correctly, too, so you don’t disable your message regardless of the channel!

Eloqua’s Grand Guide premise is simple: Don’t try to boil the ocean. Instead, help marketers overcome one challenge at a time.