My presentation to Robert Houk's ETSU Mass Comm writing class, March 2017. Credits: PRSA Tactics Feb, 2017; communications co-workers.

1. A Presentation to Robert Houk’s ETSU Writing for Mass
Communications Class
Mary Ellen Miller, MBA
March 15, 2017

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

4. 1. Process
◦ Start Early
◦ Write Fast
◦ Set it aside
◦ Revise (Writing takes
time!)

5. 2. Technique
The nuts and
bolts/grammar
◦ Subject-Verb agreement:
◦ Singular with singular
◦ Plural with plural
Find a storyline
Research

6. 3. Flow
◦ The opposite to “writer’s
block”
◦ Feel passion for your
work
◦ Get mentors/coaches/
other sets of eyes

7. 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

8. Social Media
Website
Concise writing
Same brand voice
SEO keywords

9. Emails
Short and to the point
Even texts

10. 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

11. Some measurement examples:
Vocus, Bulletin Intelligence, Media Analytics

13. 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!)

14. 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

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

17. Let’s stay connected
@marketingmel,
LinkedIn, etc.