The audience is a central part of every PR campaign. One must consider who they are taking to before they can decide what to say. So someone must get into the minds of every potential audience. Surveys are a great way to find out what people think and feel about topics. As an undergrad, surveys mean working the street corners.
The first step is finding a place that allows any form of solicitation. My group searched many places, but only one store allowed us to perform the surveys. Our only other option was downtown street corners. Thank god for public forums!
Next we had to stand outside and try to convince people to actually take the survey. The proved extremely challenging. My favorite response was when those strolling along would suddenly start running saying, "I am in a hurry!" Downtown a group sitting on a bench staring into space, was also in a hurry. One lady stopped and took the time to look at the survey, but she misread the top. It said community survey, but she read it as community service. She handed it back saying she did not do community service.
After many hours on the corner, we completed enough surveys for our project. After we compile the information we hope to have a glimpse of how the community thinks, because speeching is always more effective if you know your audience.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Friday, February 16, 2007
Research incentives
PR research is often everyone least favorite section of the campaigns process. No one really wants to spend hours over a computer or book reading through for information. Unfortunately it is an important part of the process, that can not be overlooked.
Lucky for me, I am a history nerd that does not really mind the research section, but few agree with me. Most describe the process as extremely boring. So why do we torture ourselves?
Well without the research a campaign would lack focus. It might be brilliant and inventive, but probably miss its mark. It is hard to aim without a focus. Research gives us that focus. We must understand the past, the mission, and the current attitudes to know where the campaign should aim.
With nine other people on my team, the research section went pretty smoothly. We all took one section and then came together to discuss. I spent a few hours staring at tax codes, but nothing compared to the hours I would have spent alone.
When I enter the "real world" I may not have a team to work with. I will then spend extreme amounts of time studying myself; because it is important. I guess at least in that one respect college will never end.
Lucky for me, I am a history nerd that does not really mind the research section, but few agree with me. Most describe the process as extremely boring. So why do we torture ourselves?
Well without the research a campaign would lack focus. It might be brilliant and inventive, but probably miss its mark. It is hard to aim without a focus. Research gives us that focus. We must understand the past, the mission, and the current attitudes to know where the campaign should aim.
With nine other people on my team, the research section went pretty smoothly. We all took one section and then came together to discuss. I spent a few hours staring at tax codes, but nothing compared to the hours I would have spent alone.
When I enter the "real world" I may not have a team to work with. I will then spend extreme amounts of time studying myself; because it is important. I guess at least in that one respect college will never end.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Why Campaigns?
The study of PR can be entertaining, interesting, fulfilling, and frustrating. As a student any actual practice is limited but can be the highlight of any academic career. It can also be the most stressful experience of those 4 (or more) years within the hallowed halls. With few resources, limited time and a mix of people, my process could go either way.
However I look at it, the practice will be essential in learning how PR really works. The book and lectures can teach me what PR should be. My professors can be mentors and examples, as well as teacher; but without hands-on experience it is just words in my head and a lot of sample writing.
As students in this field we need both. In fact without the knowledge taken from books and lectures, the hands-on experience would be blind . However without the campaign experience our first jobs might be blind as well.
At the University of Georgia we are lucky to be given the chance to learn both ways. Throughout this semester my journey will go up and down, but the experience gained will be impossible to replace.
However I look at it, the practice will be essential in learning how PR really works. The book and lectures can teach me what PR should be. My professors can be mentors and examples, as well as teacher; but without hands-on experience it is just words in my head and a lot of sample writing.
As students in this field we need both. In fact without the knowledge taken from books and lectures, the hands-on experience would be blind . However without the campaign experience our first jobs might be blind as well.
At the University of Georgia we are lucky to be given the chance to learn both ways. Throughout this semester my journey will go up and down, but the experience gained will be impossible to replace.
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