In this world of instant information sharing, and the rise of fake news, a new player is on the scene. Social media bots and trolls are now the next big challenge for communicators – but how do they work and how do we counter them?
Generating consumer insights, understanding brands and then developing the creative ideas that bring them together in one glorious public relations campaign is the subject of this short course. Not quite the search for the Holy Grail but some insights into how to light the way.
From taking down advertising campaigns to demanding apologies from public figures – digital platforms have mobilised the internet flash mob. This can bring about positive social change; but it also brings challenges as misinformation and conspiracy theories have to be managed and damaged reputations repaired when outrage is sparked by malicious intent.
Are reputations made and lost suddenly? What impact does a communication bungle have on trust? And if -- as the London-based Chartered Institute of Public Relations says, public relations is 'about reputation' -- what does that mean in practice? How actually do you build and protect a reputation?
Change is one of those disruptive elements in a workplace that can cause anxieties, uncertainty and perceived threat – to senior manager and every employee in equal measure. And it is not the magnitude of change that matters – any change that affects how people feel within and about your organisation will require communication that is credible, consistent and responsive. It also requires a special focus on clarity.
Increasingly we want pictures and video rather than text and we’re more likely to see our stories peppered with emoji rather than perfectly punctuated prose. So do we still need the written word in today’s visual and virtual worlds? Yes we do – but we need to approach it in a different way.
The Workshop recently produced a briefing paper for people in the media on strategies to manage and prevent false information about COVID-19 spreading and taking hold. In support of the wider public relations and media industry, this LIVE webinar is available to everyone free of charge. A huge thanks to The Workshop for their generosity in sharing their knowledge and time.
Communications: everyone has an opinion, and everyone thinks they’re an expert. It’s a problem accountancy and legal teams in organisations rarely encounter, but for communication professionals it can be a common frustration, and it means that – more than any other professional service – we need to be brilliant at influencing.
If you have ever wondered how you were going to create an event that delivered your objectives with flair, on time, on budget and with minimal stress, this one day of action-packed training is for you. From Event Management theory to producing a project plan for your event, to how to deal with media attending (or not attending) your event, you will learn the key elements of creating a successful event.
This highly popular session opens the digital toolbox for those who have little or no experience of life online, demystifying social media and exploring its potential. It may be that until now you have experimented with social media for personal use but now need to see how it works within your professional sphere.
Having intercultural competency is a much-needed skill that enables us to be better equipped at communicating more mindfully in our diverse public relations contexts. How do we do this without making stereotypical assumptions based on our own worldviews, which risk the relationships and reputations of the organisations we represent?
Effective public relations and communication strategy supports your organisational outcomes, is feasible and can be resourced. As organisations grow in size, communication often becomes a mix of tactics, with channels full of information that hinders rather than helps. Without a clear strategy, your time and resources are wasted and the value of your work will be missed.
