How To Stay On Message
Whether you are writing a press release or pitch, it’s important that you are able to stay on message. It’s easy these days to get distracted and digress when our minds are dealing with fast paced technology, multitasking and “crazy busy” schedules.
Here are 5 tips to help you control your message:
1. Be clear. Before you begin to write, think about or jot down the main purpose, the #1 reason that you are sending your release or pitch letter. If you have a subtopic, make note of that as well.
2. Organize your thoughts. When writing a press release, you may want to draft a short outline first with the logical sequence of what you are explaining or announcing. This is also be effective when writing a longer pitch letter.
3. Focus on the headline and lead. Every sentence you write should be connected back to your headline and lead paragraph. As you write, glance back at the headline to remind yourself of the purpose of your release or pitch.
4. Tie-in the quote. When you quote someone in your press release, make sure their words are on message and congruent as well.
5. Build on the previous sentence. Every word and every sentence should build off of the ones that came before. Take your reader on an exciting journey that will entice them to read more. If you are unclear of where your message is going, chances are your audience will be too.
Communications
Quote:
"I find TV very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book." - Groucho Marx
