Tag: North Carolina Public Relations Society

How to Capture Your Audience: Avoiding the TCP

Margot HorganBlog, Entry-Level PR Job, Professional Development, Public Relations, , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment on How to Capture Your Audience: Avoiding the TCP

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We have all experienced it – the boring, routine presentation that leads you to incessantly double-check your watch and meticulously count down the minutes until you are free to leave and go about your day. This kind of presentation can be categorized as a TCP: the Typical Corporate Presentation. While most can agree that public speaking is typically not at the top of the “favorite things to-do” list, it does not mean that you are incapable if giving a stellar presentation.

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I recently had the opportunity to attend a NCPRSA Professional Development luncheon, where Alan Hoffler, the executive director and principal trainer at MillsWyck Communications, spoke on the essentials for giving a successful presentation. The valuable tips shared can be applied to any type of professional or scholarly environment, and can even fine-tune your every day communication skills. But, you may ask, “What exactly defines a successful presentation?”

Essentially, a presentation can be deemed successful if the audience is able to repeat something discussed. At the end of the day, if people cannot repeat your message, it was not successful.

To improve your presentation and communication skills, check out the three main steps that will prevent you from giving that dreaded TCP:

Capture the audience’s attention – “You can’t lose what you don’t have!”
If you want to keep the audience’s attention, you must first have it. You must give them a reason to listen. Interacting with members in the audience, asking questions or sharing a relatable story can achieve this.

Give your audience a mental list – “You can’t repeat what you don’t remember.”

After you have the audience’s attention, tell them what you intend to tell them. This tool provides the audience with an easy to follow structure and lets the crowd know exactly what they will be getting out of your presentation. Your message should first be addressed and then expand on the topic from there.

Finish strong and briefly – “You can’t finish what never ends.”

Always, always, always finish strongly. Make sure you keep your ending brief and to the point, while giving the audience a call to action that they can take away from the presentation.

Have any other tips that have helped you give a successful presentation?

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NCPRSA vs. RPRS

Josephine ButlerAPR, Blog, Professional Development, Public Relations, Raleigh PR Agency, , , , , , , ,

Are you a public relations or communications professional? Then you probably realize the importance of getting out and networking! If you’re located here at a Raleigh PR agency or somewhere else in the Triangle, there are two great organizations you should consider joining: the North Carolina Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (NCPRSA) or the Raleigh Public Relations Society (RPRS). While I personally recommend becoming a member of both, if you had to pick just one, here are a few tips that will help you decide which group is right for you.

For starters, let’s take a look at what is offered by both groups:

  • Luncheons are held each month, where local PR professionals and industry leaders will share ideas and case studies.
  • Each group hosts an annual awards ceremony – NCPRSA hosts the InSpire Awards and RPRS hosts the Sir Walter Raleigh Awards – recognizing successful communications campaigns and tactics.
  • Members receive discounted rates on monthly luncheons and other events.

Now, let’s hone in on what NCPRSA has to offer:

  • This group is comprised of PR professionals with a broad range of experiences and leadership positions at every level. From CEOs to entry-level employees, there’s a lot of variety.
  • Each year, the organization hosts a PR & Marketing Seminar, playing host to both local and national communications experts.
  • On the website, members have access to the NCPRSA Job Bank, where local employers frequently post new job openings and leadership opportunities.
  • The North Carolina chapter of PRSA is part of the world’s largest network of PR professionals.
  • Within PRSA, you have the option to join one of 16 professional interest sections, putting you in touch with other members who share your expertise.
  • The organization offers the industries only accreditation program, Accredited in Public Relations (APR) program.
  • When you become a member, you’ll receive periodicals, daily news updates and access to research, articles, white papers and case studies.
  • Because of the larger network, dues are pricier than other local groups. National dues are $255 annually, plus a $65 initiation fee and the local chapter fee.

Now let’s take a look at what RPRS has to offer:

  • This group also features PR professionals at every career level, but has an especially strong presence of entry-level to account supervisor-level members.
  • In addition to monthly luncheons, this group will occasionally arrange tours at local media outlets.
  • Twice a year, the organization will host free networking socials at popular Raleigh restaurants.
  • An attractive economic option for members with a smaller budget, individual dues are only $75 annually.

Now that you’ve had a chance to learn more about these wonderful organizations, feel free to ask questions. Dana and Tracy both sit on the board for NCPRSA, while I (Josie) serve as publicity chair for RPRS. We’d love to help you decide which group (or if both groups) is right for you!

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