NCA

Colleague

Paper reviewer. Former division president. Incoming Division president (2015). Chaired the PRIDE Committee.

University of Tennessee

Professor

Teaching, research, and service.

UNSW

Professor

Michael worked at UNSW as a Professor

University of Oklahoma

Associate Professor

MICHAEL KENT, Associate Professor of Public Relations at the University of Oklahoma's Gaylord College.

AUT University

Visiting lecturer

Invitation: AUT: Auckland University of Technology (April–May, 2014, two weeks). Auckland, New Zealand. Lectured and collaborated with faculty and students.

“Tricks of the Trade: Publishing and Getting Published (In The US).” Seminar/workshop for Faculty and Graduate Students. Auckland, New Zealand

“Public Relations’ Role In Reviving Democracy Through Dialogue.” Guest lecture to staff and students at the weekly PR Forum for students. Auckland, New Zealand.

“Dialogue and relationships in PR.” Auckland, New Zealand. Postgraduate Lecture/Seminar class. Auckland, New Zealand.

“The New Dialogue: Directions For Social Media.” Industry breakfast seminar. Members of PRiNZ. Auckland, New Zealand.

The death of Second Life: A case study of a (old) new “technology.”

International Academy of Business Disciplines (IABD)

Public relations professionals are increasingly called upon to understand, embrace, and use technological advancements in their work. Which communication technologies are worth embracing? Which technologies contribute to organization–public relationships? This essay explores public relations’ fascination with new technology. In this essay, we conduct a case study of Second Life, asking “do new technologies help practitioners to build relationships with publics?” If yes, what evidence exists? If not, why are practitioners rushing in to embrace unproven tactics?

The death of Second Life: A case study of a (old) new “technology.”

International Academy of Business Disciplines (IABD)

Public relations professionals are increasingly called upon to understand, embrace, and use technological advancements in their work. Which communication technologies are worth embracing? Which technologies contribute to organization–public relationships? This essay explores public relations’ fascination with new technology. In this essay, we conduct a case study of Second Life, asking “do new technologies help practitioners to build relationships with publics?” If yes, what evidence exists? If not, why are practitioners rushing in to embrace unproven tactics?

Mac to Kindle: Secrets and Lies of Successful Formatting

Amazon Kindle

E-publishing is the wild west of book publishing. Although there are many books available about how to format Kindle books for PCs, there are few if any Mac books available. Many of the instructions about how to format and upload content for the Kindle are just plain wrong, even the instructions on Amazon! In this comprehensive manual, Kent talks about basic design and formatting issues, advanced formatting, issues, what is possible in a Mac–Kindle formatting world, and how to produce a compelling e-book using only a Mac computer and Microsoft Word. Using a Mac for Kindle: Secrets and Lies of Successful Formatting is a must have for any new Kindle publisher and will also teach old hands a thing or two.

The death of Second Life: A case study of a (old) new “technology.”

International Academy of Business Disciplines (IABD)

Public relations professionals are increasingly called upon to understand, embrace, and use technological advancements in their work. Which communication technologies are worth embracing? Which technologies contribute to organization–public relationships? This essay explores public relations’ fascination with new technology. In this essay, we conduct a case study of Second Life, asking “do new technologies help practitioners to build relationships with publics?” If yes, what evidence exists? If not, why are practitioners rushing in to embrace unproven tactics?

Mac to Kindle: Secrets and Lies of Successful Formatting

Amazon Kindle

E-publishing is the wild west of book publishing. Although there are many books available about how to format Kindle books for PCs, there are few if any Mac books available. Many of the instructions about how to format and upload content for the Kindle are just plain wrong, even the instructions on Amazon! In this comprehensive manual, Kent talks about basic design and formatting issues, advanced formatting, issues, what is possible in a Mac–Kindle formatting world, and how to produce a compelling e-book using only a Mac computer and Microsoft Word. Using a Mac for Kindle: Secrets and Lies of Successful Formatting is a must have for any new Kindle publisher and will also teach old hands a thing or two.

Chapter 45: Directions in social media for professionals and scholars.

Sage

Invited chapter in the handbook of public relations talking about where social media has been and is going.

The death of Second Life: A case study of a (old) new “technology.”

International Academy of Business Disciplines (IABD)

Public relations professionals are increasingly called upon to understand, embrace, and use technological advancements in their work. Which communication technologies are worth embracing? Which technologies contribute to organization–public relationships? This essay explores public relations’ fascination with new technology. In this essay, we conduct a case study of Second Life, asking “do new technologies help practitioners to build relationships with publics?” If yes, what evidence exists? If not, why are practitioners rushing in to embrace unproven tactics?

Mac to Kindle: Secrets and Lies of Successful Formatting

Amazon Kindle

E-publishing is the wild west of book publishing. Although there are many books available about how to format Kindle books for PCs, there are few if any Mac books available. Many of the instructions about how to format and upload content for the Kindle are just plain wrong, even the instructions on Amazon! In this comprehensive manual, Kent talks about basic design and formatting issues, advanced formatting, issues, what is possible in a Mac–Kindle formatting world, and how to produce a compelling e-book using only a Mac computer and Microsoft Word. Using a Mac for Kindle: Secrets and Lies of Successful Formatting is a must have for any new Kindle publisher and will also teach old hands a thing or two.

Chapter 45: Directions in social media for professionals and scholars.

Sage

Invited chapter in the handbook of public relations talking about where social media has been and is going.

Bare Bones Public Speaking

Amazon Kindle

Most communication professionals agree that public speaking is more of an art than a knack. There are many books out there that promise to make you a great speaker in three days, that provide outlines of speeches you can copy, or that tell you to "always begin a speech with a joke." Unfortunately, that's not how great speaking works. The great political, religious, and professional speakers who stand the test of time are remembered because of their ability to adapt to the audience and the situation, not because of their jokes or frivolity. The same is true of great sales people. If every customer is treated the same, most of them will walk away, or tell you that they are not interested. People have different needs and respond to different messages. Learning to read your audience and adapt to the unique interests of individuals and groups is central to the process of being a great speaker. Bare Bones Public Speaking offers a comprehensive, but stripped down version of a basic public speaking textbook. The book features substantive discussions of persuasive, informative, and special occasion speaking, as well as comprehensive treatments of ethics, visual aids, delivery, organization, logical fallacies, audience analysis, and other areas. Bare Bones Public Speaking also includes a comprehensive introduction that lays out the historical roots of public speaking and sets up the practice as a response to rhetorical situations and important social exigencies. At only 43,000 words, Bare Bones Public Speaking is about half as long as a standard public speaking textbook, but will still meet one-hundred percent of your needs. With clearly defined lists, sample outlines, links to prominent and timely speeches, and suggestions on how to succeed in a variety of communicative situations, Bare Bones Public Speaking offers features found only in the most expensive academic textbooks costing $75–100.

The death of Second Life: A case study of a (old) new “technology.”

International Academy of Business Disciplines (IABD)

Public relations professionals are increasingly called upon to understand, embrace, and use technological advancements in their work. Which communication technologies are worth embracing? Which technologies contribute to organization–public relationships? This essay explores public relations’ fascination with new technology. In this essay, we conduct a case study of Second Life, asking “do new technologies help practitioners to build relationships with publics?” If yes, what evidence exists? If not, why are practitioners rushing in to embrace unproven tactics?

Mac to Kindle: Secrets and Lies of Successful Formatting

Amazon Kindle

E-publishing is the wild west of book publishing. Although there are many books available about how to format Kindle books for PCs, there are few if any Mac books available. Many of the instructions about how to format and upload content for the Kindle are just plain wrong, even the instructions on Amazon! In this comprehensive manual, Kent talks about basic design and formatting issues, advanced formatting, issues, what is possible in a Mac–Kindle formatting world, and how to produce a compelling e-book using only a Mac computer and Microsoft Word. Using a Mac for Kindle: Secrets and Lies of Successful Formatting is a must have for any new Kindle publisher and will also teach old hands a thing or two.

Chapter 45: Directions in social media for professionals and scholars.

Sage

Invited chapter in the handbook of public relations talking about where social media has been and is going.

Bare Bones Public Speaking

Amazon Kindle

Most communication professionals agree that public speaking is more of an art than a knack. There are many books out there that promise to make you a great speaker in three days, that provide outlines of speeches you can copy, or that tell you to "always begin a speech with a joke." Unfortunately, that's not how great speaking works. The great political, religious, and professional speakers who stand the test of time are remembered because of their ability to adapt to the audience and the situation, not because of their jokes or frivolity. The same is true of great sales people. If every customer is treated the same, most of them will walk away, or tell you that they are not interested. People have different needs and respond to different messages. Learning to read your audience and adapt to the unique interests of individuals and groups is central to the process of being a great speaker. Bare Bones Public Speaking offers a comprehensive, but stripped down version of a basic public speaking textbook. The book features substantive discussions of persuasive, informative, and special occasion speaking, as well as comprehensive treatments of ethics, visual aids, delivery, organization, logical fallacies, audience analysis, and other areas. Bare Bones Public Speaking also includes a comprehensive introduction that lays out the historical roots of public speaking and sets up the practice as a response to rhetorical situations and important social exigencies. At only 43,000 words, Bare Bones Public Speaking is about half as long as a standard public speaking textbook, but will still meet one-hundred percent of your needs. With clearly defined lists, sample outlines, links to prominent and timely speeches, and suggestions on how to succeed in a variety of communicative situations, Bare Bones Public Speaking offers features found only in the most expensive academic textbooks costing $75–100.

Toasts, Eulogies, Introductions, and Other Special Occasion Speeches

Amazon Kindle

Many books on toasts, eulogies, and other special occasion speeches offer you canned speeches that you can memorize. Unfortunately, that's not how great speaking works. Every gathering of friends, family, and professionals is different, and no off the shelf speech will work in every situation. Having to give a toast at a wedding, or write a eulogy can be a daunting task. Everyone wants their toast to be as good as the one they saw on television, but most people do not understand what their goal is. Kent's manual on special occasion speaking and funeral oratory provides a step by step guide, along with speech samples, and links to online speeches and manuscripts, so that your speeches can be a moving and memorable experience for your listeners. Kent’s book is witty, readable, informative, and comprehensive. His chapters on toasts and eulogies are the best anywhere.

The death of Second Life: A case study of a (old) new “technology.”

International Academy of Business Disciplines (IABD)

Public relations professionals are increasingly called upon to understand, embrace, and use technological advancements in their work. Which communication technologies are worth embracing? Which technologies contribute to organization–public relationships? This essay explores public relations’ fascination with new technology. In this essay, we conduct a case study of Second Life, asking “do new technologies help practitioners to build relationships with publics?” If yes, what evidence exists? If not, why are practitioners rushing in to embrace unproven tactics?

Mac to Kindle: Secrets and Lies of Successful Formatting

Amazon Kindle

E-publishing is the wild west of book publishing. Although there are many books available about how to format Kindle books for PCs, there are few if any Mac books available. Many of the instructions about how to format and upload content for the Kindle are just plain wrong, even the instructions on Amazon! In this comprehensive manual, Kent talks about basic design and formatting issues, advanced formatting, issues, what is possible in a Mac–Kindle formatting world, and how to produce a compelling e-book using only a Mac computer and Microsoft Word. Using a Mac for Kindle: Secrets and Lies of Successful Formatting is a must have for any new Kindle publisher and will also teach old hands a thing or two.

Chapter 45: Directions in social media for professionals and scholars.

Sage

Invited chapter in the handbook of public relations talking about where social media has been and is going.

Bare Bones Public Speaking

Amazon Kindle

Most communication professionals agree that public speaking is more of an art than a knack. There are many books out there that promise to make you a great speaker in three days, that provide outlines of speeches you can copy, or that tell you to "always begin a speech with a joke." Unfortunately, that's not how great speaking works. The great political, religious, and professional speakers who stand the test of time are remembered because of their ability to adapt to the audience and the situation, not because of their jokes or frivolity. The same is true of great sales people. If every customer is treated the same, most of them will walk away, or tell you that they are not interested. People have different needs and respond to different messages. Learning to read your audience and adapt to the unique interests of individuals and groups is central to the process of being a great speaker. Bare Bones Public Speaking offers a comprehensive, but stripped down version of a basic public speaking textbook. The book features substantive discussions of persuasive, informative, and special occasion speaking, as well as comprehensive treatments of ethics, visual aids, delivery, organization, logical fallacies, audience analysis, and other areas. Bare Bones Public Speaking also includes a comprehensive introduction that lays out the historical roots of public speaking and sets up the practice as a response to rhetorical situations and important social exigencies. At only 43,000 words, Bare Bones Public Speaking is about half as long as a standard public speaking textbook, but will still meet one-hundred percent of your needs. With clearly defined lists, sample outlines, links to prominent and timely speeches, and suggestions on how to succeed in a variety of communicative situations, Bare Bones Public Speaking offers features found only in the most expensive academic textbooks costing $75–100.

Toasts, Eulogies, Introductions, and Other Special Occasion Speeches

Amazon Kindle

Many books on toasts, eulogies, and other special occasion speeches offer you canned speeches that you can memorize. Unfortunately, that's not how great speaking works. Every gathering of friends, family, and professionals is different, and no off the shelf speech will work in every situation. Having to give a toast at a wedding, or write a eulogy can be a daunting task. Everyone wants their toast to be as good as the one they saw on television, but most people do not understand what their goal is. Kent's manual on special occasion speaking and funeral oratory provides a step by step guide, along with speech samples, and links to online speeches and manuscripts, so that your speeches can be a moving and memorable experience for your listeners. Kent’s book is witty, readable, informative, and comprehensive. His chapters on toasts and eulogies are the best anywhere.

Anticipatory Socialization in the Use of Social Media in Public Relations: A Content Analysis of PRSA's Public Relations Tactics.

Elsevier: Public Relations Review

This article examines one issue in how public relations students are socialized in their understanding of the value and power of social media in the practice of public relations. The public relations academic research about social media is explored, as well as the professional claims about the value of social media as a public relations tactic. The researchers conducted a content analysis of 1 year of Public Relations Tactics issues. The data are viewed through the theoretical frame of the socialization literature (Jablin, 1987). The results suggest that claims of social media power far outweigh evidence of social media effectiveness as a communication tool. A disconnect exists between what authors of Public Relations Tactics pieces view as the potential for social media and the research findings about the effectiveness of social media. The final section of the article discusses the implications for public relations educators, professional associations, and practitioners as they consider social media tactics in public relations strategy.

The death of Second Life: A case study of a (old) new “technology.”

International Academy of Business Disciplines (IABD)

Public relations professionals are increasingly called upon to understand, embrace, and use technological advancements in their work. Which communication technologies are worth embracing? Which technologies contribute to organization–public relationships? This essay explores public relations’ fascination with new technology. In this essay, we conduct a case study of Second Life, asking “do new technologies help practitioners to build relationships with publics?” If yes, what evidence exists? If not, why are practitioners rushing in to embrace unproven tactics?

Mac to Kindle: Secrets and Lies of Successful Formatting

Amazon Kindle

E-publishing is the wild west of book publishing. Although there are many books available about how to format Kindle books for PCs, there are few if any Mac books available. Many of the instructions about how to format and upload content for the Kindle are just plain wrong, even the instructions on Amazon! In this comprehensive manual, Kent talks about basic design and formatting issues, advanced formatting, issues, what is possible in a Mac–Kindle formatting world, and how to produce a compelling e-book using only a Mac computer and Microsoft Word. Using a Mac for Kindle: Secrets and Lies of Successful Formatting is a must have for any new Kindle publisher and will also teach old hands a thing or two.

Chapter 45: Directions in social media for professionals and scholars.

Sage

Invited chapter in the handbook of public relations talking about where social media has been and is going.

Bare Bones Public Speaking

Amazon Kindle

Most communication professionals agree that public speaking is more of an art than a knack. There are many books out there that promise to make you a great speaker in three days, that provide outlines of speeches you can copy, or that tell you to "always begin a speech with a joke." Unfortunately, that's not how great speaking works. The great political, religious, and professional speakers who stand the test of time are remembered because of their ability to adapt to the audience and the situation, not because of their jokes or frivolity. The same is true of great sales people. If every customer is treated the same, most of them will walk away, or tell you that they are not interested. People have different needs and respond to different messages. Learning to read your audience and adapt to the unique interests of individuals and groups is central to the process of being a great speaker. Bare Bones Public Speaking offers a comprehensive, but stripped down version of a basic public speaking textbook. The book features substantive discussions of persuasive, informative, and special occasion speaking, as well as comprehensive treatments of ethics, visual aids, delivery, organization, logical fallacies, audience analysis, and other areas. Bare Bones Public Speaking also includes a comprehensive introduction that lays out the historical roots of public speaking and sets up the practice as a response to rhetorical situations and important social exigencies. At only 43,000 words, Bare Bones Public Speaking is about half as long as a standard public speaking textbook, but will still meet one-hundred percent of your needs. With clearly defined lists, sample outlines, links to prominent and timely speeches, and suggestions on how to succeed in a variety of communicative situations, Bare Bones Public Speaking offers features found only in the most expensive academic textbooks costing $75–100.

Toasts, Eulogies, Introductions, and Other Special Occasion Speeches

Amazon Kindle

Many books on toasts, eulogies, and other special occasion speeches offer you canned speeches that you can memorize. Unfortunately, that's not how great speaking works. Every gathering of friends, family, and professionals is different, and no off the shelf speech will work in every situation. Having to give a toast at a wedding, or write a eulogy can be a daunting task. Everyone wants their toast to be as good as the one they saw on television, but most people do not understand what their goal is. Kent's manual on special occasion speaking and funeral oratory provides a step by step guide, along with speech samples, and links to online speeches and manuscripts, so that your speeches can be a moving and memorable experience for your listeners. Kent’s book is witty, readable, informative, and comprehensive. His chapters on toasts and eulogies are the best anywhere.

Anticipatory Socialization in the Use of Social Media in Public Relations: A Content Analysis of PRSA's Public Relations Tactics.

Elsevier: Public Relations Review

This article examines one issue in how public relations students are socialized in their understanding of the value and power of social media in the practice of public relations. The public relations academic research about social media is explored, as well as the professional claims about the value of social media as a public relations tactic. The researchers conducted a content analysis of 1 year of Public Relations Tactics issues. The data are viewed through the theoretical frame of the socialization literature (Jablin, 1987). The results suggest that claims of social media power far outweigh evidence of social media effectiveness as a communication tool. A disconnect exists between what authors of Public Relations Tactics pieces view as the potential for social media and the research findings about the effectiveness of social media. The final section of the article discusses the implications for public relations educators, professional associations, and practitioners as they consider social media tactics in public relations strategy.

Learning Web analytics: A tool for strategic communication

Elsevier: Pubic Relations Review

This essay discusses the usefulness of analytical software for public relations and communication professionals. Using data from four organizations (academic, professional, governmental, and activist), the authors unpack web analytic tools and their potential for improving the strategic communication skills of students.

The death of Second Life: A case study of a (old) new “technology.”

International Academy of Business Disciplines (IABD)

Public relations professionals are increasingly called upon to understand, embrace, and use technological advancements in their work. Which communication technologies are worth embracing? Which technologies contribute to organization–public relationships? This essay explores public relations’ fascination with new technology. In this essay, we conduct a case study of Second Life, asking “do new technologies help practitioners to build relationships with publics?” If yes, what evidence exists? If not, why are practitioners rushing in to embrace unproven tactics?

Mac to Kindle: Secrets and Lies of Successful Formatting

Amazon Kindle

E-publishing is the wild west of book publishing. Although there are many books available about how to format Kindle books for PCs, there are few if any Mac books available. Many of the instructions about how to format and upload content for the Kindle are just plain wrong, even the instructions on Amazon! In this comprehensive manual, Kent talks about basic design and formatting issues, advanced formatting, issues, what is possible in a Mac–Kindle formatting world, and how to produce a compelling e-book using only a Mac computer and Microsoft Word. Using a Mac for Kindle: Secrets and Lies of Successful Formatting is a must have for any new Kindle publisher and will also teach old hands a thing or two.

Chapter 45: Directions in social media for professionals and scholars.

Sage

Invited chapter in the handbook of public relations talking about where social media has been and is going.

Bare Bones Public Speaking

Amazon Kindle

Most communication professionals agree that public speaking is more of an art than a knack. There are many books out there that promise to make you a great speaker in three days, that provide outlines of speeches you can copy, or that tell you to "always begin a speech with a joke." Unfortunately, that's not how great speaking works. The great political, religious, and professional speakers who stand the test of time are remembered because of their ability to adapt to the audience and the situation, not because of their jokes or frivolity. The same is true of great sales people. If every customer is treated the same, most of them will walk away, or tell you that they are not interested. People have different needs and respond to different messages. Learning to read your audience and adapt to the unique interests of individuals and groups is central to the process of being a great speaker. Bare Bones Public Speaking offers a comprehensive, but stripped down version of a basic public speaking textbook. The book features substantive discussions of persuasive, informative, and special occasion speaking, as well as comprehensive treatments of ethics, visual aids, delivery, organization, logical fallacies, audience analysis, and other areas. Bare Bones Public Speaking also includes a comprehensive introduction that lays out the historical roots of public speaking and sets up the practice as a response to rhetorical situations and important social exigencies. At only 43,000 words, Bare Bones Public Speaking is about half as long as a standard public speaking textbook, but will still meet one-hundred percent of your needs. With clearly defined lists, sample outlines, links to prominent and timely speeches, and suggestions on how to succeed in a variety of communicative situations, Bare Bones Public Speaking offers features found only in the most expensive academic textbooks costing $75–100.

Toasts, Eulogies, Introductions, and Other Special Occasion Speeches

Amazon Kindle

Many books on toasts, eulogies, and other special occasion speeches offer you canned speeches that you can memorize. Unfortunately, that's not how great speaking works. Every gathering of friends, family, and professionals is different, and no off the shelf speech will work in every situation. Having to give a toast at a wedding, or write a eulogy can be a daunting task. Everyone wants their toast to be as good as the one they saw on television, but most people do not understand what their goal is. Kent's manual on special occasion speaking and funeral oratory provides a step by step guide, along with speech samples, and links to online speeches and manuscripts, so that your speeches can be a moving and memorable experience for your listeners. Kent’s book is witty, readable, informative, and comprehensive. His chapters on toasts and eulogies are the best anywhere.

Anticipatory Socialization in the Use of Social Media in Public Relations: A Content Analysis of PRSA's Public Relations Tactics.

Elsevier: Public Relations Review

This article examines one issue in how public relations students are socialized in their understanding of the value and power of social media in the practice of public relations. The public relations academic research about social media is explored, as well as the professional claims about the value of social media as a public relations tactic. The researchers conducted a content analysis of 1 year of Public Relations Tactics issues. The data are viewed through the theoretical frame of the socialization literature (Jablin, 1987). The results suggest that claims of social media power far outweigh evidence of social media effectiveness as a communication tool. A disconnect exists between what authors of Public Relations Tactics pieces view as the potential for social media and the research findings about the effectiveness of social media. The final section of the article discusses the implications for public relations educators, professional associations, and practitioners as they consider social media tactics in public relations strategy.

Learning Web analytics: A tool for strategic communication

Elsevier: Pubic Relations Review

This essay discusses the usefulness of analytical software for public relations and communication professionals. Using data from four organizations (academic, professional, governmental, and activist), the authors unpack web analytic tools and their potential for improving the strategic communication skills of students.

Where Will Technology Take Us? New Directions in Social Media

Whitepaper

This whitepaper reports the results of an international Delphi study of technology experts that consulted with managers, communication professionals, academics, computer scientists, and entrepreneurs.

The death of Second Life: A case study of a (old) new “technology.”

International Academy of Business Disciplines (IABD)

Public relations professionals are increasingly called upon to understand, embrace, and use technological advancements in their work. Which communication technologies are worth embracing? Which technologies contribute to organization–public relationships? This essay explores public relations’ fascination with new technology. In this essay, we conduct a case study of Second Life, asking “do new technologies help practitioners to build relationships with publics?” If yes, what evidence exists? If not, why are practitioners rushing in to embrace unproven tactics?

Mac to Kindle: Secrets and Lies of Successful Formatting

Amazon Kindle

E-publishing is the wild west of book publishing. Although there are many books available about how to format Kindle books for PCs, there are few if any Mac books available. Many of the instructions about how to format and upload content for the Kindle are just plain wrong, even the instructions on Amazon! In this comprehensive manual, Kent talks about basic design and formatting issues, advanced formatting, issues, what is possible in a Mac–Kindle formatting world, and how to produce a compelling e-book using only a Mac computer and Microsoft Word. Using a Mac for Kindle: Secrets and Lies of Successful Formatting is a must have for any new Kindle publisher and will also teach old hands a thing or two.

Chapter 45: Directions in social media for professionals and scholars.

Sage

Invited chapter in the handbook of public relations talking about where social media has been and is going.

Bare Bones Public Speaking

Amazon Kindle

Most communication professionals agree that public speaking is more of an art than a knack. There are many books out there that promise to make you a great speaker in three days, that provide outlines of speeches you can copy, or that tell you to "always begin a speech with a joke." Unfortunately, that's not how great speaking works. The great political, religious, and professional speakers who stand the test of time are remembered because of their ability to adapt to the audience and the situation, not because of their jokes or frivolity. The same is true of great sales people. If every customer is treated the same, most of them will walk away, or tell you that they are not interested. People have different needs and respond to different messages. Learning to read your audience and adapt to the unique interests of individuals and groups is central to the process of being a great speaker. Bare Bones Public Speaking offers a comprehensive, but stripped down version of a basic public speaking textbook. The book features substantive discussions of persuasive, informative, and special occasion speaking, as well as comprehensive treatments of ethics, visual aids, delivery, organization, logical fallacies, audience analysis, and other areas. Bare Bones Public Speaking also includes a comprehensive introduction that lays out the historical roots of public speaking and sets up the practice as a response to rhetorical situations and important social exigencies. At only 43,000 words, Bare Bones Public Speaking is about half as long as a standard public speaking textbook, but will still meet one-hundred percent of your needs. With clearly defined lists, sample outlines, links to prominent and timely speeches, and suggestions on how to succeed in a variety of communicative situations, Bare Bones Public Speaking offers features found only in the most expensive academic textbooks costing $75–100.

Toasts, Eulogies, Introductions, and Other Special Occasion Speeches

Amazon Kindle

Many books on toasts, eulogies, and other special occasion speeches offer you canned speeches that you can memorize. Unfortunately, that's not how great speaking works. Every gathering of friends, family, and professionals is different, and no off the shelf speech will work in every situation. Having to give a toast at a wedding, or write a eulogy can be a daunting task. Everyone wants their toast to be as good as the one they saw on television, but most people do not understand what their goal is. Kent's manual on special occasion speaking and funeral oratory provides a step by step guide, along with speech samples, and links to online speeches and manuscripts, so that your speeches can be a moving and memorable experience for your listeners. Kent’s book is witty, readable, informative, and comprehensive. His chapters on toasts and eulogies are the best anywhere.

Anticipatory Socialization in the Use of Social Media in Public Relations: A Content Analysis of PRSA's Public Relations Tactics.

Elsevier: Public Relations Review

This article examines one issue in how public relations students are socialized in their understanding of the value and power of social media in the practice of public relations. The public relations academic research about social media is explored, as well as the professional claims about the value of social media as a public relations tactic. The researchers conducted a content analysis of 1 year of Public Relations Tactics issues. The data are viewed through the theoretical frame of the socialization literature (Jablin, 1987). The results suggest that claims of social media power far outweigh evidence of social media effectiveness as a communication tool. A disconnect exists between what authors of Public Relations Tactics pieces view as the potential for social media and the research findings about the effectiveness of social media. The final section of the article discusses the implications for public relations educators, professional associations, and practitioners as they consider social media tactics in public relations strategy.

Learning Web analytics: A tool for strategic communication

Elsevier: Pubic Relations Review

This essay discusses the usefulness of analytical software for public relations and communication professionals. Using data from four organizations (academic, professional, governmental, and activist), the authors unpack web analytic tools and their potential for improving the strategic communication skills of students.

Where Will Technology Take Us? New Directions in Social Media

Whitepaper

This whitepaper reports the results of an international Delphi study of technology experts that consulted with managers, communication professionals, academics, computer scientists, and entrepreneurs.

Public relations writing: A rhetorical approach

Allyn and Bacon

The practice of public relations has become increasingly complex — practioners need more than “technical skills” to succeed, they need critical thinking, rhetorical and communication skills to adapt to sophisticated technological and diverse environments. Public Relations Writing: A Rhetorical Approach shows readers that successful communication through any platform, from blogs to brochures, requires compelling prose and the ability to use language effectively. By incorporating chapters that focus both on ideas and communication principles, as well as practical knowledge of an assortment of writing contexts, Public Relations Writing: A Rhetorical Approach prepares you for the dynamic field of public relations.

NCA, ICA

Division President, Public Relations

NCA, ICA

Division President, Public Relations

NCA, ICA

Division President, Public Relations

NCA, ICA

Division President, Public Relations

NCA, ICA

Division President, Public Relations

NCA, ICA

Division President, Public Relations

NCA, ICA

Division President, Public Relations

NCA, ICA

Division President, Public Relations

NCA, ICA

Division President, Public Relations

NCA, ICA

Division President, Public Relations

NCA, ICA

Division President, Public Relations

NCA, ICA

Division President, Public Relations

NCA, ICA

Division President, Public Relations

NCA, ICA

Division President, Public Relations

NCA, ICA

Division President, Public Relations

NCA, ICA

Division President, Public Relations