Corporate communication is an informational and marketing tool.
Corporate communication has evolved with the Internet. Today, it is not just about writing press releases or speeches. It is about corporate websites, blogs, social media and online monitoring. Internet communication is fast communication. A rumor could start in Tokyo overnight and rattle markets in New York the next morning. Therefore, you must be ready to respond quickly but accurately.
Instructions
1. Get the details. Some corporate communication is time sensitive, requiring a response within minutes. Note the due date and set aside enough time to complete the work. For example, you might need a week to prepare for a trade show but less than an hour to issue a press release inviting the media to an open house.
2. Analyze the audience. For internal communication products, you could discuss sensitive aspects of your company's financial performance, such as how you are faring against your competitors or what you are doing to address gaps in your product line. You might modify the material for an external communication product, such as an annual report or a trade show presentation.
3. State the purpose. For example, if you are writing a press release announcing a corporate appointment, start with "ABC Corp. is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Joe Smith as President and Chief Executive Officer effective July 1." For a slide presentation, introduce the speakers and the outline of the presentation in the first couple of slides.
4. Add context and details in the body of the communication. Use plain language. Stay away from jargon and abbreviations as much as possible. For a new product, briefly state what it does and how customers can benefit from it. Use concrete examples, such as "Our new chip accelerates image processing capabilities by twofold, thus allowing businesses to achieve cost and performance efficiencies."
5. Be optimistic, even if you have to communicate bad news. For example, say, "The company announced temporary staff layoffs of 100 at its Houston plant today. We expect to resume operations at full capacity in a few months." If you are announcing an executive retirement, include two to three examples of how the executive made a difference to the company.
6. Conclude by providing a contact name, telephone number, email address and a link to the media or investor relations section of your corporate website.
7. Write a direct and simple title or heading. Use humor or catchy slogans on a blog, but not on a formal press release or an executive presentation to investors. Twitter, Facebook and other social media forums often have restrictions on the number of words per post. Post the title or a brief summary and provide a link to the detailed press release. Proofread the communication message before transmitting it and posting it on your website.
Tags: press release, Corporate communication, social media, trade show, website Write