The 10 Commandments for Avoiding a Public Relations Disaster

By Laura • January 27th, 2010

The 10 Commandments for Avoiding a Public Relations Disaster:

Ever wonder why so many people have gotten into trouble because of what they have said or written that has become public on TV, radio, newpapers, or the internet? The author has recently discovered an ancient scroll with ten sacred commandments that can ensure that the reader will avoid these public relations pitfalls.

1. Thou shalt think – and think clearly and carefully – before thou speaketh or writeth.

2. Thou shalt not write or say anything (that is, ANYTHING) that thou wouldst not be proud to see quoted in the newspaper, TV, radio, or Internet.

3. Thou shalt never say or write anything that is “off the record,” since thou knowest that in today’s world, NOTHING is off the record.

4. Thou shalt avoid jokes and trying to be “funny” or “cute,” since thou knowest that most humor has a hostile and sarcastic element. Thou shalt leavest the humor to the professional comedians and comedy writers.

5. In whatever thou sayest and writest, thou shalt ask, “How would someone who hates me interpret this?”

6. Thou shalt keep things positive, and avoid the negatives.

7. Thou shalt not insult any specific individual or group.

8. Thou shalt avoid the temptation to say something controversial, or to offer an “off the cuff” opinion about anything controversial.

9. Thou shalt offer opinions only within one’s own areas of knowledge, competence, and experience.

10. When in doubt about what to say or write, thou shalt consult.

The author is not certain which ancient public relations firm wrote the above ten commandments. However, their relevance for today’s world is unquestioned.

Dr. Sander I. Marcus
http://www.articlesbase.com/presentation-articles/the-10-commandments-for-avoiding-a-public-relations-disaster-129807.html

 

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  • It used to be said that the only guarantees in life are death and taxes. Add that picture your friend took of you last week and posted it on MySpace! It’ll be there forever. –Laura Betterly

  • There is no such thing as bad publicity except your own obituary. Brendan Behan

  • Publicity is the life of this culture – in so far as without publicity capitalism could not survive – and at the same time publicity is its dream. John Berger

  • Ninety eight percent of the adults in this country are decent, hardworking, honest Americans. It’s the other lousy two percent that get all the publicity. But then, we elected them. Lily Tomlin

  • Without publicity there can be no public support, and without public support every nation must decay. Benjamin Disraeli

  • Of course I’m a publicity hound. Aren’t all crusaders? How can you accomplish anything unless people know what you are trying to do? Vivien Kellems

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