Inside PR at Centennial

Today was an exciting day for Centennial College’s public relations students as they joined dynamic podcasting duo Terry Fallis and David Jones for the taping of Inside PR’s 100^th show. 

At the front end, students were encouraged to contribute with comments and opinions about big picture issues in public relations.  Compelling student comments and insightful answers by Mr. Jones and Mr. Fallis offered great insight into ethics, ideals, and future trends in social media and public relations in general.

Needless to say, 50 minutes of taped discussion passed quickly. 

Reflecting on the experience, my classmate, Tara Young, and I agreed there was common sentiment among the 40-member student body that made up the majority of the podcast’s audience. 

1. It’s difficult to muster up the courage to get up and speak into a mic.
2. It’s difficult to formulate a value-added question or comment. 

Tara and I concluded that these obstacles are largely interrelated.  Once the light bulb goes off, and you figure out something great to add to the conversation, it’s much easier to get up in front of any audience. 

I eventually mustered up the courage to ask Mr. Jones and Mr. Fallis a question related to ethics and social media.  Before asking the question, I had an idea of the direction the discussion would take.  This was the main reason for my hesitation.    

As we have recently learned during in-class interviewing modules, it’s common practice for interviewers to ask questions to which they already know the answers.  Their intent being to get their source to tell the story. 

But, do the same rules apply in the realm of social-media?  Is it common ground to raise issues to stir up conversation? Or, should questions always be extended out of genuine need for an answer?

Snow not an excuse to skip workout

Shoveling snow can slim your arms, tighten your abs and improve your cardiovascular strength.    While potentially dangerous for the elderly or ill, young urbanites yield great results by approaching snow removal as they do a session at the gym. 

Snow is heavy — and its removal inevitable.  The trick is not to approach snow removal with frustration, instead, work it into your schedule — your workout schedule, that is. 

While shoveling, concentrate on your form and breathing, stay hydrated and stop when needed.

At the end, you’ll walk away feeling a great sense of accomplishment.  You may end up doing your neighbor’s walkway too! 

Once you start, it’s easy and fun to keep going.   So, bundle up, grab your shovel and hit the pavement — literally.

*As I shoveled my walkway for the third time tonight, I realized how the past eight months of PR training have affected the way my brain functions. You have just read my PR pitch for the benefits of shoveling your driveway.