A Word From Your Public Relation Officer Warming up

Ex. 1. Discuss the following questions.

1. What are the main duties of public relation officer?

2. What is the purpose of a press statement?

3. What do you think the public relation officer should do if he mustn’t reveal the details?

Ex. 2. The following useful phrases will help you to give a press statement.

How to say nothing	I’m afraid I can’t comment at the moment. A statement will be issued shortly. I’m sorry, but I can’t comment at this stage. Yes, I am pleased to be in your country. Thank you for interest but I can’t tell you anything before the statement is issued.
Difficult questions	I didn’t say that at all. I would rather not answer that question at present. Do you have any other questions?
Giving information in a press statement	As a result of this meeting, agreement has been reached on the following points. First, … . Secondly, … . Finally, … . Thank you.
Not giving information in a press statement	This has been a useful meeting. Both parties have expressed their views clearly, and the meeting has taken place in a spirit of cooperation. Further details cannot be given at present, but it is hoped that the increased understanding resulting from this meeting will be of assistance in resolving the present situation. I am afraid that we cannot answer questions at this stage. Thank you.

Ex. 3. Produce the dialogue on the given topic.

Imagine you are leaving an important negotiation with another company. The press are at the door. You must speak to the journalists, but try not to tell them anything (except that a statement will be issued soon). Answer their questions:

1. Good afternoon Mr. / Mrs. … . Could I ask you a couple of questions?

2. Could you say if the negotiations were a success, from your point of view?

3. Can you tell us, what will be in the statement?

4. Are you pleased to be here?

5. So, you think the negotiations have been good for your company?

6. Do you have any plans for similar talks with other companies in the industry?

7. One last question: is it true that you said you expect to get everything you want from these negotiations?

8. Thank you…

Ex. 4. Speak on the given topic.

You are a Public relation officer. You’ve just been present at an important negotiations with another company. Give a press statement, but don’t tell the details and try to be polite.

Listening

Ex. 5. Malcolm, an undergraduate studying Marketing, is giving a presentation about an internship he served in an advertising company to the other students on his course. A fellow student took some notes while he was talking, but was distracted and made some mistakes. The mistakes are underlined in the notes below. Listen to the presentation and correct the mistakes.

Notes	Correct information
1. The company was founded in 1996.
2. They have a turnover of 800,000 Euros a year.
3. Malcolm helped in the marketing department in Paris.
4. Malcolm had to secure the advertising deals.
5. He spoke French on the phone every day.
6. He observed the marketing team brainstorm ideas for advertising new products.
7. He ate lunch in the office canteen.
8. The main disadvantage was that he didn’t meet people from other departments.

Ex. 6. Listen to the presentation again and give its main points. Make a presentation about your internship or training practice.