Introduction to Course - What is Public Relations?

Today, I attended my first Public Relations lesson with professor Tanya. We had a quick introduction to this module, which enabled me to better understand what was coming; for this topic, as well as what I would be facing if I were to enter this department in future.

Ground rules were set before getting properly started. And, as what most professionals expect, professor Tanya expects punctuality -- a virtue lacking in many Singaporeans. In the working society, I believe that punctuality is a must-have, as credibility and first impressions are of utmost importance. I may not have been punctual for all my past classes or appointments, but I will try to be, and not conform to the bad habits of the mass.

Albeit sketchy, most of us had a general idea of what Public Relations is about -- communicating and interacting with people, generally being a people-person. However, is this just a stereotypical point of view? That only people who have a high Emotional Quotient are better suited for this position and job? I do not think so, it is an advantage though to be able to communicate freely with anyone, anywhere at any time. I do have slight reserves when meeting people for the first time, but with a passion for a PR-related job, I believe that I will be able to overcome the odds and excel in my job.

The art of persuasion, this is what advertising and marketing is about; to win people to see and adopt your view or stand. An advert is only successful when people are convinced by what they see, and to act on what they believe in. So, what is the difference between advertising and marketing? The main difference is that you need to pay to advertise but not for marketing. Yet, marketing is five times more effective than advertising. Advertising or marketing, most importantly is that the product sells.

Professor Tanya presented a grey area for this module, giving us more space for creativity and to think out of the box. Such a chance is rarely given to students studying in Singapore, as most of what we have been studying are very theoretical and methodological. Even when I was taking Arts subjects at the Junior College level, like Literature and Geography, essays written were rarely subjective as teachers still expected some crucial points to be presented and methods of writing were taught and rigidly followed. "There is no right or wrong in an opinion, just how you look at it", with this in mind I will go ahead and do as my heart says for my assignments for this module.

with love,
cookie biscuit.
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(='.'=) V