Building the PR puzzle

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Imagine you managing celebrities such as Loyiso Bala or being a spokes person of large international companies such as Coca cola, or managing reputations of dignitaries such as  Patrice Motsepe . Even coordinating big events such as SAMA Awards 2015........sounds interesting  right? That's my thoughts exactly. Those are the first pieces of the PR puzzle I was thought when I was in Grade12 while looking for a career that would fit my personality. As fun , exciting and interesting  as it sounds Public Relations can be a bit challenging however with a bit of creativity will fit the right  pieces into the puzzle. Lets me give you  few magical pieces of the puzzles  I feel a PR student should consider:

Scenario: You being Patrice Motsepe's PRP, he is all in suits and you representing him in a media conference but you in jeans. Proper? Obviously not. I think now you have an idea where I am heading. In this field, "looks" play a huge role in getting your voice heard and taken serious, which  enhances your credibility. By being a public figure you are judged by your appearance, how you dress conveys non verbal clues about your personality, background and financial status. http://goo.gl/oNmSdq

Language usage is a important piece of the puzzle. What you say, how you say it and to whom you say it to is very important in communication. My tip here is to avoid crude, violent, abusive and offensive language. Remember in the world of media the words of your mouth has power to  either build you or destroy you.

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The next piece! Is good reputation. Don't be fooled its never too early or late to build your name. It is advised  and also ethical for PRP's to be transparent, accountable and credible. As easy as it is to lie, bribe, spin doctor or plagiaries. I advise you never compromise your reputation even if someone influences you.  A  quote by Benjamin's Franklin says "it takes many good deeds to build a good reputation and takes only one bad deed to loose it." : http://goo.gl/EeqjRo.

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Engaging in social media is the next piece of the puzzle. In this digital age, it is wise for you as an upcoming PRP to familiarize your self with  social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, Mxit and many more. This will help you build relationships. One more puzzle piece which is a drag but you need to do as a PR student is to read/watch the news and know what is happening in the world around you. This will help you relate to your study practice and help with examples for assignments and tests. Thanks to News24 we can read the news on the "go". http://goo.gl/uMvzwX.
  

5 things to consider as a PR student:

1. Appearance

2. Language usage

3. Reputation and ethics

4. Join the social media platforms

5. Monitor the news