Persuasion Theory was an extremely beneficial class in building my knowledge on efficiently using means of persuasion. The course gave me practice in a more academic lens of persuasion. This class was important to my educational experience and professional profile because I gained understanding and practice of persuasion tactics (based off of Cialdini’s weapons of influence) and further my understanding and application of ethos, pathos, and logos. My performance in the class is best reflected in a neo-Aristotelian critique of Reese Witherspoon’s 2015 Women of the Year speech.
This class was the foundation for my knowledge of public relations. This class introduced the history of public relations, strategic planning, and introduced campaigns. I worked with a group on a self-selected campaign, in which we followed the entire semester. We decided to work with Adidas as a “client.” This class not only taught me the foundation of public relations but tested my on my group ability. I learned how to work with people who aren’t necessarily as dedicated as you are. I learned valuable leadership skills and how to work through a project when circumstances are not ideal. My work in this class is best shown through my work on our Adidas campaign, which I was very dedicated to.
Public relations writing was important to my technical writing skills. This class was writing intensive which allowed me to be hands on and creative as I learned. The class helped me continue to learn the AP’s guidelines as well as new types of writing. In this course I worked on press releases, pitch letters, brochures, strategic social media communication, and building communication strategies.
This class was a semester long campaign in which my group and I worked with The Virginia Children’s Book Festival. I gained an understanding of the principles relevant to creating and implementing a full public relations campaign. Including, client relations, setting objectives, planning special events, creating and evaluating appropriate media strategies and tactics, preparing budgets. This course was influential on my development as a student and professional. This class taught me more than just how to campaign. I believe the most important lesson gained from this class was how to be adaptive in crisis. This class occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic and I gained an understanding of group work online, overcoming challenges that are presented with isolation, and working to create an event amidst a pandemic. Overall, this course was the best lesson on adapting and perseverance.
Complete campaign binder available by request.
