ABSTRACT
Chapter 17 introduces two forms of public relations writing used within an event context: talking points and run-of-show. The chapter begins with an introduction of talking points, also called speaking points, and illustrates how they help executives and other spokespeople use consistent and brand-friendly messaging during events, interviews, live broadcasts, news conferences, meetings and other think-on-your-feet type situations. The structure, style and tone of talking points are reviewed, and the talking points template provides readers with a user-friendly guide for crafting talking points. The second half of the chapter introduces the run-of-show as a document created by event coordinators and public relations professionals that includes a detailed timeline of an event from start to finish, lists key players and specifies who is responsible for what. The chapter concludes with two exercises related to writing for events: an exercise in writing talking points and an exercise in developing a run-of-show.
