Forward Podcast #19 :: The Importance of Reading
The 19th Forward Podcast focuses on one of the most important areas for PR pros: reading.
This episode is an interview Paull Young recorded at the AlwaysOn conference in New York with leading Canadian blogger and Thornley-Fallis Vice President Michael O’Connor Clarke. Michael talks about his reading habit and why wide reading is an essential activity for young PR pros and students.
Michael also contributed a brief reading list for young PR’s to look into:
- The Cluetrain Manifesto and two important follow-ups Gonzo Marketing (Chris Locke) and Small Pieces Loosely Joined (David Weinberger).
- Naked Conversations (Shel Israel and Robert Scoble)
- Mother Tongue (Bill Bryson)
- Eats, Shoots and Leaves (Lynn Truss)
- Crossing the Chasm (Geoffrey Moore)
- Ogilvy on Advertising (David Ogilvy)
- The Trusted Advisor (David Maister)
For more check out the Forward suggested reading list. Please share your reading habit and suggest some books in the comments below.
Show notes:
00:10: Podcast introduction by Luke Armour.
02:03: Paull introduces Michael O’Connor Clarke and asks him how important he thinks reading is for young PR pros.
04:09: Paull points to Harold Burson’s first blog post and Michael stresses the importance of following the news.
06:47: Paull and Michael discuss how reading widely can open your mind and enhance your career.
08:55: Michael explains why he always asks prospective hires about what they read.
10:30: Paull asks Michael what young PR’s should be reading (short answer - everything).
14:08: Paull and Michael give some tips about how young PR’s can start to develop a reading habit.
Technorati Tags: reading, public relations, pr, michael o’connor clarke, forward podcast
So the medium’s no longer the message? This is a good interview, but consider the message. You talk, therefore we read…
Comment by Richard Bailey — March 5, 2007 @ 2:26 am
[…] Forward’s latest Podcast covers the importance of reading. I agree. Reading is one of the most important things public relations practitioners, or anyone for that matter, can do. I happened to have recently compiled a list of books I read when I was younger. When I visited the Netherlands last December, a movie version of one of my favorite childhood books was released. Naturally, I went to see it. It was an English language film, so if anyone would love to see it, look for Crusade in Jeans. […]
Pingback by Dutch Perspective - by Marc van Bree » Blog Archive » Books for young people — March 5, 2007 @ 11:15 am
I’ve always known reading was very important in the public relations practice (and all practices), but not until this year (and the help of Robert’s classes) did I start realizing how important the STYLE of my reading skills were.
I try my best to read at least one daily published newspaper a day and keep up with important headlines on O’Dwyers, but what advice I need help on… is how do you manage your time to do all that, have a basic understanding knowledge of current news and everything going on in the PR world, AND have time to be successfull in your job (for me, my schoolwork)?
I would also just like to thank Mr. Michael O’Connor Clarke for his advice before pitching a press release idea to a journalist, “first get to know what they read about”… and the style of their writing. That is something I think a lot of practitioners choose to ignore and something I will take with me in the future to remember to do.
And finally, the most interesting part of this entire podcast I found to be extremely helpful, was Mr. Clarke’s “warning” that he asks prospective employees what they read. That is something I had never thought to be a possible interview question, and one attribute I will try to build, along with my resume, when applying. Thank you!
Comment by Ashley — March 5, 2007 @ 4:10 pm