383 TASK | L2 Core Skillsets for Communication Professionals Preliminary Research 383 TASK | L2 Core Skillsets for Communication Professionals

Source: Lumen Learning

Preliminary research toolbox Search tools: Google Search, Google Scholar, Google Images, websites, digital pdfs, library reference, microfiche Documents – brochures, one-sheets, annual reports, strategic plans, binders and logs Archived emails APA, MLA, Chicago for citation guides Interviews via phone, email questionnaire, or face to face Shortcuts and Quick Tips CTRL > F Search bar Key terms and phrases

A scenario: Prepping for a job interview You have applied to be a communications intern for Sequim Lavender Festival. You have been invited to interview for the position. Let’s assume you have a good understanding of the role (research, writing, media relations, event logistics, social media outreach). How are you going to demonstrate that you “did your homework” to prepare for the interview? What’s the topic? What information do you think is most important to research for an interview? What are the best sources to find this information?

A good place to start: The 5W’s lavenderfestival.com Who is “The Lavender Festival?” What makes them unique and important?  Where is the event? What geographic regions do they want to reach in promotions? When is the event? How long has it been in existence? Why: What messages do they use to create a sense of urgency and need? Why should people care and want to attend? How can individuals learn more, get involved, buy tickets?

Keeping track of sources If you don’t know the date something was published – note (n.d.) If you don’t know the author – cite only the publication Reference section at end of document or article: Author last name, first initial (year, month, day). Title of article. Title of publication. Retrieved from [url] All info Smith, T. (29, Aug 2018). How to cite sources. Cite Source. Retrieved from http://www.citesource.com/how-to-cite-sources No author (29, Aug 2018). How to cite sources. Cite Source. Retrieved from http://www.citesource.com/how-to-cite-sources No author or date Cite Source (n.d.). How to cite sources. Retrieved from http://www.citesource.com/how-to-cite-sources Within text According to Cite Source, it is not necessary to cite a course if you are incorporating "common knowledge" into your material. (Smith, 2018) “You should always cite a source when you quote someone else's exact words.” – Tim Smith, Cite Source (2018) In presentations: Bottom of page Hyperlink name of site (minimum) Hyperlink title of article and include byline Hyperlink title of article, note author, date in parenthesis)

383 Task: Preliminary Research Using the WCPH website, brand platform slides, strategic plan, demographic profile, or other search tools – each team will research and write up answers to the following questions What does WCPH do? What is their purpose or what services do they provide? PR Team What other organizations in the region provide similar services? Who else wants to reach the same target audience? Grassroots Team What is their website address and current social media channel urls? Identify 10 keywords and phrases individuals would use to find an organization like this. Web Team What defined geographic market do they reach? Who do they serve (who is their target audience?) Soc. Media Team What are WCPH top 10 strategic initiatives? Which ones most apply to the work we will do in 383? Digital Team

Turn it in Type it up – put each of your team members’ name at the top Share live, in class as part of discussion Have one person on the team email it to Rebecca – Rebecca.Cooney@wsu.edu (can be a copy/paste or attachment) Rebecca will manually record points in the Blackboard gradebook If any team members are absent and want the points – they will complete the preliminary research on their own and submit it via Blackboard dropbox