WEEK TEN

WEEK TEN

OVERALL IMPRESSION OF COURSE:

I habour no fear or whatsoever in recommending that additional instructional hours should be added to that allocated for PUBLICITY METHODS. I wish it is studied for the next three semesters with MICHELLE NEWLANDS maintained as the course instructor. The humility of Michelle made me feel at home to bring out my experience on topics discussed in class. As a broadcast journalist, I had some knowledge of some of the topics studied but other lectures would hardly allow you to voice out what you know, what Michelle will rarely do. This side of the instructor embraced all my colleagues to rush to catch Michelle’s lecture. Evident of this was shown when management took decision to replace Michelle, even though we had met once, the class stood up to reverse the decision. For three weeks after our first lecture, we rejected every lecture and insisted on Michelle.

This was not because she had encourage us to do so but like my other colleagues, the instructor made an excellent first time impression. I do not know who will handle the next class after ours but I feel they will loose a great deal if they are not under the instructions of Michelle.

Unlike other courses that were too abstract, PUBLICITY METHODS was so real. Individuals in the field shared experiences and taught others who were not yet employed how to work things out especially in the area of partnership.

MY PASSIONATE APPEAL:

Please Michelle Newlands, come back to Ghana and AUCC for that matter even if it will call for you coming on your own. I have gained a lot under your tuturage and will want students after me to also enjoy your sense of humanity. I know you will ever be ready to provide me with the necessary academic assistance whenever I fall on you. May the good Lord lead and protect you in all that you persue in life.

WEEK NINE

WEEK NINE

Progress of Campaign:

Details of work done on members’ campaign were brought to the house, where to need be, and alterations were made. As usual, suggestions were offered especially in the area of partnership and sponsorship. Where members had considered going solo, the discussions made it wise for them to go for sponsorship and or partnership.

Apart from that, most groups presented a written report of work done so far. In the case of my group everything needed for the campaign (the message, structure, drama, poem and a flyer) was presented, the only thing needed was permission from the headmistress of AMUSUDAI JHS to give us the green light to demonstrate to the students (THE NEED TO KEEP YOUR HANDS CLEAN) Copy of this outline was given to the course instructor Michelle Newlands.

WHAT I FOUND MOST INTERESTING IN THE LECTURE:

The sense of purpose and togetherness in the class. As groups present details of works, other students were so concerned that they offered suggestions that enhanced progress of work.

WHY I FIND THAT THE MOST INTERESTING:

Humans live in communities and in societies and cannot claim to live in isolation. This confirms the idea of being concerned about one another. I have earlier said that without passion for fellow humans, one is not likely to succeed in the field of endeavor. Paying attention not one another means me are living as a block and not single units.

HOW I WILL USE THAT IN DEV COM:

Development communications’ main point is to build consensus in other to operate together. When people are limited, they can easily come together to achieve a purpose. This idea forms the basis of empowerment collaboration, participation which ensures sustainability of projects, points I will use throughout my career.

WEEK EIGHT

WEEK EIGHT                      

INTRODUCTION TO YOUR CAMPAIGN:

Having been asked to think of a campaign to be embarked upon fortnight ago, to create the comparison in a group, individually or partner an organization or an individual to execute this task. The option to chose was left in the hands of the students and were asked to Present what they have decided or in the class.
With the help of the instructor, Michelle Newlands, campaigns chosen were fine-tuned and the green light given to commence work.
For instance, my group (Frederick, Florence and Gloria) presented “hand washing campaign” but it was reviewed to focus on “THE NEED TO KEEP YOUR HANDS CLEAN” courtesy Michelle Newlands our able instructor. Other groups presented their works and were reviewed or approved accordingly.

WHAT I FOUND MOST INTERESTING IN THE LECTURE

On the day, after the introduction of an intended campaign, the class was asked to make input into the proposed project by a group or an individual. The inputs were appropriately considered before finally approving of how the campaign should go (the format)

WHY I FIND IT TO BE MOST INTERESTING

There is a Popular Ghanaian adage that says “when you remove a stick of broom, it is easily broken  but when you take the bunch of the broom, it is very difficult to break”. This adage underlies the strength derived from being united (united we stand, divided we fall). After the review of various works, an agreement was reached as to how each campaign should look like. I realized that no matter how careful you have selected a topic, something needs to be added up that is why we need to consult.

HOW I WILL APPLY THAT IN DEV. COM

Even the instructor, Michelle who has vast experience in the field of Publicity welcomed suggestions from the class. That has motivated me a lot and WILL be a permanent part of my initiatives. Consultation is the key for success.

WEEK SEVEN

WEEK SEVEN 

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLES:

Today’s lecture allowed students to compare Publicity methods of organizations and individuals they have selected on their own for the past week.
Students worked as individuals whiles others worked in group, compared the compaigns they have selected and why they deem them effective or not.
They supported their claims with pictures or otherwise except where the Comparative Studies were made out of adverts aired on television or on radio.

WHAT I FOUND MOST INTERESTING IN THE LECTURES

There were Publicity materials that showed how different organizations brand themselves which were simple and unique and easy to remember. The interesting one was one from Mobile Telecommunication Network (MTN) that portrays the network as reliable and efficient. It has as its catch word “MTN, EVERYWHERE YOU GO” depicting that wherever you go, MTN service is readily available for your use

WHY I FIND THIS TO BE MOST INTERESTING:

Most of the Pictures presented by my colleagues are Pictures I have seen before so were the adverts but I had not get the messages behind them until they were explained by my colleagues. I learnt the analytical part of adverts and how to get the import of the message.

HOW I WILL APPLY THAT IN DEV COM

The knowledge I got here will help me to analyze different Publicity methods, know why it is effective or not so that in embarking on a campaign, I will know what to include and what to avoid.

WEEK SIX

WEEK SIX

PUBLICITY TOOL:

By publicity tool, for the purposes of the lecture, was explained to mean “anything” that helps one to get a publicity job done.  That is reaching out effectively to your target audience. Here again, the audience will go a long way to determine the particular tool to be used. Examples of the tools discssed were propaganda, advocacy, advertising, campaigning, drama and documentary. Any of these and or combination of any of them is an appropriate means of reaching out to audience.
Because the media help build, sustain and get a course on board, it becomes a very important tool of development. An effective partnership with the media will ensure that your message doesn’t end up in the dust bin but is rather published to make the necessary impact.

WHAT I FOUND MOST INTERESTING IN THE LECTURE:

Because publicity activities are aimed at reaching audience, it is important to get a medium that will help you reach them at a far less stressful means. That is to say that once the media carries the message, it is most likely that it will hit the target. In the lesson, because experiences are made to be shared in class, more insights were given to how to build a lasting media partnership.

WHY I FIND IT TO BE MOST INTERESTING:

The media is the most vibrant tool to reach out to the audience and building a rapport with it will go a long way to help the practioner. The idea that the media is influential in governing, agenda setting, disseminating information and a platform to effect a change tells how important this tool is in development and why one needs deep understanding of how it operates.

HOW I WILL APPLY THAT IN DEV COM:

In choosing a particular media for your agenda, one needs to compare his or her agenda with that of the media outfit in mind and adequately compare objectives. Be clear with your objectives and make it clear to your sponsor. How successful I become in the field of Development communication depends on my rapport with the media and so the knowledge in the lesson will help me succeed.