Two despicable words for PR professionals

They’re not ‘moist’ and ‘synergy,’ although those make the author’s soul shiver. Instead, the words she despises go to the heart of media relations.

Ragan Insider Premium Content
Ragan Insider Content

They’ve always been there when I needed them, and in return I’ve offered them the respect they deserve. But there are certain words that are the verbal equivalent of nails on a chalkboard. Case in point: “Moist” and “synergy.”

They make my soul shiver.

But there are two words that go against everything that my years as a writer have taught me: email blast.

I know what you’re thinking. “Email blast? What’s wrong with email blast?”

It’s not repulsive like one of the aforementioned words that I can’t even bring myself to repeat. And it’s not “synergy,” or as I like to call it: A crutch used by The Future Business Leaders of Tomorrow who don’t know what they’re talking about today.

And I see your point. There is nothing offensive about the sound of “email blast.” In fact, I like both words separately. But put them together, and it’s a different story. I have a problem with what email blast means. When someone suggests that I send one, it’s like she’s plunging a dagger into my heart. Follow it with “to your entire media list,” and it’s like she twisted the knife.

To read the full story, log in.
Become a Ragan Insider member to read this article and all other archived content.
Sign up today

Already a member? Log in here.
Learn more about Ragan Insider.