Publics, Polling & Public Opinion
You need to understand public opinion when creating effective messages. Messages can work with public opinion or they can shape public opinion.
There are many opportunities to shape public opinion. Creating awareness is one. Creating the perception of discord when there is, in fact, little disagreement can also be a powerful persuasive tactic. But is it ethical?
In the current divisive political environment, how much do we really disagree with one another? This video illustrates.
There are many opportunities to shape public opinion. Creating awareness is one. Creating the perception of discord when there is, in fact, little disagreement can also be a powerful persuasive tactic. But is it ethical?
In the current divisive political environment, how much do we really disagree with one another? This video illustrates.
Focus GroupsFocus groups help reveal motives you might never guess.
Research, especially the use of polling and focus groups, is an important part of effective public relations. Collecting information about your public allows you to discover concerns and values than will inform your PR strategy and tactics. |
Excerpt from "Century of the Self" which explores the history and legacy of public relations.
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Focus groups reveal unexpected and unpredictable information. This video excerpt, Add and Egg, demonstrates an example.
If you have an opportunity to watch the documentary, Our Brand is Crisis, I would encourage you to do so. It is a great look at political campaign strategy. One of the things you'll notice is that the consultants don't do anything that isn't supported by focus groups or polling data. They let the public determine how to frame the issues and the campaign itself.
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Sometimes the polls get it wrong. The quality of the survey questions and accessing a representative the sample impact the quality of the data received. An article titled "A Major Miss in Michigan Puts Polling Under the Microscope" from the Chronicle of Higher Education explores what went wrong in Michigan during the 2016 democratic primary.
Publics and Public OpinionIn this video we see how President Nixon must respond to and sway public opinion.
Nixon delivers one of his most effective speeches . |
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