For Immediate Release
Monday, July 14, 2008

Contact:
Ed Barks
(540) 955-0600
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Get Client Pitches in Strike Zone, Barks Counsels PRWeek Readers

Today’s issue of PRWeek features guidance for senior public relations agency officers on improving their client pitching abilities from Barks Communications President Ed Barks.

The “Toolbox” column, noting the intense competition among PR agencies, cites Barks’ advice of avoiding sleep inducing pitches that center on how wonderful the agency is. “Prospective clients tune these out,” he said in the article.

He also suggested preparing with some rigorous intelligence gathering. “Conduct online research and dig into clip files,” he recommended. “And don’t stop there. Pick up the phone, call some colleagues, and see who knows what.”

“Get your client-to-be involved in the conversation,” Barks, author of The Truth About Public Speaking: The Three Keys to Great Presentations, told PRWeek. “This sounds like heresy to many agencies, but if you use a one-size-fits-all slide presentation, scrap it,” and instead speak to the prospect’s concerns.

PRWeek is one of the most widely read publications covering the public relations field.

Ed Barks works with corporate and association executives who need a magnetic message and sharp communications skills, and with public affairs and public relations pros who counsel their bosses and clients. The former radio broadcaster is the author of The Truth About Public Speaking: The Three Keys to Great Presentations. As President of Barks Communications since 1997, he has taught more than 3000 business leaders, association executives, government officials, athletes, entertainers, non-profit executives, and public relations staff how to succeed when they deal with the media, deliver presentations, and testify before government officials.