04/04/2023
Here's a timely reminder of why clear and concise communication matters.
A press release, which you can see here: shorturl.at/irxTY, has been credited with "helping" to cause the downfall of SVB (Silicon Valley Bank).
The document is impenetrable to the layman. It's a rambling cacophony of jargon. By the time you arrive at the first full stop around the 70-word mark, you'll be exhausted.
Not only is this a lesson in how not to write a press release it's also a prime example of why a company's crisis comms needs to be on point. Rather than extinguish the fire and prevent a disaster, the press release poured petrol on the situation by being unclear and essentially shouting the bit it was supposed to whisper - "We've lost $1.8bn".
At IrvineMedia, we've received thousands of press releases throughout our careers in journalism, and we now draft effective ones for clients.
Here are some free tips on how to write a press release with a purpose.
Alternatively, we can do them for you. Contact us via DM or info @ IrvineMedia.ae