For Commanders

• Understanding the Roles of the Commander, Public Affairs Officer and the Media, by Hutton, Center for Army Lessons Learned (CALL) - includes "Leader’s Media Tips" at the end

• A Commander’s Strategy for Social Media, by Mayfield, in Joint Force Quarterly, 1st quarter 2011
  • The aftermath of the June 2009 elections in Iran provides an example of how social media may be changing the nature of political discourse and conflict in the world.
  • Speed and transparency of information have increased, the roles of traditional and new media are changing, and social networking tools allow collaboration as never seen before. There will no doubt be changes to the nature of conflicts as a result. A key to successfully adapting to the changes will be commanders’ ability to develop strategies that take advantage of the changes and deny the enemy exclusive rights to the same. The U.S. military has the tools available to perform the tasks inherent in a strategy that will allow it to capitalize on the emerging trends in information.

• Commander’s Handbook for Strategic Communication and Communication Strategy, Version 3.0, US Joint Forces Command, Joint Warfighting Center, 24 June 2010
  • Commander's Handbook for Strategic Communication and Communication Strategy, version 2.0, JFCOM, 27 Oct 2009
  • Commander's Handbook for Strategic Communication, JFCOM, 1 Sep 2008

• Handbook for Military Support to Governance, Elections, and Media, JFCOM, 11 Feb 2010
  • Chapter IV - Military Support to Media Development and Information Dissemination

• Information Operations Primer, U.S. Army War College, Nov 2011 - includes sections on IO doctrine of each service
• Information Operations Primer, U.S. Army War College, Nov 2010 - includes sections on IO doctrine of each service
• Information Operations Primer, U.S. Army War College, Nov 2009 - includes sections on IO doctrine of each service

• Crisis Communication: a Commander's Guide to Effective Crisis Communication, by Woodyard, ACSC, 1998
  • This research paper is a review of Air Force crisis communication training for commanders. As the primary spokesperson for their organization, commanders must know how to communicate during a crisis. This leads to the research question. How does the Air Force prepare commanders to communicate during a crisis and are they using effective crisis communication techniques.
  • Appendix C - Air Force Crisis Communication Techniques
  • Appendix D - Elements of Risk Communications
  • Appendix F - Principles of Crisis Communications
  • Appendix G - Commanders Guide to Crisis Communications
  • Appendix H - Tips for Developing Messages
  • Appendix I - Effective Crisis Communication Techniques

Strategic Communication

• Commander’s Handbook for Strategic Communication and Communication Strategy, Version 3.0, US Joint Forces Command, Joint Warfighting Center, 24 June 2010
  • Commander's Handbook for Strategic Communication and Communication Strategy, version 2.0, JFCOM, 27 Oct 2009
  • Commander's Handbook for Strategic Communication, JFCOM, 1 Sep 2008

• Handbook for Military Support to Governance, Elections, and Media, JFCOM, 11 Feb 2010
  • Chapter IV - Military Support to Media Development and Information Dissemination

Media Relations

• Meeting the Media - "A practical guide to assist military personnel and DoD civilians in preparing to speak with representatives of the news media" - from PACE
  • Military-Media Relations
  • The Media Interview
  • Controlling the Interview
  • Appendix A: Interview Decision Process Checklist
  • Appendix B: Rules of Engagement
  • Appendix C: Basic ‘On-the-Air’ Tips
  • Appendix D: Communication Objectives/Key Points
  • Appendix E: How to Make the Best of Bad News
  • Appendix F: Developing Your Messages/Objectives
  • Appendix G: On-Scene Commander Quick Reference
  • Appendix H: Interview Preparation Guide

• Meeting the Media - A Guide to Encountering the Media,
  U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command's Pocket Guide to Encountering the Media - many hints and tips on giving interviews

• Media Skills Training Guide: A Media Primer, USMC

• Public Affairs Handbook for Engineering & Services
• The JAG Corps Guide to How to Engage the Media

• Task Force Iron Horse Guidelines for Working with News Media in Iraq, Oct 2006, from CALL Newsletter 07-04 - includes a Media Encounter Flow Chart

• Communicators Guide for Federal, State, Regional, and Local Communicators by the Federal Communicators Network
  • Chapter One - Keeping Current - news trends, tips to getting your point across, tips for successful networking
  • Chapter Two - Working with the Media - tips for better media relationships, tips for being interviewed
  • Chapter Five - How To Do It - writing effective news releases, tip sheets and fact sheets, getting media coverage on a shoestring, public service announcements (PSAs), working with editorial boards, satellite media tours, producing newsletters, elements of good writing, marketing your stuff, tips for effective meetings, effective speeches with style, overcoming fear of public speaking, communicating about disabilities, internal communication during a crisis

• FEMA Tips for Writing an Effective Press Release (PDF version) [DOC version]

• A Guide to Working with the Media, from Corporation for National and Community Service - with special attention to events and establishing relationships with media personnel - includes sample news release, sample media advisory, sample public service announcement, and more

• Tips for Working with the Media, posted at Serve.gov [downloaded 9 Dec 2010]

• Media Relations Handbook: for Agencies, Associations, Nonprofits and Congress - The Big Blue Book (Communication Series), by Fitch

• CALL Newsletter No. 09-11 - Media Relations Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures, Center for Army Lessons Learned, Dec 2008
  • "Key points of this newsletter:
    • PA and media relations are a leader’s business.
    • The roles of the public affairs officers (PAOs) and staff are changing.
    • PAOs and PA teams must adopt a proactive and assertive mindset.
    • PA teams must get the Army’s story out first, before enemy disinformation begins.
    • PA teams must understand their audiences and how best to communicate by leveraging new means and new technologies to reach those audiences.
    • PAOs are key to the commander’s information operations and must be involved in the campaign from planning to execution and through post operations.

• CALL Newsletter No. 07-04 - Media is the Battlefield, Center for Army Lessons Learned
  • Media operations are vital components of the information operations fight. This newsletter explores the role media operations play on the modern battlefield, enumerating battle-tested and proven public affairs training guidance tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP). These TTP help units and Soldiers gain a better perspective and situational understanding of the battlefield environment. Media operations provide units and Soldiers with an enhanced capability to view the adversary and themselves through someone else’s viewpoint – via television, Internet, or print media.

• CALL Newsletter No. 11-16 - Afghanistan Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) Handbook, Feb 2011 - "observations, insights, and lessons"
  • from the Best Practices
    • Build up Afghan media, and Afghan government fluency with media
      [The information officer (IO)] was very capable and even taught himself Pashtun [sic]. He was able to map out all the media contacts in Khost province, including professional and network linkages. This IO officer trained the local Afghan press how to function as a real media. The team had a 60-minute battle-drill process that forced the Afghan government agencies to provide information to the Afghan media.

• The Role of Media in Democracy: A Strategic Approach, Center for Democracy and Governance, U.S. Agency for International Development, June 1999
  • The strategic approach presented in this paper offers guidance to USAID missions, rather than any blueprint, for making choices about which media activities might be most appropriate in a given context.

Community Relations

• Public Service Announcements - tips and sample, from italladdsup.gov

• Family Handbook for Public Affairs Resources and Dealing with the Civilian News Media, Army template
• Family Readiness Group Leader's Command Information Pocket Guide, from TRADOC Public Affairs Office, Apr 2003

• Communicators Guide for Federal, State, Regional, and Local Communicators by the Federal Communicators Network
  • includes sections on crisis communications, risk communication, media interaction, speechwriting, article writing, marketing, editorials, newsletters, public service ads, overcoming fear of public speaking, effective speeches, effective meetings, and more
  • Chapter One - Keeping Current - news trends, tips to getting your point across, tips for successful networking
  • Chapter Two - Working with the Media - tips for better media relationships, tips for being interviewed
  • Chapter Three - Planning - writing communications plans, planning for crisis communications, the five types of crisis, communicating risk, measuring your effectiveness
  • Chapter Four - The Internet - tips for writing for the web, making web site customer friendly, make it accessible,
  • Chapter Five - How To Do It - writing effective news releases, tip sheets and fact sheets, getting media coverage on a shoestring, public service announcements (PSAs), working with editorial boards, satellite media tours, producing newsletters, elements of good writing, marketing your stuff, tips for effective meetings, effective speeches with style, overcoming fear of public speaking, communicating about disabilities, internal communication during a crisis
  • Chapter Six - Tools of the Trade/Resources - organizations, books, clipping services, helpful web sites, media dictionaries

Staff Rides

• The Staff Ride, by Robertson, prepared for the Center of Military History, US Army, 1987
• Staff Ride Handbooks, at US Army Combined Arms Center, Combat Studies Institute

Testifying

• TRADOC Handbook on Testifying before Congress
• Hearings in the U.S. Senate: A Guide for Preparation and Procedure, Congressional Research Service report RL30548, 19 Aug 2003
• Hearings in the House of Representatives: A Guide for Preparation and Procedure, Congressional Research Service report RL30539, 13 June 2006

• Testifying on the Hill: A Guide to Survival, by Currie, in Parameters, Winter 1992-93 - generic guidance still helpful

• Twenty Two Reminders About Preparing To Testify [in court] - pamphlet by the Department of Justice

Giving Interviews to the Media

• see also being interviewed by the media, on the AWC Gateway to the Internet

• see also the public affairs handbooks in the sections below this one - many are focused on interviews, at least in part

• A Responsible Press Office: An Insiders Guide (HTML), from America.gov, Sep 2001 [(local copy of PDF version of HTML)]
  • Interviews: A Closer Look
    • Assessing the Interview Request - including 5 best tips
    • Establishing Ground Rules
    • Once the Interview Is Agreed To - including 5 best tips
    • During the Interview - including 5 best tips
    • Staying Focused
    • Being Effective on Television
    • After the Interview

• Meeting the Media - "A practical guide to assist military personnel and DoD civilians in preparing to speak with representatives of the news media" - from PACE
  • Military-Media Relations
  • The Media Interview
  • Controlling the Interview
  • Appendix A: Interview Decision Process Checklist
  • Appendix B: Rules of Engagement
  • Appendix C: Basic ‘On-the-Air’ Tips
  • Appendix D: Communication Objectives/Key Points
  • Appendix E: How to Make the Best of Bad News
  • Appendix F: Developing Your Messages/Objectives
  • Appendix G: On-Scene Commander Quick Reference
  • Appendix H: Interview Preparation Guide

• Meeting the Media - A Guide to Encountering the Media,
  U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command's Pocket Guide to Encountering the Media - many hints and tips on giving interviews

• Communicators Guide for Federal, State, Regional, and Local Communicators by the Federal Communicators Network
  • Chapter Two - Working with the Media - tips for better media relationships, tips for being interviewed

• Good Briefings for Self-Education and Educating Others
  • Media Traps and Pitfalls - Avoiding Common Mistakes, FBI Academy briefing

  • Preparing for a Successful Media Interview: a Systematic Approach for Success, USMC TECOM briefing
  • Media Skills Training , USMC
    • Why should you talk to the media?
      • American public opinion directly influences all levels of warfare
      • We have intrinsic value to the Nation and our existence is dependent on the will of the American people
      • If we don't tell our story, no one will
      • The media will tell the story with or without our input ...

Investigative Journalism

• see also investigative reporting on the News page

• Investigative Journalism Techniques, by Mark St. John, Northwest Regional Educational Lab, Portland, Oregon, 1985 - includes process diagram with all the steps and go/no go decision points

• The Investigative Reporter's Handbook: A Guide to Documents, Databases, and Techniques , book by Houston

• see deception detection - references at the AWC Gateway to the Internet, comm skills page

Public Affairs Legal Guides

• see also law & policy page

• Media Law Handbook, from the State Department, Dec 2010

• The First Amendment Handbook, by The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, Seventh Edition is 2011

• Photographers' Guide to Privacy, by The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press.
  • What every cameraman, photographer and videographer should know about invasion of privacy standards in the 50 states and D.C.

FOIA

• DoD Freedom of Information Act Handbook

• USAF Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) home page
  • USAF Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Handbook

Ethics

• Media & Ethics, an Electronic Journal of the U.S. Department of State, Apr 2001

• Media Law Handbook, from the State Department

• Handbook of Independent Journalism, by Potter, posted at America.gov, July 2006
  • Chapter 7, Ethics and Law - Basic responsibility of a journalist is to practice ethical journalism

• NYU Journalism Handbook for Students: Ethics, Law and Good Practice, by Penenberg, Department of Journalism, New York University

• Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ)
  • SPJ Code of Ethics, Society of Professional Journalists

• Photographers' Guide to Privacy, by The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press.
  • What every cameraman, photographer and videographer should know about invasion of privacy standards in the 50 states and D.C.

Propaganda

• propaganda critic
  • Created eight years ago, when the world-wide web was in its infancy, the propaganda site is inspired by the pioneering work of the Institute for Propaganda Analysis (IPA). From 1937 to 1942, the IPA was dedicated to promoting the techniques of propaganda analysis among critically-minded citizens.
  • Although the author holds clearly defined political views, the site is intended to be as objective as possible, holding all sides of the spectrum up to equal scrutiny.

• Propaganda: Can a Word Decide aWar?, by Murphy and White, in Parameters, Autumn 2007

• Public Relations and Propaganda: Restrictions on Executive Agency Activities Updated, Congressional Research Service Report

• Counterpropaganda: An Important Capability for Joint Forces, by Cali and Romanych, in IO Sphere, Fall 2005

Service Public Affairs Handbooks

• Army Public Affairs Handbook - version 2.0, 14 Jun 2009

• Navy Public Affairs Handbook - "A handbook of public affairs guidance for Senior Journalists and Public Affairs Officers"
• Playbook 2008: "A Cooperative Strategy" - represents the Navy's comprehensive public affairs strategy

• Media Skills Training Guide: A Media Primer, USMC - focuses largely on media interviews
  • Perception
  • Understanding the Media
  • The Media Interview
  • Interview Do's and Don'ts
  • Public Speaking
  • Appendix A - Interview Decision Process Checklist, 7 Steps for Decision
  • Appendix B - Rules of Engagement
  • Appendix C - Freedom of Information Act
  • Appendix D - Guidance on Release of Information Under the Privacy Act
  • Appendix E - Basic On-The-Air Tips and Tips for Field Interviews
  • Appendix F - Color Words
  • Appendix G - The 10 Rules of Good Media Relations
  • Appendix H - Bibliography
  • Appendix I - Communications Objectives Example Worksheet
  • Appendix J - How to Make the Best of Bad News and How to Make It Worse

• US Coast Guard Auxiliary Public Affairs Officer's Guide, Commandant Instruction M5728.3A, 16 Jul 1993

• Unit Public Affairs Representative Handbook, Published by NGB-PA Plans and Policy 22 Mar 06 [search for more recent one]
  • Chapter 1 - How to Use this Handbook
  • Chapter 2 - How to Deal with Reporters
  • Chapter 3 - How to Publicize Your Unit
  • Chapter 4 - Photography Tips
  • Chapter 5 - How to Keep Unit Members Informed
  • Chapter 6 - Maintaining Good Community Relations
  • Appendix A - PA Travel Guidelines
  • Appendix B - Media Embed Guidelines
  • Appendix C - Sample News Releases
  • Appendix D - References
  • Appendix E - Pullout Double-sided Cheat Sheet with DoD Principles of Information

General Public Affairs Guides

• Interaction with the Media, Secretary of Defense memo, 2 July 2010
  • "Accordingly, prior to interviews or any other means of media and public engagement with possible national or international implications, all component leaders or their public affairs officers must notify OSD Public Affairs which, in turn and as appropriate, will ensure that senior Department officials with the relevant overall knowledge and situational awareness have been consulted."
  • "I have asked the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs to work with OSD component heads, military department heads, and combatant commanders to implement the attached additional guidance."
  • attached guidance includes one page of taskings, as well as a copy of DoDD 5122.05
• DoD Directive 5122.05, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs (ASD(PA))
  • Enclosure 2 - DoD Principles of Information
  • Enclosure 3 - Statement of DoD Principles for News Media Coverage of DoD Operations

• NATO Public Affairs Handbook, Version 2010, by Allied Command Operations (ACO) and Allied Command Transformation - 357 pages, 7.7 Mb
  • It is a hands-on‘ publication for ACO Public Affairs practitioners on how to conduct the public affairs functions of media relations, internal communications, and community relations, focused on deployed operations. It expands on ACO Directive 95-1 Allied Command Operations Public Affairs and is to be considered an approved collection of tested tactics, techniques and procedures and best practices to guide and synchronise ACO public affairs activities at the strategic, operational and tactical levels of command.
  • The content of this handbook comprises the public affairs input from NATO member nations and subordinate commands. ACO headquarters at the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe is grateful for the substantial contribution of content from those nations and headquarters.
  • This handbook provides a variety of planning considerations, templates and examples for use at the strategic, operational and tactical levels. They are offered as both best practices and as a means of standardisation of public affairs products and process.

• PA Quick Reference Guide (PDF) to official publications
• PA Quick Reference Guide (DOC) to official publications

• Annex F, public affairs, to OPORD - sample template
• DINFOS Communication Tactics handout - pros/cons for each type communication

• DINFOS Unit 01-004: Roles and Responsibilities of the Public Affairs Officer - each item below is expanded in this document
  • Three primary PA functions
    1. Public Information (Media Relations)
    2. Command Information (Internal Information)
    3. Community Relations
  • Two primary PA responsibilities
    1. To use public affairs to support command strategy
    2. To use public information to attack an adversary’s strategy
  • Five PA fundamentals
    1. Tell the Truth.
    2. Provide Timely Information.
    3. Practice Security at the Source.
    4. Provide Consistent Information at All Levels.
    5. Tell the DOD Story.
  • Four PA capabilities
    1. Providing Trusted Counsel to Leaders.
    2. Enhancing Morale and Readiness.
    3. Fostering Public Trust and Support.
    4. Using Global Influence and Deterrence.
  • Four target audiences
    1. American Public.
    2. International.
    3. Internal.
    4. Adversary Forces.

• NASA News Media Handbook - an example of guidelines for the press concerning events on station
• Perform News Gathering, Encapsulation and Distribution, NASA Office of Public Affairs

• Public Affairs Handbook for Engineering & Services, USAF
  • This handbook is a guide to help you understand the role of public affairs and in the practical matter of preparing for a news media interview. Although you may occasionally have contact with a member of the PA staff, your understanding of their job is important for you and your people. And, while talking to the news media is not your primary job, being accountable to the American public for your stewardship of the national defense establishment is an important part of your job.

• Conflict sensitive journalism: A handbook by Ross Howard
  • To provide reliable information to the public in a time of violent conflict requires additional journalism skills. Reporters need to understand more about what causes conflict, and how conflict develops and ends. Reporters need to know where to look for these causes and solutions. By providing this information, journalism makes the public far more well-informed about the conflict beneath the violence, and can assist in resolving it.

• Handbook of Independent Journalism, by Potter, posted at America.gov, July 2006
  • This handbook covers the ins and outs of what every professional journalist should know — from how to research, write, and edit a story to how to write headlines, choose graphics, and select quotes and sound bites. Print, radio, TV, and Web-based or online journalism forms are discussed in detail, as well as the skills required in beat reporting. [from America.gov]

  • Chapter 1, What Is News? - News depends on a variety of factors
  • Chapter 2, Getting the Story - Reporting involves collecting, checking facts for accuracy
  • Chapter 3, Telling the Story - News stories are a collection of facts, observations, quotes and details
  • Chapter 4, Editing the Story - Editors need to be strong journalists and newsroom leaders
  • Chapter 5, Broadcast and Online - Radio, television, online news, specialized forms of journalism
  • Chapter 6, Specialized Journalism - Beat reporting requires strong organizational and personal skills
  • Chapter 7, Ethics and Law - Basic responsibility of a journalist is to practice ethical journalism
  • Chapter 8, Journalism Resources - List of online resources, membership groups and books

• A Responsible Press Office: An Insiders Guide (PDF), from America.gov, Sep 2001 - with "5 Best Tips" in many of the chapters
• A Responsible Press Office: An Insiders Guide (HTML), from America.gov, Sep 2001 - with "5 Best Tips" in many of the chapters [(local copy of PDF version of HTML)]
  • A how-to publication for government leaders and public information officials who want to create an effective mechanism of communication between the media and the government. This handbook offers practical advice based on the significant professional experience of author Marguerite Hoxie Sullivan and other top-level U.S. government spokespersons. [from America.gov]

    • A Responsible Press Office
    • What a Press Office Does
    • The Job of a Press Officer
    • The Press Office at Work
    • The Communications Plan
    • Message Development
    • Tools of the Press Office
    • Press Releases, Media Advisories, and Fact Sheets: A Closer Look
    • Interviews: A Closer Look
    • Press Conferences
    • Crisis Communications
    • Event Planning
    • Ethics: Codes of Conduct
    • Do’s and Don’ts in Dealing with the Media

• Reuters
  • Reuters Handbook of Journalism - online version, comprehensive
  • Reuters Handbook of Journalism - PDF, downloadable for free (535 pages)
  • The Complete Reuters Video News Handbook, Handbook of Journalism - excellent coverage of following four areas
    • Television Scripts
    • Pictures
    • Editing
    • Audio

• Journalism Tools | Project for Excellence in Journalism (PEJ)
  • Tools for Citizens
  • Tools for Print Journalists
  • Tools for TV and Radio Journalists
  • Tools for Online Journalists
  • Tools for International Journalists
  • Tools for Newsroom Managers
  • Tools for Journalism Teachers
  • Tools for Journalism Students

• Committee of Concerned Journalists
  • Journalism Tools - viewing options on right of that page allow for grouping tools by audience or topic
    • such as Tools for Citizens, Print Journalists, TV/Radio Journalists, Online Journalists, Managers, Students, Teachers, International Journalists, Reporting, Storytelling, Ethics & Special Issues, Features, and Political Reporting

Crisis & Risk Communication

• CALL Newsletter 06-08 - Catastrophic Disaster Response, Staff Officer's Handbook, Center for Army Lessons Learned, May 2006
  • Appendix G - Media
  • Media requirements are no longer a sporadic event that is handled only by the public affairs officer (PAO). Mass communications run 24 hours a day and need updated information. Reporters under pressure to fill that time will report anything, including rumors and speculation, in order to relieve the pressure. Commanders and staff need to learn how to “feed the beast” with your story and outlook. You can use the media to not only see the real situation, but also to pass on information that will help the public; i.e. road closures, evacuation routes, nongovernmental organization (NGO) support sites, requests for support, etc. In a crisis, the commander is the person to be out front, not the PAO. The PAO can prepare the commander for the interviews and news conferences, but the commander needs to be the face and voice in front of the cameras and behind the microphone.

• Crisis Management in Public Affairs Operations, by Hutton, Center for Army Lessons Learned - includes floor diagram for press briefing room

• Risk Communication Primer: A Guide for Conveying Controversial or Sensitive Environmental, Health, and Safety Information to a Concerned Audience, Navy Environmental Health Center - with "tool box tips" throughout, including common traps and pitfalls that interfere with effective risk communication

• Navy Command Social Media Handbook, Fall 2010
  • crisis communication - see PDF page 9

• 10 Ways to Use Your Blog to Manage a Crisis, by Jeff Domansky of The PR Coach, 24-25 Apr 2011 (posted on multiple sites)

• Tools for the Media and Public Health Communicators, U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services
  • includes "Communicating in the First Hours: Initial Communication with the Public During a Potential Terrorism Event"

  • also includes the two handbooks below

  • Terrorism and Other Public Health Emergencies: a Field Guide for Media, U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services, 2006
    • The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) created this guide to provide the most important information that media professionals might need in the field while covering a terrorist attack or other public health emergency.
    • This guide was developed by HHS’ Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs as a compact companion to a more comprehensive guide on these topics, called “Terrorism and Other Public Health Emergencies: A Reference Guide for Media.”
    • This field guide is mainly aimed towards individual reporters, but may also be useful for newsroom managers and other media professionals.
  • Terrorism and Other Public Health Emergencies: a Reference Guide for Media, U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services, 2005
    • Chapter 9 - Self-Care for Media
      • "To provide practical suggestions and tips to promote your safety and well-being while covering a public health emergency."
    • Chapter 11 - Risk Communications During a Terrorist Attack or other Public Health Emergency

• FEMA
  • Public Affairs Field Guide, FEMA - public affairs tasks and roles during and after disasters
  • All-Hazards Public Information Officer, Incident Management Team Position Task Book, FEMA
  • FEMA Office of Public Affairs Style Guide

  • FEMA Independent Study course IS240A, Leadership and Influence, May 2010
  • FEMA Independent Study course IS241A, Decision Making and Problem Solving, May 2010
  • FEMA Independent Study course IS242A, Effective Communications, May 2010, including communications during a crisis

  • "Managing The Crisis Through The Eyes of The Media -- Avoiding the Second Tragedy -- This One a Public Relations Fiasco," by Leiva, FEMA student paper, 5 Dec 2008
  • FEMA Media Relations / External Affairs

• Crisis Communication: a Commander's Guide to Effective Crisis Communication, by Woodyard, ACSC, 1998
  • This research paper is a review of Air Force crisis communication training for commanders. As the primary spokesperson for their organization, commanders must know how to communicate during a crisis. This leads to the research question. How does the Air Force prepare commanders to communicate during a crisis and are they using effective crisis communication techniques.
  • Appendix C - Air Force Crisis Communication Techniques
  • Appendix D - Elements of Risk Communications
  • Appendix F - Principles of Crisis Communications
  • Appendix G - Commanders Guide to Crisis Communications
  • Appendix H - Tips for Developing Messages
  • Appendix I - Effective Crisis Communication Techniques

• Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication (CERC), handbook from CDC, Oct 2002
  • "an introductory course on risk communication, issues management, and crisis or disaster communication"
• Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication (CERC) by Leaders for Leaders, CDC
  • This book gives leaders the tools to navigate the harsh realities of speaking to the public, media, partners and stakeholders during an intense public-safety emer-gency, including terrorism. In a crisis, the right message at the right time is a “resource multiplier”—it helps response officials get their job done. Many of the predictable harmful individual and community behaviors can be mitigated with effective crisis and emergency risk communication. Each crisis will carry its own psychological baggage. A leader must anticipate what mental stresses the popula-tion will be experiencing and apply appropriate communication strategies to attempt to manage these stresses in the population.

• Communicating in a Crisis: Risk Communication Guidelines for Public Officials, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2002

• Communicators Guide for Federal, State, Regional, and Local Communicators by the Federal Communicators Network
  • Chapter Three - Planning - writing communications plans, planning for crisis communications, the five types of crisis, communicating risk, measuring your effectiveness
  • Chapter Five - How To Do It - writing effective news releases, tip sheets and fact sheets, getting media coverage on a shoestring, public service announcements (PSAs), working with editorial boards, satellite media tours, producing newsletters, elements of good writing, marketing your stuff, tips for effective meetings, effective speeches with style, overcoming fear of public speaking, communicating about disabilities, internal communication during a crisis

• Crisis Journalism: A Handbook for Media Response, from American Press Institute, Oct 2001

• Risk Communication: Principles, Tools, and Techniques, USAID - includes "seven cardinal rules for effective risk communication"

• A Primer on Perceptions of Risk, Risk Communication and Building Trust, by Adler and Kranowitz, The Keystone Center, for the Dept of Energy, Feb 2005 - includes items such as
  • Covello, Sandman, and Slovic's "Seven Golden Rules of Effective Risk Communication"
    1. Accept and Involve the Public as a Legitimate Partner
    2. Plan Carefully and Evaluate Performance
    3. Listen to Your Audience
    4. Be Honest, Frank and Open
    5. Coordinate and Collaborate with Other Credible Sources
    6. Meet the Needs of the Media
    7. Speak Clearly and with Compassion
    

Security

• Traveling Overseas with Mobile Phones, Laptops, PDAs, and Other Electronic Devices - tips from the National Counterintelligence Executive

• Turning off "Places I checked into" in Facebook

• Facebook Privacy Settings, Navy, June 2010

Stringers

• Pocket Guide for Stringers, TRADOC, Apr 2003
  • This booklet is as a guide for “stringers” who assist Training and Doctrine Command’s Public Affairs professionals in telling the TRADOC and Army story. The booklet’s purpose is to inform the stringer of basic methods in gathering and writing news stories.
• 4th Infantry Division Stringer Handbook, Mar 1998
• Stringer Handbook and Styleguide, U.S. Army Garrison Public Affairs Office, Ft McPherson, July 2008

• Tips on Writing a News Article, one-page tip sheet from Shaw AFB - includes the inverted pyramid

PlainLanguage.gov

• Federal Plain Language Guidelines, from PlainLanguage.gov
  • "Write for the web" - chapter in Federal Plain Language Guidelines, from PlainLanguage.gov
• Writing Reader-Friendly Documents, from PlainLanguage.gov

• PlainLanguage.gov "Improving Communication from the Federal Government to the Public
  • Remember that even though your document may affect a thousand or a million people, you are speaking to the one person who is reading it. When your writing reflects this, it’s more economical and has a greater impact.
• Document Checklist for Plain Language
• Document Checklist for Plain Language on the Web
• Quick tips to help you write more clearly
• Writing Effective Letters
• Plain English at a glance
• Made-up Words
• Keep it Jargon-free
• Simple Words and Phrases
• Simple Words Work Best

• "Write for the web" - chapter in Federal Plain Language Guidelines, from PlainLanguage.gov
• Writing for the Web at PlainLanguage.gov
  • On the web, people are in a hurry. They skim and scan, looking for quick answers to their questions. Help your readers quickly find what they need with these web writing tips:
    • Less is more! Be concise.
    • Break documents into separate topics.
    • Use even shorter paragraphs than on paper.
    • Use short lists and bullets to organize information.
    • Use even more lists than on paper.
    • Use even more headings with less under each heading.
    • Questions often make great headings.
    • Present each topic or point separately, and use descriptive section headings.
    • Keep the information on each page to no more than two levels.
    • Make liberal use of white space so pages are easy to scan.
    • Write (especially page titles) using the same words your readers would use when doing a web search for the info.
    • Don’t assume your readers have knowledge of the subject or have read related pages on your site. Clearly explain things so each page can stand on its own.
    • Never use "click here" as a link — link language should describe what your reader will get if they click the link.
    • Eliminate unnecessary words.

Speaking & Speechwriting

• see speaking tips on AWC Gateway to Communication Skills

• Speaking Effectively: A Guide for Air Force Speakers, by John Kline (PDF version)

• Effective Presentations, Army Corps of Engineers

• Say It Right
  • Merriam-Webster - pronounces the words out loud
  • Dictionary.com - pronounces the words out loud
  • TheFreeDictionary - pronounces the words out loud
  • Voice of America pronunciation guide - search for a name, find it, listen to the audio file of its pronunciation
  • The Name Engine "provides the correct name pronunciations of athletes, entertainers, politicians, newsmakers, and more"

• Free Articles on Public Speaking, at the Advanced Public Speaking Institute - includes storytelling techniques, each step of preparation, audience analysis, creating handouts, props, humor techniques, and more

• Military Speechwriting and Public Speaking, by Hutton, Center for Army Lessons Learned (CALL)
• The Art of Speech writing.... COMNAVRESFOR style!, from Navy Speakers' Bureau

• Public Speaking, resource list compiled by Garder, U.S. Army War College Library

• Communicators Guide for Federal, State, Regional, and Local Communicators by the Federal Communicators Network
  • includes sections on crisis communications, risk communication, media interaction, speechwriting, article writing, marketing, editorials, newsletters, public service ads, overcoming fear of public speaking, effective speeches, effective meetings, and more
  • Chapter Five - How To Do It - writing effective news releases, tip sheets and fact sheets, getting media coverage on a shoestring, public service announcements (PSAs), working with editorial boards, satellite media tours, producing newsletters, elements of good writing, marketing your stuff, tips for effective meetings, effective speeches with style, overcoming fear of public speaking, communicating about disabilities, internal communication during a crisis

• Marine Corps University Communications Style Guide - including sections on writing, speaking, editing, evaluating sources, formatting citations, and performing research

• 10 Tips for Public Speaking, Toastmasters International

• Speechwriting in Perspective: A Brief Guide to Effective and Persuasive Communication, CRS Report 98-170 to Congress
  • the "Additional Resources" section includes the following references and others
  • American Rhetoric
    • This is an Index to an expanding database of over 5000 full text, audio and video versions of public speeches, debates and interviews. This site has a useful set of communication links and is updated every two weeks.
  • Advanced Public Speaking Institute
  • Respectfully Quoted: A Dictionary of Quotations Requested from the Congressional Research Service
    [search "Respectfully Quoted" - just replace the word newspaper with your word or phrase]

• Speechwriting Guide for the Air Force Speechwriter

Writing

• see also plainlanguage.gov above for government guidance on clear writing

• see also writing tips on AWC Gateway to Communication Skills

• Tips on Writing a News Article, one-page tip sheet from Shaw AFB - includes the inverted pyramid

• FEMA Tips for Writing an Effective Press Release (PDF version) [DOC version]

• Writing Aids from DINFOS
  • Features Writing Techniques
  • Human Interest Story
  • Interviewing
  • News Feature
  • Personality Feature
  • English Diagnostic Test (mini-version) and [answers]

• Effective Writing Manual for Air Force Public Affairs Professionals, an unofficial guide to writing EPRs, DECs and awards, by Hall, 26 Oct 05
  • It’s an art form all supervisors should strive to master. Our ability to articulate subordinates’ achievements can increase or lessen their chances for advancement.

• Action Officer Staff Writing, handbook from U.S. Army TRADOC - excellent concise reference to good writing practices
• Army Writing Guide (Extracted from TSP 158-F-0010, Write in the Army Style) - helpful, only 26 pages - includes a clarity index for your writing and an excellent table of transitional words/phrases
• Army Writing Guide, as posted by National Guard, simpler for printing and mobile devices

• Marine Corps University Communications Style Guide - including sections on writing, speaking, editing, evaluating sources, formatting citations, and performing research

• Writing Guide, Marine Corps Historical Center, 2004 - includes sections on evaluating resources and creating oral histories

• Essays and Arguments: A Handbook on Writing Argumentative and Interpretative Essays, by Johnston, Malaspina University College - chapter 11 includes sample outlines for book reviews, reviews of live drama productions, essays on social issues, essays on historical significance of a weapon or idea, and more

• Media Writer's Handbook: A Guide to Common Writing and Editing Problems
• The Associated Press Guide to Newswriting

• Writing Tools: 50 Essential Strategies for Every Writer, by Roy Peter Clark - one page quick reference available for download

• Purdue University Online Writing Lab (OWL) - with hundreds of handouts
  • Purdue University Online Writing Lab (OWL) - site map

• Writing for the Web at Usability.gov
  • Research-Based Web Design and Usability Guidelines (13 Mb), from Usability.gov, Chapter 15 is Writing Web Content ( High Resolution, 21 Mb)
• Writing for the Web at PlainLanguage.gov
• Writing for the Web - EPA handout

Style Guides

• The Associated Press Stylebook

• search Webster's New World College Dictionary
• Merriam-Webster - pronounces the words out loud
• TheFreeDictionary - pronounces the words out loud

• Air Force Journalistic Style Guide for Public Releases (PDF) [DOCX version]
  • This supplement to the Associated Press Stylebook and Briefing on Media Law is a guide to help Air Force news editors with Air Force-unique words and phrases that the AP Stylebook does not address.
  • Webster's New World College Dictionary shall be used for punctuation, spelling, style and usage not covered in the AP Stylebook.
  • This supplement shall be used only after the above sources have been referenced.

• USMC Combat Correspondent Style Guide & Notebook, aka Marine Corps News Style Guide
  • "This guide functions as the definitive style source for all Marine Corps publicly releasable information and content via public affairs."
  • The AP Stylebook, www.apstylebook.com, shall be the standard, primary reference for all style and usage. Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, www.m-w.com, shall be used for punctuation, spelling, style and usage not covered in the AP Stylebook. The Marine Corps News Style Guide shall be used only after the above sources have been referenced or for instances not covered by those sources.

• Defense Information School Broadcast Writing Style Guide
  • audience is DINFOS students as well as "all Department of Defense members who write and prepare broadcast news releases, features, spots, and public service announcements for military and civilian media"

• AF Handbook 33-337, The Tongue and Quill, 1 Aug 2004
• FEMA Office of Public Affairs Style Guide
• Marine Corps University Communications Style Guide - including sections on writing, speaking, editing, evaluating sources, formatting citations, and performing research

• DoD Imagery and Caption Style Guide
• DoD Captioning Style Guide, 1 June 2009
  • This publication provides a standard method of writing captions for DoD imagery. The guidance provided will help photographers, videographers, and all who produce or manage DoD imagery write and edit captions that are accurate, clear, concise, and meet DoD style standards.
  • This publication is written for all producers, editors, and users of visual information (VI). It demonstrates how to address military terms descriptive of things, places, and entities recorded by DoD camera operators, created by DoD graphic artists, or written about by DoD journalists. While based on the tenets of The Associated Press Stylebook, it is written specifically for use by DoD visual information and public affairs specialists. Refer to AP for guidance only on items that do not appear within this publication.

• U.S. Government Printing Office Style Manual - main page
• U.S. Government Printing Office Style Manual - with breakout by chapter/topic

• Communications Stylebook: Writing Guide - EPA single webpage guide, based on AP Stylebook

• The Ultimate Style Guide Resources for MLA, APA, Chicago, and CSE
• The Chicago Manual of Style Online

• Writing Spaces
  • Web Writing Style Guide 1.0

Photography & Video

• see also photos and photography page, especially the hints and tips section

• see also broadcast page, especially the excellent training videos from DINFOS

• Visual Communication & Electronic Imagery, from DINFOS - looks at authorized imagery, examples of altered imagery, and aids to captioning imagery

• digital photography basics, a draft publication posted by USDA

• Understanding Bit Depth, in Conserve O Gram, National Park Service, Aug 2008
• Understanding Digital Image Formats, in Conserve O Gram, National Park Service, Aug 2008
• Understanding PPI (Pixels Per Inch), DPI (Dots Per Inch), And Digital Display, in Conserve O Gram, National Park Service, Aug 2008
• Understanding Histograms for Digital Photography, in Conserve O Gram, National Park Service, Aug 2008

• Photographers' Guide to Privacy, by The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press.
  • What every cameraman, photographer and videographer should know about invasion of privacy standards in the 50 states and D.C.

• Associated Press Guide to Photojournalism

• DoD Imagery and Caption Style Guide
• DoD Captioning Style Guide, 1 June 2009
  • This publication provides a standard method of writing captions for DoD imagery. The guidance provided will help photographers, videographers, and all who produce or manage DoD imagery write and edit captions that are accurate, clear, concise, and meet DoD style standards.
  • This publication is written for all producers, editors, and users of visual information (VI). It demonstrates how to address military terms descriptive of things, places, and entities recorded by DoD camera operators, created by DoD graphic artists, or written about by DoD journalists. While based on the tenets of The Associated Press Stylebook, it is written specifically for use by DoD visual information and public affairs specialists. Refer to AP for guidance only on items that do not appear within this publication.

• Technical Manual TM 1-219, Basic Photography, 1 July 1941 (18 Mb) - focusing on the mechanical and chemical processes

Management Skills

• Time Management Strategies, from the Psychology Department, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth

Meetings, Collaboration, VTCs, and DCO

• Meetings
  • effective meetings - resources at the AWC Gateway to the Internet

  • Communicators Guide for Federal, State, Regional, and Local Communicators by the Federal Communicators Network
    • Chapter Five - How To Do It - writing effective news releases, tip sheets and fact sheets, getting media coverage on a shoestring, public service announcements (PSAs), working with editorial boards, satellite media tours, producing newsletters, elements of good writing, marketing your stuff, tips for effective meetings, effective speeches with style, overcoming fear of public speaking, communicating about disabilities, internal communication during a crisis

  • HQ ACC Action Officer Survival Guide
    • AO Survival Guide: Set-Up/Conduct a Meeting
    • AO Survival Guide: Meeting Participation

  • A Course on Facilitation Skills, done the Department of Defense's Cadre 100 Program -- dated (such as use of overhead projectors) but skimming it may give you some ideas/reminders for constructive meetings

• VTCs
  • Challenges in Virtual Collaboration: Videoconferencing, Audioconferencing, and Computer-Mediated Communications, by Wainfan and Davis, RAND report, 2004
    • This report summarizes the research literature on virtual collaboration, focusing on interactive virtual collaborations in real or near-real time. In particular, it reviews how the processes and outcomes of virtual collaborations are affected by the communication medium (videoconferencing, audioconferencing, or computer-mediated conferencing). It then discusses how problems in such collaboration can be mitigated and opportunities realized. Problems include increased “us vs. them” divisions and misunderstandings, as well as shifts toward risky options. Opportunities include broadening the range of views and options, as well as broadening the range of available experts. The report suggests a strategy for choosing the most effective medium, including face-to-face communication and hybrid systems, as a function of task and context (e.g., convergence on a decision or brainstorming).

• Defense Connect Online (DCO)
  • can be used for remote users to participate in interviews, panels, seminars, meetings, lectures, etc.
  • DCO Home Page - with user manuals for DCO Portal, DCO Connect, and DCO XMPP (chat and presence)
  • DCO Quick Reference Guide

Social Media and Web

• see also plainlanguage.gov above for government guidance on clear writing on the web

• SecDef Directive-Type Memorandum (DTM) 09-026 - Responsible and Effective Use of Internet-based Capabilities, 25 Feb 2010 - Change 2, 22 Feb 2011

• AFI 33-129, Web Management and Internet Use, including AFGM 1 below
• Air Force Guidance Memorandum to AFI 33-129, Web Management and Internet Use, 3 May 2010

• AETC - Establishment and Management of Social Media Sites at AETC Installations, 1 June 2010
• AETC - Guidance for Airmen Communicating via Social Media Websites, 28 Apr 2010 - includes Rules of Engagement (ROE) for Social Media
• AETC - Social Networking Sites and Internet-Based Capabilities Use Policy, 28 Apr 2010
• AETC Social Media Handbook: Guide for Web 2.0 Communicators, 28 Apr 2010 (DOC version)
• AETC Social Media Handbook: Guide for Web 2.0 Communicators, 28 Apr 2010 (PDF version) - 17 pages

• A Commander’s Strategy for Social Media, by Mayfield, in Joint Force Quarterly, 1st quarter 2011
  • The aftermath of the June 2009 elections in Iran provides an example of how social media may be changing the nature of political discourse and conflict in the world.
  • Speed and transparency of information have increased, the roles of traditional and new media are changing, and social networking tools allow collaboration as never seen before. There will no doubt be changes to the nature of conflicts as a result. A key to successfully adapting to the changes will be commanders’ ability to develop strategies that take advantage of the changes and deny the enemy exclusive rights to the same. The U.S. military has the tools available to perform the tasks inherent in a strategy that will allow it to capitalize on the emerging trends in information.

• Navigating the Social Network, Mar 2012, pamphlet from the Air Force Public Affairs Agency, Social Media Division
  • The Air Force Public Affairs Agency created this guide to help all Airmen safely and wisely use social media. This guide provides simple, easy-to-follow tips to help you use social media tools in your professional and personal life. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not replace official Air Force instructions.

• Social Media and the Air Force, Nov 2009, pamphlet from the Air Force Public Affairs Agency, Emerging Technology Division - "should be used as an instructional guide. It is not to be construed as official guidance, endorsement of products or sites listed, nor is it policy."

  • "While communication witih media and the public has traditionally been the responsibility of Public Affairs, today all Airmen are communicators."

  • includes chapters on global trends, new media metrics, top blogging sites, glossary, and top 10 tips for social media
  • companion video - on Air Force BlueTube, on YouTube

• Air Force Web Posting Response Assessment, from AF Public Affairs Agency - Emerging Technology Division

• U.S. Army Social Media Handbook, Jan 2011 - comments below are from MGen Lanza, Army Chief of Public Affairs
  • You already know that communicating your organization’s messages is important. Today, it takes more than press releases to successfully communicate. Being an effective Army communicator today relies on proactive planning, nesting messages, engaging audiences on a variety of platforms, monitoring what is being said both online and in traditional media, and taking a proactive role in telling the Army’s story.
  • As part of that, we need to make sure we use all the tools at our disposal to keep our Soldiers and the general public informed.
  • Social media is another set of tools that helps us spread the Army message faster than ever. These tools not only help us to respond to a 24-hour news cycle, but also help us lead conversations and participate in the stories. By reaching out to the online community, we're able to be where more and more people get their news, and by doing so, we're better serving our warfighters.
  • Social media is a powerful communication tool, but it goes beyond just using the tools. It is important to understand the tools and their overwhelming benefits and sometimes dangerous ramifications. It is also important to develop a strategy and execute that strategy while keeping operations security in mind.
  • I advise you to embrace social media, read through the regulations at the back of this handbook and develop a strong fundamental knowledge of these tools.

• The Social Corps, Marine Corps Social Media Principles, Aug 2011 - released Sep 2011
• Marine Corps Social Media Principles
• Rules of Engagement/Standard operating procedure: U.S. Marine Corps Social Media, downloaded 4 May 2011 from Yuma PAO site
• Facebook Tutorial Handbook, MCCS Camp Pendleton, USMC

• Department of the Navy (DON) Guidance for Unofficial Internet Posts, Jun 2010 presentation - includes 20 tips for keeping safe and staying out of trouble online
• Navy Medicine Social Media Tutorial - Facebook and Twitter - look at the notes pages with the slides
• Navy Command Social Media Handbook, Fall 2010
  • establishing and sustaining social media, command use of same, checklist for opsec, crisis communication, and guidance on posting to official and unoffical sites
• Navy Ombudsman Social Media Handbook - Summer 2010
  • According to an annual Forrester Research survey in 2009, more than 4 in 5 online adults in the U.S. participate in social media. Similarly, a recent poll conducted by the Navy Personnel, Research, Studies & Technology (NPRST) office in November 2009 shows that an overwhelming majority of Navy personnel use Facebook and other forms of social media to communicate. The Secretary of the Navy, Chief of Naval Operations, and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy all participate directly in social media as part of their communication efforts.

• User's Guide to the Internet, online reference from the National Archives - includes tutorials and guides on searching online, evaluating web sites, creating web sites, and more

• Social Media User Agreement (tailor to local use)

• Pacific Air Forces and Social Media: Guide for Web 2.0 Communicators, 1 June 2010 - 44 pages

• U.S. Army Social Media Best Practices (Tactics, Techniques, Procedures)
• TRADOC Guide for the Publicly Accessible Web: a Handbook for “Survivors” - version 2.0, Aug 2009 (DOC, 8 Mb)
• TRADOC Guide for the Publicly Accessible Web: a Handbook for “Survivors” - version 2.0, Aug 2009 (PDF, 4.5 Mb)

• Writing for the Web at Usability.gov
  • Research-Based Web Design and Usability Guidelines (13 Mb), from Usability.gov, Chapter 15 is Writing Web Content ( High Resolution, 21 Mb)

• Writing Spaces
  • Web Writing Style Guide 1.0

• 10 Ways to Use Your Blog to Manage a Crisis, by Jeff Domansky of The PR Coach, 24-25 Apr 2011 (posted on multiple sites)

• Writing for the Web - EPA handout

• 8 Must-Have Traits of Tomorrow’s Journalist - from a post at the Social Media news site Mashable
  • Entrepreneurial and Business Savvy
  • Programmer
  • Open-minded Experimenter
  • Multimedia Storyteller
  • The Social Journalist and Community Builder
  • Blogger and Curator
  • Multi-skilled
  • Fundamental Journalism Skills

• New Media and International Media Development: a Resource Guide for Europe and Eurasia, from USAID, Aug 2008

• Media Writer's Handbook: A Guide to Common Writing and Editing Problems

• The Digital Journalist's Handbook, by Luckie - with chapters on new media mindset, writing for the web, blogging, photography, audio, video, web design, data visualization, using Flash files

• YouTube Help

• Twitter Basics, handout from Navy Social Media resource site
• Facebook Basics for Navy Commands, 1 Dec 2009
• Facebook Privacy Settings, Navy, June 2010

• Turning off "Places I checked into" in Facebook

• Web 2.0 - Utilizing New Web Tools, Chief Information Officer, Dept of Navy, 20 Oct 2008 - includes table of Web 2.0 tools and their uses

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  • CDC Social Media Security Mitigations
  • Social Media Guidelines and Best Practices - Twitter, from the CDC
  • Social Media Guidelines and Best Practices - Text Messaging, from the CDC
  • Social Media Guidelines and Best Practices - Virtual Worlds, from the CDC
  • Social Media Guidelines and Best Practices - YouTube and Online Videos, from the CDC
  • The Health Communicators Social Media Toolkit, from the CDC, 6 Aug 2010
    • This toolkit was developed by the Electronic Media Branch, Division of News and Electronic Media, Office of the Associate Director of Communication at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It was designed to provide guidance and to the share lessons learned in more than three years of integrating social media into CDC health communication campaigns, activities and emergency response efforts.

• Bighow handbooks
  • Bighow Online Journalism Handbook
  • The Facebook Handbook
  • Twitter For Journalists Handbook
  • The Flickr Handbook for sharing photos online
  • Online Journalism Handbook: The Ultimate list of free tools and resources for journalists and bloggers
  • The Podcasting Handbook: 30 most useful tools

• 10 Journalism Tips For Bloggers, Podcasters & Other E-Writers, by Critchley, O'Reilly Digital Media Blog - follow link to expanded explanations
  1. Respect the value of people's time.
  2. Have a strong focus, and relate everything to it.
  3. Look for the heat in your subject.
  4. Whatever your subject, write about people, physical objects and actions.
  5. Use plain speech, and talk like a real person.
  6. Avoid adjectives and adverbs wherever possible.
  7. Opinions are not facts, even your opinions.
  8. Identify your sources.
  9. Identify interests.
  10. Fact-check

• Sree Sreenivasan
  • Social Media Tips & Tricks: Better Use of Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, presentation by Prof. Sree Sreenivasan, Columbia University School of Journalism, at Foreign Press Center, State Dept, includes video, 11 June 2009 - he says he's found these three to be the most useful social media for journalists
  • Advanced Social Media for Journalists, presentation by Prof. Sree Sreenivasan, Columbia University School of Journalism, at Foreign Press Center, State Dept, includes video, 8 Apr 2010

  • SreeTips.com - tech tips & tricks from by Prof. Sree Sreenivasan, Columbia University School of Journalism - includes free audios on social media tools for journalists

  • Sree Sreenivasan on LinkedIn
  • Sree Sreenivasan on Twitter
  • Sree Sreenivasan on journalism’s future

Oral Histories (good for community and human interest stories)

• Oral History: Techniques and Procedures, by Everett, Center of Military History, United States Army, Washington, D.C., 1992

• Writing Guide, Marine Corps Historical Center, 2004 - includes sections on evaluating resources and creating oral histories

• Coast Guard Oral History Program - many examples of memoirs and oral histories
• Creating a Personal Memoir of Your Coast Guard Service, USCG
• Oral History: A Guide for Conducting Naval Historical Interviews, USCG
• Oral History Questions for WW II Veterans, USCG
• Oral History Release Form, USCG

• U.S. Army Guide to Oral History
• Marine Corps Oral History Program
• Oral History Catalogue in the AFHRA
• Oral History: A Guide for Conducting Historical Interviews, Office of the Historian, NGA