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Objectives Trainee will be able to: • Create and save a text document to a floppy disk using Microsoft Word. • Enter, edit and format text using Microsoft Word. • Use tables in Microsoft Word to align text. • Use the Word Print Preview feature to print a document in Word. Prerequisites Ability to perform basic functions in a Windows operating system. Ability to identify and use common elements of the Microsoft Office programs. Duration 50 minutes Handouts Split a Document Window (optional) Change Margin Settings in Word (optional) Office Keyboard Shortcuts (optional) Topic Overview Topics Estimated Time Setting Up Your Press Release 10 Creating a Press Release 40 Setting Up Your Press Release Estimated time: 10 minutes Open Microsoft Word Usually only one or two pages, a press release publicizes an event or something that will take place, such as the announcement
of a new library program or a movie star's newest release. Press releases can be posted on a wall, a window, given to the
press, read at an assembly, or sent out via e-mail or postal mail. Regardless of how the audience receives the release, one
thing is always true: the press release conveys a message.
In this activity you create your own press release. You can make it completely fictional (like the example) or write a release
that you or your employer can use. Think of a message you would like to convey. Some suggestions are:
• Hours of the library (if applicable) • Job announcement • Training/event calendar • Unveiling of a new Web site • New staff member introduction • Announcement of a garage sale • Wedding or birth announcement At the end of this activity is a sample of a finished press release for you to reference. In the Classroom: Have a discussion with the trainees about possible press release topics. Creating a Press Release Estimated time: 40 minutes Supply: Training Disk — (PressRelease.doc) Supply: Blank floppy or Zip disk to save work (optional) Split a Document Window (optional)
Change Margin Settings in Word (optional) Office Keyboard Shortcuts (optional) In the Classroom: To complete this exercise you will need to access the files directly from the Training Disk or copy the files to another location
on your computer; such as the desktop, floppy, or hard drive. For instructions on how to access and/or copy the files refer
to page two of the Trainee Workbook. Open PressRelease.doc. Follow the directions on the Press Release Handout to re-create the press release. The optional handouts are to be used
for supplemental activities (if you have the time).
Following this section, for your information, is a sample of the press release before being edited and after being edited. In the Classroom: Each trainee should have a copy of the press release instructions. This activity can be facilitated by the trainer or self-directed
by the trainees. Trainees can work individually or in pairs. Upon completion, ask for volunteers to read their final product. Press Release Before Being Edited For Immediate Release For Further Information Contact: MICHAEL JORDAN JOINS HAPPY VALLEY LIBRARY STAFF Michael “Air” Jordan, the hall-of-fame basketball player and owner of the Washington Wizards basketball team, is the new Research
Librarian at Happy Valley Library. Air Jordan, a recent Library Science graduate, was hired March 2, 2001, to replace the
retired Susan Dozier. Jordan admits this is his first “real job” and he vows to “not leave any questions unanswered.”
“We are all excited to have Michael on board,” said Katy Kaboom, a Happy Valley librarian, “Regardless of his all-star reputation,
he is not, and will not, get preferential treatment at Happy Valley. We have put him on a 60-day probation period. If he can't
handle the pressure, or the questions, we will have no regrets about letting him go—putting him on waivers as they say.” “I
can handle pressure,” said Jordan, “I have won more NBA titles than all these librarians combined! The constant questions
though. You would think some of these people could find the encyclopedias without asking me every five minutes.”
Patrons of the Happy Valley Library are encouraged to meet Jordan and evaluate his customer service skills themselves. Katy
Kaboom, Jordan's supervisor, is collecting feedback. Patrons should evaluate Jordan on:
• The accuracy of his advice. • His demeanor—is he pleasant to be around? • His professionalism—does he treat you with the respect you deserve? Michael Jordan is currently working the evening shift Monday through Thursday at Happy Valley Library, 12345 Happy Road, Fantasy
Land, 98102.
Press Release After Being Edited For Immediate Release For Further Information Contact: Jimmy Super Beans MICHAEL JORDAN JOINS HAPPY VALLEY LIBRARY STAFF Michael “Air” Jordan, the hall-of-fame basketball player and owner of the Washington Wizards basketball team, is the new Research
Librarian at Happy Valley Library. Air Jordan, a recent Library Science graduate, was hired March 2, 2001, to replace the
retired Susan Dozier. Jordan admits this is his first “real job” and he vows to “not leave any questions unanswered.”
“We are all excited to have Michael on board,” said Katy Kaboom, a Happy Valley librarian, “Regardless of his all-star reputation,
he will not get preferential treatment at Happy Valley. We put him on a 60-day probation period. If he can't handle the pressure,
or the questions, we have no regrets about letting him go—putting him on waivers as they say.” “I can handle pressure,” said
Jordan, “I have won more NBA titles than all these librarians combined! “
Patrons of the Happy Valley Library are encouraged to meet Jordan and evaluate his customer service skills. Katy Kaboom, Jordan's
supervisor, is collecting feedback. Patrons should evaluate Jordan on:
• The accuracy of his advice. • His demeanor—is he pleasant to be around? • His professionalism—does he treat you with the respect you deserve? Michael Jordan is currently working the evening shift Monday through Thursday at Happy Valley Library, 12345 Happy Road, Fantasy
Land, 98102.
Review Questions You'll find the answers at the end of the lesson. 1. How do you initiate the Spell Check function? 2. What is Print Preview used for? 3. If the Tables toolbar is not visible what do you do to retrieve it? 4. Think of a patron who would benefit from using this template. Why? If You Remember Nothing Else Microsoft Word is a word processing program you can use to write letters, resumes, and reports. Make your document more appealing
and easier to read by applying formatting, like bold and italics, to text.
Review Answers 1. Click the Tools menu then Spelling and Grammar.
2. A great way to view your document layout prior to printing. 3. Click the View menu and choose Toolbars. Click Tables and Borders so a check appears on the menu.
4. This template can be used to announce everything from a new product release, to weddings, to a block party. Additional Resources • In and Out of the Classroom with Word • Getting Control of Word 2000 |
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Documents
| Creating a Press Release Lesson Plan |
Use this lesson to educate your staff and patrons on building effective press releases with Microsoft Word.
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