Business-writing tips from the AP Stylebook
Corporate jargon is easy for many PR pros to detect. Proper AP style for corporate terms can be an entirely different story. Here’s a quick guide for business terms from a recent Twitter chat.
Many media relations pros often use “house style” when drafting a press release or statement.
It’s important to consider, however, that most journalists will probably roll their eyes and change your bolded, capitalized “YUM! BRANDS” to the less aggressive “Yum Brands.”
This tip and more come from Associated Press reporter Michelle Chapman, who offered them in last week’s #APStyle chat.
If the goal is to get a reporter to pick up your story, perhaps it’s time to stop writing “Walmart” and “eTrade” and instead, follow Chapman—and journalists nationwide—in adhering to AP business style. Here are a few highlights:
Ride-sharing, ride-booking, ride-hailing
If you’ve been describing Uber as a “ride-sharing” service, it’s time to reconsider.
Say ride booking or ride hailing, not ride sharing, to describe Uber or Lyft. #APStyleChat
— AP Stylebook (@APStylebook) March 23, 2016
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