• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Publicity Hound Archives

Press release from NASA: 8 things you can learn

I don’t care how technical or complicated your topic is. If you’re writing a press release about it, that’s no excuse to be boring.

NASA’s press release about moon dust, written by Dave Dooling, serves as a great example. I found eight things I love in this release:

1. A terrific, simple headline.

2. A lead that really pulled me into the story, including punchy verbs that illustrated a scene right out of Star Wars.

3. Great quotes. How many of us would have fallen back on the boring “We’re pleased and honored to announce blah-blah-blah…”

4. Technical information explained very clearly. Example: “Meteorites, many smaller than a pencil point….”

5. Using fun words in the release like “Earthlings” and “lunatics.”

6. Photos and graphics to help the read understand the topic.

7. Two places where I can sign up to receive more news from NASA.

8. The ability to play and download audio versions of the release and to email it to a friend.

If you struggle writing press releases, sign up for my free email course called “89 Ways to Write Powerful Press Releases.”

By the time you’re done with the course, you’ll be writing press releases just like the writers at NASA.

 

 

 

 

 

by Joan Stewart on January 3, 2007

Filed Under: Public Relations Tagged With: Press Releases

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Diarmaid Mac Mathúna says

    January 4, 2007 at 10:56 pm

    That’s a really useful analysis of exactly what makes that science press release work!

    Reply
  2. garthgibsondotcom says

    January 6, 2007 at 1:06 am

    Joan, I noticed one other punchy line I just love.

    “The moon is a harsh mistress”

    Thanks Joan for finding this one.

    Reply
  3. Joan says

    January 6, 2007 at 1:44 am

    You’re right, Garth. That’s a wonderful line.

    Reply

Share Your Two Cents Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Publicity expert Joan Stewart, a PR mentor aka The Publicity Hound, works with small business owners who need free publicity, and with PR pros who tell their clients' stories to the world. She shows you how to establish your credibility, enhance your reputation, position yourself as an expert, and sell more products and services. To receive her free DIY publicity tips twice a week, subscribe here. See all the ways you can work with Joan. Or contact her and ask a burning question about PR, self-promotion or social media.

Archives

  • 89 Press Release Tips
  • Author Email Bootcamp
  • Blogging
  • Content Creation
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Off Topic
  • Online Marketing
  • Print Media
  • Public Relations
  • Publicity
  • Publicity Blog
  • Publicity Tips
  • Small Business Marketing
  • Social Media
  • TV & Radio
  • Twitter
  • Uncategorized

© Copyright Jack Alltrade & Associates 2025 · Purely Supplemental™ is a trademark of Jack Alltrade & Associates