Speech Packet 

Good morning, everyone. 

I’m truly honored to be here with you today. My name is Kim Keller, I teach a handful of journalism classes at U-N-T. (CENTER & EYE CONTACT) 

Before I begin my speech, I’d like to ask you two questions, and I want you to keep them in mind while I speak. You ready? (LOOK LEFT & RIGHT) My question is: What do you think P-R is? What are some recent examples of P-R in your recent memory? I want you to think about the good and the bad aspects you can remember. 

 (WALK AROUND) Now I don’t know what you imagined, but I do know my own experience and why I chose to go into this field.  

But before I was a professor at U-N-T, I worked with companies like FedEx and a few nonprofits around the country. I have also been a featured writer in outlets such as Fox News Latino, Forbes and the Dallas Morning News. (RETURN TO FRONT) 

As a first-generation college student, I remember trying to find somewhere I felt like I belonged. I have always had a desire to tell stories that mattered and help people connect to something bigger than themselves. And that’s what I found in public relations. 

(MOVE AROUND THE ROOM) Public relations isn’t just about press releases and social media. It’s about building trust, shaping a message, and helping people and organizations communicate with clarity, integrity and purpose. It’s a career where your words, your strategy, and your heart can create real change. (CENTER) 

At U-N-T, our P-R concentration is designed to equip you with the tools, training and experience to thrive in one of the fastest-growing fields in media and communication. 

(MOVE AROUND ROOM) Now I want to take a step back and ask you all to imagine something. Picture yourself working behind the scenes, in P-R you work to aid people by giving them a voice. I worked for a non-profit that takes care of children with disabilities, and I can honestly say there is nothing more rewarding than being an advocate for them. (EYE CONTACT) When you work in public relations, you are representing a group of people who may not be able to communicate for themselves. You are helping shape how the world understands people's stories. Helping people communicate their needs to a wider public. Stepping into a world bigger than yourselves.  

(MOVE AROUND) And if you’re someone who wants to make a difference, who loves writing, planning or just helping people understand each other, pr could be a perfect fit for you. 

At Mayborn, our P-R concentration gives you hands-on, real-world experience. You’ll write, create and collaborate with classmates and local organizations. (EYE CONTACT) You’ll build real job experience that will show future employers not only what you know, but also what you can do. 

(CENTER) Our students have interned with sports teams, nonprofits, and P-R agencies all over Texas and the D-F-W area. Some go to work in business communications. Others get their start in the nonprofit sphere. Some lead advocacy campaigns or manage social media for global brands. Whatever path you choose, you’ll be supported by faculty who have been there – me included.  

(EYE CONTACT & MOVE AROUND) I’ve spent over 25 years in this field. I’ve worked with V-A Medical Center, helped small businesses grow through communication, and built campaigns that have reached thousands. What I’m bringing to the classroom isn’t just theory but my real lived experiences. I’m sure many of you are sitting there wondering if this path is for you. (CENTER)

But let me tell you something, if you are interested after what I’ve told you today. If you enjoy writing and the idea of being an advocate for a company or a group of people is appealing, then P-R is for you.  

(EYE CONTACT & MOVE AROUND) At U-N-T, we believe in your potential. We don’t expect you to have all the answers. We just ask that you bring your experiences, your work ethic and your voice. We’ll teach you how to use those skills and polish them so you can build meaningful relationships, lead with confidence and make your mark on the world. 

(CENTER) One thing I love most about P-R is that it opens doors. The world needs better communication and strong communicators. But more than that, it needs honest, thoughtful and driven people like you to make a difference. If that sounds like you, even just a little, then I encourage you to consider joining us at Mayborn and consider exploring the P-R concentration. The world needs more communicators like you. 

Thank you so much for your time. I hope to see you again as students. 

-End-