Some can be used in spelled-out form (ATM or JPEG) without explanation. Initialisms and acronyms should be used only in contexts where they are standard in use, have some discrete history of usage, and are able to be quickly recognized by readers. For example, a new product named Corporate Software Resource shouldn’t immediately be abbreviated “CSR” when this initialism already has a similar, established meaning (corporate social responsibility), and when few people outside of the company would likely be able to make this association. However, in a speed-is-everything world, new forms of these shortcuts can pop up overnight that are unclear, conflicting or just plain lazy. We all use initialisms and acronyms to save space as well as to aid comprehension. An acronym, though, is a word formed from the first letters of a series of words and pronounced as one word: NASA, FEMA. An initialism is an abbreviation consisting of the first letters of a series of words and pronounced by spelling out each letter: FBI, IBM. However, they can quickly introduce problems with clarity, and one area in particular in which they commonly derail PR writing involves the use of initialisms and acronyms.įirst, a quick note on the difference between the two. And once these shortcuts gain traction, their use can spread like wildfire. In an effort to fit more and more in our busy schedules, using abbreviations can be tempting. My latest contribution to PR Tactics, with everything you wanted to know about using abbreviations.
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