• Course overview

An intensive training course that aims to ground participants – who have to present their organization to the wider world – with media skills.  Strategies and techniques that will enable one to be at ease and effective in a variety of presentation settings.

• Using social media to create change

Learning how to write a clear and effective job description (JD) in 280 characters – that is X friendly. X, Instagram and LinkedIn are useful and powerful social media tools for personal and professional relationships.

• Story telling – saying it in 60 seconds

Learning how social media works, what social media platforms want and need will pave the way for you to communicate effectively and meet the expectations of the public; develop, prepare and deliver a key message to the public.

Embracing social media – Getting everyone in the organisation to embrace both traditional media and the new media ecosystem. Finding out why messages and interviews on new media are very valuable and can lead to traditional media opportunities.

• Speaking and connecting with the media/public

Participants will practice conducting a media briefing/press conference on camera. Learning how to reformat your opening remarks with key messages into a format the media/public can appreciate. Learning to give the media and the public at large something to take away and speaking in the language of the people.

• Fine Tuning the Message

Learning how to create sound bites and quotable quotes [QQ] the public can connect with and the media can’t resist. And leaving the training course with a list of sound bites you can actually use in the future.

• Looking and Sounding Good on Radio/TV

How you would carry out your media appearances, minimizing distractions so listeners/viewers can focus their attention on the message.

• Doorstop interview / ‘live’ TV interview

Participants will play the role of a spokesperson; be a master at answering difficult questions – especially in a doorstop and/or one-on-one interview – and present their message in a clear and credible way.

Learning how to think faster and better on your feet, improvising on the spot when faced with unexpected questions. To stay poised while composing one’s thoughts and preparing the response.

• Media conference

How to prepare for a media conference; anticipate questions from ‘journalists’; conduct in-house dry runs before the real deal starts. Gaining confidence in delivering the message; managing difficult or unexpected questions from media; offering ‘good’ sound bites and quotable quotes – getting your story covered.

Learning how to build on an existing communication plan and/or playbook, building on existing material; knowing that during an unexpected crisis or event, the media can be strong allies in getting your messages out quickly and accurately.

1. Understanding the media: best practices for building and maintaining positive relationships with journalists, understanding the needs of different media outlets and formats.
2. Re-define/repurpose key messages for effective interviews. Turning key messages into compelling stories that resonate with different types of audiences.
3. Media interview techniques: How to handle tough or unexpected questions, media crises, and challenging interviews. Strategies for maintaining composure and delivering key messages under pressure. Training on bridging techniques to transition from difficult questions to core messages that need to be conveyed.
4. Customised simulation and scenario development: Tailored sessions with (paired) spokesperson(s).
5. Media interview simulations: Realistic interviews with a camera crew, including video recording and playback.
6. Feedback and critique: Comprehensive evaluation of performance and areas for improvement.