Media and Communications Training

Module One: Up-front needs analysis

A detailed analysis and evaluation of delegates’ current media skills are necessary so that the programme can be tailored to their specific needs.

Module Two: Understanding the Media Mind

In this workshop we delve into the murky world that is the Media psyche!

• An overview of the South African media
• How the media works
• The importance of an up-to-date media database
• The nature of news
• Media expectations: What is – and what is not – possible
• How to attract media attention

Module Three: Get to the Point – A Concise Communications workshop

In this module, we analyse the craft of key messaging. In an already over-communicated  society,  the recipient should be able to get the picture, without wading through a laborious thinking process.

Module Four: Presentation Skills Training

This session is all about coping effectively with print, phone, radio and television interviews.

In the limelight:

• Breathing and relaxation techniques
• Posture
• That all-important eye contact
• Body language
• Ad-libbing skills
• When preparation is the key
• The best way to determine your key points

Module Five: The Art of an Interview

To master the art of interviews, you need to have a good grasp of the following:

• The perils of speaking to the media when you are unprepared
• Tips on how to talk to journalists
• Preparing for the hot seat
• Minding your language
• Using nervousness as a positive edge
• The techniques, skills and strategies necessary for giving effective media interviews
• How to present yourself and your company to the greatest effect
• What to say and not to say
• How to get your core message across
• Points to capture your audience
• Staying on track
• Getting to the point
• Common mistakes to avoid at all costs

Module Six: Mitigating a Media Crisis

This module shows you how to get prepared, be prepared and take the sting out of media crises:

• Anticipating disasters
• Anticipating media attention
• Handling interview requests
• Creating an effective platform to address the crisis
• When planning is the key
• Work out where you stand
• Being in the firing line
• Managing tough questions
• Handling emotive issues
• Addressing community concerns
• Putting a positive spin on thorny issues
• Strategic advice

Module Seven: Polish Your Prose

The importance of impact, the use of language and the construction of paragraphs, are all essential elements needed to ensure a high standard of writing.

In this workshop, the objective is  to create coherent, flowing and interesting copy – from press releases to memos, emails to reports.

In this session we’ll examine:

• The Hook (How to capture your audience’s attention)
• Determining the angles
• The elements of good writing
• The title: Tell it like it is
• The crucial first paragraph
• Techniques to structure a story
• Transitions: The building blocks between paragraphs
• Quotes in the body of the copy
• Length: Sentences and paragraphs
• Eye-pleasing layout
• The importance of accuracy