Training: Spokesperson Skill Development

Spokesperson Skill Development
Communicating Through the News Media
September 15, 2011
Nashville, TN

This workshop is a must for anyone who speaks to the news media. This highly interactive one day seminar will help you develop basic skills for communicating effectively with print, radio and television reporters.  You will learn to create a positive image of your organization, control your message, and use hands-on learning methods to become a more confident and articulate spokesperson.  

Participants will receive individual coaching to help them successfully utilize interview techniques and build confidence, as well as numerous on-camera experiences, answering reporters’ questions during realistic scenarios. The interviews are followed by individual and group critiques.

Participants will learn how to:

• Communicate with a purpose
• Take control of media interviews
• Create compelling, quotable messages and sound bites
• Anticipate reporters' questions and deliver your key messages in response
• Reduce the chances of being misquoted or taken out-of-context
• Turn negatives into positives
• Build confidence and credibility
• Present effectively on television and in person, including use of body language, eye contact, voice, and dress to support one’s message
• Develop techniques for handling difficult questions

Before the training, each participant will be asked to complete an individual needs assessment questionnaire, to help in understanding each person’s experience and role in the organization.

Highlights:

9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Understanding news and what reporters need, developing effective messages, tips and techniques, hands-on exercises, Interview practice sessions and interviews while on camera; handling certain types of questions (litigation, confidential information, hypothetical questions), avoiding reporters' tricks and traps, interview feedback.

This training is specifically designed to be relevant for conferences, local churches and other church-related organizations. The cost of this course is $249. Participation is limited, so register early.

For more information, contact Diane Degnan at 615-742-5406 or ddegnan@umcom.org or register online HERE