Media training options
Media training courses combine theory with practical exercises to improve the knowledge, skills and confidence of those who give interviews with the media.
Subject to briefing, the course covers
o how the media operates
o how to prepare for interviewso advice about framing key messages and delivering these effectively
o different interview formats, including face-to-face and virtual
o conducting different types of media interview - for example: pro-active, reactive, expert commentator and hostile (crisis communications)
o how to control an interview and keep it on your agenda
o dealing with unexpected or “ambush” questionso finding your style & approach
o use of language, body language, dress and delivery
The course includes a series of realistic mock interview exercises about potential news scenarios so delegates can practise different types of interview. The news scenarios are based on the delegates’ role and we can include up to three different topics in a full-day course. Throughout, we work on the delegates’ approach suggesting techniques for improvement & advice on the best way to frame answers to make your point.
The course can also include exercises on specific skills: delivery, bridging and storytelling.
After the course, delegates will receive supporting materials which can include individual written feedback and recordings of their interview exercises.
We recommend groups of a maximum of five delegates.
There are three media training options
1) Full-day group course for up to five people which includes:
oAll briefings, course design and preparation
oDelivery of the media training course by experienced journalist trainers
oTechnical equipment, including camera and microphones
oOne topic covered in mock interviews
oFollow-up eBook and supporting materials
oTravel within the M25
2) Full-day group course for up to five people, as per option 1, plus:
oUp to three topics covered in mock interviews
3) Full-day group course for up to five people, as per option 1, plus:
oIndividual written feedback and recordings of interview exercises
Please email souha.khairallah@prca.org.uk to find out costs
Trainer - Ann Wright
Ann has more than 25 years’ experience working with the media – from both sides of the fence. She co-founded Rough House Media which equips clients with confidence in how they manage the media, providing training courses, strategic advice and video production.
Ann draws on her experience as a print journalist and TV producer working on high profile and prestigious BBC programmes to create effective strategies and courses which raise her clients’ profile and influence.
Ann spent a decade as a newspaper reporter before moving into television, where as a producer she has worked on news, current affairs and consumer investigations, documentaries and live events, for the BBC and Channel 4.
Her TV credits include two royal weddings, the Reburial of Richard III, Nelson Mandela’s Funeral, Remembrance Sunday, and the BBCs Consumer Unit, which makes such programmes as Watchdog.
Testimonials
Florence Leroy, Gurdon Institute, Uni of Cambridge
“Thank you very much for yesterday’s session. The day went very fast, which is always a good sign, and I learned a lot. I especially liked the way you made us practice and share our writing.”
Jamie Wedge, CTI Digital
“Great training session. Relaxed and informative style. It has given me lots of info to help me write press releases. Very good introduction and basis for writing press releases.”
Nicola Harrison, Head of Marketing and Comms at Bristol University Students Union
“I attended Ann's training on writing effective press releases with minimal knowledge about the media or PR. The training was very informative and it was great that it was so practical, allowing us to use what we had learned straight away. Since the training, I have had two stories picked up by the media and feel much more confident both writing press releases and approaching the media. Thank you Ann!”
Victoria Howson, Vida Healthcare
“Lots of practical, straightforward advice. I really enjoyed the course – thanks for all the great tips. When I got back into the office the next day I put the learning into practice and tweaked our most recent press release. It was picked up straight away by the
Yorkshire Post.”
Sophie Miles, Hudson Sandler
“Thank you so much for the press releases training today – it was really useful and has made me a lot less scared to write press releases! You made it very engaging (which can be hard to do over Zoom) and gave some really useful tips which I think we will all remember for the rest of our PR careers