Media training for think tankers

Members – £295+VAT         Non-members – £495+VAT   (150 CPD points)

Effective media skills are one of the most important skills to develop when working in think tank research or communications. Being able to tell a story, get your message out there and effectively represent your organisation are all skills that can and should be developed. This training is designed to help you do that.

We don’t just tell you what you need to know but we give you the opportunity to practise in real time, so you are ready to go for the real thing! We cover everything from explainer videos to broadcast, radio and TV interviews as well as podcasts. In addition to the chance to practice we also cover how to build a communications strategy for your piece of work, preparing for an interview, handling difficult questions and staying on message.

Throughout the day participants will receive individual feedback from both the trainer and the other attendees.

To make the training as practical and relevant as possible attendees will be asked to bring along a project or report they would like to be interviewed on as well as prepare a short explainer video ahead of time to start the day as we mean to go on!

We work hard to provide a constructive, warm and safe environment where everyone can learn alongside their peers. As part of the training we provide lunch so the networking, knowledge sharing and enjoyment can continue throughout the day.

Course outline

Introductions and explainer videos

• Changes in the media landscape
• What makes a good explainer video?

Developing a communications strategy

• The importance of a key message
• What journalists want
• What to include in your press release
• Building your own media network

How to do a media interview

• Planning, structure, evidence
• Preparing for interviews

Practice press interviews

Staying on message

• The challenges of controlling the interview
• Handling difficult questions

Radio and podcasts

• Before and during a radio interview
• Technical considerations
• The particular challenges of podcasts

Practice radio interviews

• Group work on preparing and answering questions

TV interviews

• Key things to remember
• Creating soundbites

Practice TV interviews

Wrap up and learnings

Register for your place*