The course is designed as interactive and practical, but as the aim is to instil confidence in interaction with the media, trainees are taken through guidelines, techniques and mnemonics before engaging in practical exercises.
These include understanding the elements of a good news story, techniques for taking control of the interview, and for handling difficult or aggressive questioning.
The final exercise is the most exciting and challenging, a filmed TV interview, which is then analysed in playback. The trainers prepare individual interview scenarios, so it is vital they have the names and study interests of each participant before the training.
Detailed handouts are provided to reinforce the lessons after the workshop has ended. Even if you have no plans to talk to journalists, the communication you’ll gain will help you in any situation where you need to explain your ideas to people outside your field – potential funders, cross-disciplinary collaborators or businesses.
Intended learning outcomes
By the end of the workshop the participants will:
- know how to identify newsworthy, 'media-friendly' elements in their research
- know how to 'pitch' their research to the media
- gain confidence in giving expert comments to the media
- gain confidence in giving interviews to print media, radio and TV.
Applicability: suitable for most research students and research staff
Course dates and times: