About the Workshop

Every cause needs spokespeople who understand how to talk to and work with journalists.  In this three-class workshop, I draw on my 10+ years of experience in media relations and hundreds of interviews I’ve done for public interest causes and projects I’ve worked on. This workshop covers some basic knowledge and skills required to be the voice for your organization, cause, or campaign in the media. Some of what’s covered in this workshop includes:

• Why speaking to the press matters: how the conversations you have with journalists can move a political or social agenda forward
• The basics of media interviews: how to get them, and what to do once you’re invited to participate in one
• The journalist’s work environment: what you need to know about their context
• Your rights: questions you can and should ask of journalists before agreeing to do an interview
• Boundaries: when and how to establish boundaries for an interview, including how to assert them on air
• How to adapt: how to interview well for different types of media (e.g. TV, radio, social media, online articles/print)
• How to respond: how handle questions you didn’t expect or want to get
• The long game: strategies for making sure you get invited back, and more

The workshop will be taught using presentation-based teaching, skills practice in small groups, and question-and-answer sessions.

Who this workshop is for:

My Role

I designed the workshop, and offer it occasionally on an open enrolment basis. I am also available to deliver the workshop to groups and businesses on request.