Media training

Practical radio and TV skills training courses are provided for University staff who are likely to be asked to give interviews to the media, in conjunction with the Staff Development Office.

In addition, the Communications Office is always available to give individual advice and guidance about newspaper or broadcast interviews.

Mastering the media interview 1- Radio

This half-day course is normally run twice a year. Demand for places is high, so please register your interest with Staff Development.

The course offers expert advice on interview preparation and constructive feedback on presentation and style to help you make the most of any media interview opportunity. It will also show how the Communications Office can support you in any dealings you may have with the media.

Course objectives:

Delegates can expect to gain the following from the course:
• Practical insights into how the media works

• Tips on how to handle journalists

• Two practice radio interviews (delegates can keep cassettes of their interviews)

• Feedback that will improve your media interview technique and style

Delegates should come to the course with one or two ideas of things they would like to promote through the media, or that they might be asked to discuss by the media.

Mastering the media interview 2 – Television

This half-day course is run occasionally for University staff in a high-profile role, or carrying out high-profile research, who are likely to be asked to appear on television. Please contact Staff Development if you believe you would benefit from this training.

The course offers an opportunity to refresh media interview preparation skills and provides plenty of practical tips and advice on how to handle journalists in a television interview situation. The main thrust of this session is the effective preparation and delivery of key messages in both a proactive or challenging interview situation to ensure that delegates maximise the opportunity to promote their research and/or the University in a positive light.

Delegates can expect to gain a real insight into what TV journalists are looking for, as well as having the opportunity to put what they learnt into practice with interviews conducted both in a studio environment and on location. They will also receive constructive critical feedback in areas such as body language, style, content and presentation.

The Trainers:

The course is co-presented by a former BBC journalist and experienced media trainer from Colchester-based Mosaic Publicity, and Jenny Grinter, the University's Head of Communications. Jenny is a former newspaper journalist and previously worked as Head of Media and Public Relations for Essex Police.

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Further Information:

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