Media training

I know that staff in the voluntary and public sector are often concerned that the media will belittle, criticise or intentionally misunderstand their work. So I set out to de-mystify the media and to help organisations gain a greater sense of control in the way they approach or respond to journalists.

I do this by helping participants to learn about how the media works, to recognise and develop their existing skills and to feel more confident about the stories and information they have to offer. My ultimate aim is to help organisations be much more effective in identifying and putting across their own agendas.

I’m a great believer that people learn best when they are participating fully, and enjoying themselves at the same time. My training courses are full of exercises to help participants recognise and develop their existing skills - an interview is, after all, just a conversation with other people listening in. I also provide opportunities for participants to step into the shoes of the journalist and see for themselves that the person being interviewed has many opportunities to take control of the agenda.

Please call me to find out how I can help your organisation. My approach is very flexible and I can arrange anything from basic introductions to the media through to advanced interview training with senior journalists, and access to radio or television studios.

Organisations I have provided media training for include:

• NCH
• BBC Training Department
• Fostering Network
• Ashfield Links
• Grandparents Association
• TOAST (The Obesity Awareness & Solutions Trust)
• Stonham Housing Association
• Manchester Housing Aid
• Chinese Advice & Information Service
• Catholic Children’s Society (Westminster)
• Voluntary Sector Training

Additional training skills

Young people: I have a passionate interest in helping children and young people to get their messages across and have delivered training and facilitation events aimed at young people for example:

• Young People’s Weekend for Fostering Network
• Media spokespeople training for TALKAdoption
• Preparing young people for presenting at a seminar, for the Roberts Centre

Creative communications: Drawing on my drama background and my creative approach to media I am able to put together a range of courses about different aspects of communications e.g. Communicate with Added Oomph – a team building day for TOAST (The Obesity Awareness & Solutions Trust)

Costs

Costs start from around £550 a day and are dependent on group size, whether courses are 'off the peg' or tailor made, the type of organisation (charity discounts available).

Please contact me - without obligation - for a discussion of your needs.

Sample courses

See some sample training days

Getting more out of your local media

Getting your messages across – on a shoestring

Radio interview techniques

'We have been fortunate in having the skills of Henrietta to train our staff team on two occasions so far. We benefited immensely in terms of the team building and knowledge that she was able to share with us. She has assisted us in the understanding of the key messages that we want to give out as a charity and in us understanding our roles within the organisation. We all feel as though we have been given an excellent range of skills to add to our repertoire. It is fun and invigorating to have Henrietta as a trainer and we will be asking her back'

Louise Diss
Managing Director
The Obesity Awareness & Solutions Trust (TOAST)