Media Training For Researchers

Course Overview

We show researchers how to successfully strike the balance between retaining academic rigour and communicating with mainstream audiences.

A highly practical session where individuals undertake a series of radio and TV interviews customised to their particular research specialism. The simulations allow them to apply the strategies explored in the workshop which include:

Taking Control:

The importance of focus – shaping a top line in messaging I Linking to a top line without sounding evasive I Foregrounding impact | Effective story-telling

Establishing areas of contention and no-go areas

Studio Etiquette: The do’s and don’ts of being in a studio

Remote Etiquette: How to undertake an interview from home

Being accessible and memorable:

How to connect with the audience I Achieving substance under time pressure

Key principles in communicating effectively I Getting your language right | The power of specifics

Handling newspaper and online journalists:

Avoiding common pitfalls | Ensuring what you want to say ends up in print | Blurred lines between media formats

Workshop features:

  • Coaching by experienced BBC journalists
  • Realistic interviews
  • Honest and constructive feedback
  • Space for discussion and reflection
  • Unique and comprehensive aftercare

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the session, each attendee should be able to:

  • Control interviews
  • Paint pictures to support a key message
  • Use language, energy and pace to appear authentic
  • Tell a coherent story
  • Prepare effectively in a short timescale
  • Recognise the challenges of different interview and broadcast formats
  • Undertake effective print briefings

Aftercare

This matters. Our coaching helps people raise their game, but staying at that level post-training takes support. That’s why everyone attending this course get access to the following:

A follow-up phone call. This could be ahead of an important interview, or just a chance to clarify some of the important learning points covered during the session after the dust has settled.

Online Resources. There’s a password-protected section of the site reserved for those who’ve attended our courses. Here you’ll find a host of resources including films, tips and some of the key aspects of the course pack to download.

A weekly email, the Monday Media Briefing. Going strong since 2013, we shine a spotlight on a particular aspect of media training each week as well as review some of the key interviews and media trends of the last seven days.

Clients Include

  • King’s College London
  • CERN
  • Institute for Fiscal Studies
  • Economic and Social Research Council
  • University Of Edinburgh
  • UCL
  • University of Bath
  • Queen’s University Belfast
  • Institute for Government
  • UK Research and Innovation
  • Cardiff University
  • London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
  • Berlin Humboldt University
  • Chatham House
  • Alan Turing Institute
  • University of East Anglia
  • 
City University
  • 
University of Cambridge
  • 
LSHTM
  • Global Counsel
  • 
University of Portsmouth
  • Durham University
  • University of Bristol
  • University of Kent

“A superb day -well planned and executed.”

Owen Adams

Pro Vice Chancellor, Durham University

GET IN TOUCH

LET’S DISCUSS YOUR REQUIREMENTS

    Name

    Organisation

    Your Email

    Your Message