Preparing the Spokesperson (MR500)

This training is for public affairs personnel, emergency management staff and government officials tasked with preparing a spokesperson to disseminate public information. Participants will gain experience to help them better prepare a spokesperson to effectively communicate with the media and public in both emergency and non-emergency events. This course focuses on developing key messages by identifying and addressing target audiences; learning how to use a message map; embracing strategies that support timely and accurate public communication; examining available tools for reaching target audiences; and highlighting useful coaching techniques that aid in ensuring messages hits their mark.

*Maximum participants 25

Spokesperson for Leadership and Subject-Matter Experts (MR501)

This workshop is designed for policymakers, elected officials, government officials, emergency management directors and subject-matter experts who may communicate with the news media before, during or after an emergency. This training allows officials and information professionals to improve their communication skills and employ new ones. In a constructive environment that involves extensive hands-on practice, participants gain a better understanding of:

1. the news media;
2. what information the public wants and needs;
3. identifying and addressing target audiences;
4. how to use a message map to develop quotable sound bites;
5. how to take and maintain control of interviews;
6. the effect of body language and other non-verbal communication; and
7. how to conduct a remote interview.

Attendees have the opportunity to participate in multiple on-camera interviews, learn best practices for news media staging, and effectively understand and use news conference stagecraft.

*Maximum participants 12

Spokesperson for PIOs/PAOs (MR502)

This workshop, developed for public information officers (PIOs) and public affairs officers (PAOs), prepares participants to work confidently with news media and make their points more effectively. The exchange between reporter and spokesperson helps shape a story; influence the public; and provide important information to target audiences before, during and after an emergency. In a constructive environment, participants train on- and off-camera and gain a better understanding of:

1. the role of the PIO/PAO;
2. how the news media works;
3. what information the public wants and needs;
4. how to use a message map to develop quotable sound bites;
5. how to take and maintain control of interviews;
6. the effect of body language and other non-verbal communication; and
7. how to conduct a remote interview.

Attendees have the opportunity to participate in multiple on-camera interviews, learn best practices for news media staging, and effectively understand and use news conference stagecraft.

*Maximum participants 12

Intense Spokesperson (MR503)

This advanced spokesperson training is for experienced spokespeople who may be called upon to interact with the news media and want to take their skills to the next level. Participants will review the methodologies and strategies for identifying and addressing target audiences, and how to develop key messages using a message map. For the bulk of the training, participants will engage in a variety of intense and fast-paced on-camera interviews. Interview training sessions include: traditional one-on-one and multiple on camera reporter interviews, remote interviews, phone interviews for a radio broadcast and print-style interview with a reporter on the phone.

*Maximum participants 12

News Conference Live/Remote Strategies (MR504)

Keep your news conferences fresh and your internal/external stakeholders focused on your messaging. This class is designed to provide you with cutting edge strategies to help you easily plan and conduct a winning news conference. The PAST Fusion team will show you the best way to set up multiple live online and in-person news conferences, media briefings and one-on-one interviews and make them a success. This hands-on class will teach you valuable best practices to keep in your PIO/PAO toolbox.

*Maximum participants 25