PR and Communications Two-Day Bootcamp

Introductory

Summary
This practical two-day bootcamp has been great created to give new starters the fundamentals of PR and Communications with a combination of some of our most popular introductory courses.

Trainers: Ann Wright, Ann-Marie Blake, Claire Walker, Jayne Constantinis, Steve Dunne

Who should attend
Those new to PR and communciations. 

What attendees will learn

Ann Wright - Writing newsworthy press releases: 
Discover the secrets of writing press releases that journalists want to receive, about stories they want to run. 
Learn how to pass “So what test” and the “smartphone test” and how to make sure you email your release at the right time to the right person in the right way. 
You will learn how to find newsworthy angles to less newsworthy stories; why some stories are rejected; how to write headlines and opening paragraphs that make journalists want to run your story; how to structure your release to answer the “who, what, where, when, why and how” questions; how to avoid cliches and write quotes like a journalist
Delegate instructions 
Delegates should bring with them an early draft that requires editing and/or proofreading 

Ann-Marie Blake: PR Essentials – An introduction to Public Relations 
This session will provide the essentials that every PR practitioner needs to know to have a successful career in PR.    From what it means to work in the industry, to putting together a professional PR campaign from scratch by following a step-by-step process.  We’ll cover  everything from setting measurable objectives; identifying audiences; selecting tactics and measuring results.  With a mix of case studies and actionable tips you’ll be equipped with skills and knowledge you need to get your career in public relations off to a flying start.   

Claire Walker: Successful Networking   
Is there an art to networking, are there networking techniques, how can I be an effective networker? Over 70% of new business is gained through word of mouth and therefore networking should be an integral part of the new business strategy of every PR agency that is serious about doing business. This session is particualrly helpful for anyone who either is not confident and has not networked much, or is wary of networking, or knows they could do better at networking. 

Jayne Contantinis: Boost your confidence in communications 
New starters in the Communications industry struggle with issues of ‘presence’ and ‘gravitas’. They feel undermined and judged by clients and (senior) colleagues. They struggle to get their point across in meetings, and fail to do themselves justice on conference calls, in presentations and pitches. In essence, they are missing opportunities to contribute, to grow, to impress. And all the while, confidence and credibility are being eroded at an important phase in their career. The key to solving these common problems lies in establishing robust communication habits. By addressing both your mind set and your skill set you will be better able to deal with challenging situations; you will be more in control and therefore more confident. Crucially, you will discover that confidence is not a mystical force field or an inherent quality but something which can be created and developed. 

Steve Dunne: How to get your hit rate high when pitching stories to the media  
It is without doubt the toughest job in PR. Pitching a story to the media. Often you will have had little input to the story; sometimes the story your client or manager wants pitched is dull or has no news worthiness about it. Much of the time the media will be cynical, they will be hard to reach and pushed for time. Our session shows how to get your hit rate for pitching stories increased significantly; we show that even a rejection from the media has value to you. We will show you the winning formula and we will show you how to enjoy the process involved in the PR profession’s toughest job.