Telling Your Story, Media and PR

It’s time to talk media: Know your Audience. Tell your story. Communicate with confidence.

You have a ‘standout’ idea, product or cause; solutions to very real problems or answers that benefit your community and maybe even humanity! In this crowded noisy media landscape – how do you get the cut through that hooks the audience, gets some engagement and builds momentum? Being able to communicate your message clearly and confidently can make the difference between capitalising on an opportunity or just missing the mark!

This practical one-hour workshop helps emerging entrepreneurs, student founders and changemakers identify and articulate their key messages, explain what they do in a compelling and accessible way, and make the most of media and PR opportunities. They will explore what journalists and audiences are looking for, how to prepare for an interview, how to respond confidently to questions, and how to stay on message without sounding rehearsed.

Through practical exercises and their own scenarios, participants will have the opportunity to practise communicating their idea or cause succinctly and confidently.

Participants will leave with practical tools to help them:

• project confidence through non-verbals and vocal delivery

• use a simple message structure to articulate the core message

• turn an idea, product or initiative into an engaging story

• develop a concise and compelling ‘soundbite’

• emphasise the interesting or newsworthy in the pitch

• stay on message when answering difficult or unexpected questions

• bridge from a question back to the key message

• communicate with greater confidence, authenticity and impact.

About Desirée

Desirée Williamson is a director of Christchurch-based corporate communication consultancy Communication Works and an experienced facilitator, lecturer and communication specialist. Prior to moving into consulting and training, she lectured in business and corporate communication and public relations at the former Christchurch College of Education School of Business and, following the merger of the institutions, at the University of Canterbury.

Desirée believes effective communication is not simply about getting a message out. Great communication is about relationships – it is the currency for positive change. She enjoys coaching leaders and teams to communicate their stories with purpose, empathy and clarity, helping them find their voice, connect with their audiences and build stronger relationships.

She designs and facilitates practical, highly interactive workshops for a diverse range of organisations. Her specialist areas include presentation and media skills, leadership and team communication, managing conflict, and personal productivity. At the heart of her work is a commitment to helping people communicate with greater clarity, confidence and impact.