Does the prospect of a media interview fill you with dread? Terrified that you’ll splutter or say the wrong thing and make a crisis worse? What would you do if a tabloid journalist turned up at your workplace unannounced? Would you talk ‘off-the-record’? And what can you do if it all kicks off on social media, and the press get wind of a tricky situation?
Former journalist Claire Grainger of Dundee-based Grainger Public Relations, who is celebrating her 10th year in business, is offering bespoke media training workshops to deal with these issues, and more.
In conjunction with Gary Robinson Communications, Claire is providing tailor-made sessions for businesses looking to make the most of a range of potential media opportunities. Delegates will also learn how to deal with difficult customers or feedback online, to prevent situations escalating into damaging news stories.
Sessions will be held within the Gardyne Campus of Dundee and Angus College which houses a state-of-the-art recording studio, with full audio and video facilities, providing the perfect training venue for radio and television interviews, including playbacks for analysis. Workshops are custom-made to the client, with real-life scenarios which could easily unfold within their business.
Claire said, “Quite rightly so, many businesses are looking to engage with the press and media, primarily to promote good news. However, despite being highly effective in their day jobs, many people panic at the prospect of talking to a radio, TV or newspaper journalist about their achievements, and allow that panic to take over instead of seeing it as an opportunity.
“On the other side of the coin, perhaps you dread something going wrong within your business and the news getting out, whether a health and safety breach, criminal proceedings or a disgruntled member of the public stirring up trouble about the service you provide. Either way, in this age of 24-hour news reporting and social media, it doesn’t take long for news to travel and escalate, and it’s essential that businesses know how to deal with media interest, and manage it effectively.”
Last year, Claire and Gary delivered a full-day media training workshop to the management of Wellgate, Dundee.
Peter Aitken, Centre Manager, commented, “It was identified that, as a small shopping centre management team, there was a need to develop the skills to deliver media messages. Situations arise unexpectedly and the team need to deliver concise responses at a moment’s notice.
“Having worked with Gary and Claire, we asked them to help us put in place a strategy which would equip us to improve our presentation and delivery of on-the-spot interviews with media streams – for example, newspapers and live situations in radio and television.
“Following some meetings with Gary and Claire to identify what we needed, spending time with us to learn what we face, they built a course which entailed a full-day in the studio. Scenarios covered were very real to our work environment. Their support was fantastic, feedback was superb and we ended the day feeling much more confident. We’d highly recommend this duo for any PR and communication needs.”
Grainger Public Relations, which launched in 1997, offers a personal, professional and local public relations service. Claire will achieve press and media coverage aimed at the appropriate target audience – from local, national and trade press to television, radio and online.
With over 20 years’ experience and a wealth of media contacts, Claire’s clients include fellow Dundee and Angus Chamber members Dundee Science Centre, EQ Accountants, Wellgate and Andrew Black Design.
Gary Robinson Communications specialises in the training and coaching of essential communication and presentation skills for both the private and public sectors – and offers creative marketing and public relation services for a range of clients.
For more information, or to talk through your requirements, please contact Claire on 07912 324 264, email claire@graingerpr.co.uk or visit http://www.graingerpr.co.uk/.
Grainger Public Relations
My business is promoting your business. Since 2007, I’ve been helping my clients grow, build credibility and create a buzz by telling their stories in the press and media. With over 20 years’ experience in PR and journalism, you can trust me to get it right, reach your audiences and spread the word, whether in print, online or broadcast media.
