Risk communication / media relations training

This is a two-day session.

Maximum Participants: 14
The number of participants determines the number of instructors.

Who should attend?

Spokespersons and subject matter experts whose work relates to real or perceived risks to public health, safety, security or the environment. As the name suggests, this course weaves the basic elements of Media Training into the principles of risk communication. Based on the work of Dr. William Leiss, it will help participants better understand the key elements of effective interaction with the media and public on complex issues, and enhance understanding of high visibility communication and the spokesperson role.

The course objectives are to:

• help participants conduct effective interviews with print and broadcast reporters;
• provide an overview and interpretation of government communications policies and describe best practices in communicating with various audiences;
• provide and expand on risk communication definitions and discuss and explore best practices;
• clarify participants' understanding of their roles and responsibilities in articulating departmental and government policies relating to their fields; and,
• provide participants with opportunities, individually and in teams, to apply skills learned during the course in formulating messages, negotiating and conducting interviews.

The course content includes:

• an analysis and discussion of the components of news;
• Treasury Board's revised guidelines on risk communication and relations with the news media;
• preparing and delivering messages;
• preparing for and conducting interviews; and,
• an analysis of the nature of risk and risk communication, and application of the principles.

Cancellation Policy