Birmingham, AL - Nov. 17-18, 2014

This fast-paced, hands-on, interactive training is designed to help those involved in Public Safety to communicate more effectively with the News Media and Public, both routinely and during times of crisis.   In addition to instruction, an assortment of video clips demonstrating both good and bad media relations incidents are projected on-screen.   The class is conducted by Emmy Award Winning veteran broadcast news reporter and author Russell Ruffin who has worked with both Fox News and NBC, covering such stories as the Fall of the Soviet Union, Columbine High School Shootings, the 9-11 Attack, Oklahoma City Bombing, as well as Police and Fire beats.

Class Participation:
To make the experience more realistic, a full-size TV News camera is brought in so that everyone in the class can practice before a LIVE camera.    A variety of Breaking News Simulations are run and each student goes before the LIVE camera for interviews and news conferences.  The instructor and the rest of the class act as reporters by asking tough questions.    Participants are given an objective critique, along with a DVD video of their performance.

Those attending will include Law Enforcement, Firefighters, Prosecutors, Emergency Management and other First Responders.  Training is designed for Public Information Officers and Command/Supervisory Staff.

Topics Covered:
Holding an Effective News Conference/Interview
Creating and Distributing Your Own Sound Bites and Interviews
Keeping  Your  Media Message On Track
News Release Writing and Distribution
Ensuring that Your Message Gets Reported
Becoming More Proactive and Less Reactive
Using  the Social Media to Your Advantage
Turning Negative Press into Positive Press
Creating a More Positive Public Image
Managing Tricky Questioning
Handling Ambush Interviews and Investigative Reporters
Projecting the Proper Body Language

Materials Provided:  128 page Media Relations Guide/Workbook. 
                                      DVD video of on-camera practice.
Maximum Class Size:  25      If you would rather register by phone call us at: 303-470-0716