WaterLeadership: Media 101 - Tips for Engaging with the Media

Tuesday, January 25, 2022 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm EST (GMT -05:00)

As part of the Water Institute's WaterLeadership training series, the Water Institute, presents, "Tips for Engaging with the Media” with Pamela Smyth, media relations manager for the University.

More information

Description:

One of the most effective ways of communicating the impact of your research is through the media. It’s important that faculty and students effectively represent their work and their institutions. Some preparation on your part and an understanding of the journalist’s perspective can make all the difference for a successful interaction that can share your expertise and enhance your reputation as an expert.

Join Pamela Smyth, a former journalist, for a top-level training session where you will learn the best ways to inform the public by engaging the media. Topics for discussion include the benefits of engaging with the media, getting and holding a journalist’s attention, developing key messages, handling tricky questions.

You’ll leave with some insider tips that will help you highlight your expertise with a general audience, amplify your message, and get info on ways to apply what you’ve learned so that you can use the media to inspire positive change.

Learning objectives:

  • Achieve research impact by engaging with the media
  • Identify the best  tools for the job (e.g., news release, op-ed, expert advisories, etc.)
  • Develop and deliver memorable messages that resonate with reporters and stick with audiences
  • Communicating clearly what you want to say (and not what you don’t)
  • Learn where to get more support

Guest speaker:

  • Pamela Smyth, media relations professional and former broadcast journalist

Who should take this training:

Faculty and students interested in learning more about ways they can work with the media to inform the public and influence policy.

Online resources:

  • Coming soon

Registration:

Registration is required. Please register here using your @uwaterloo.ca email address. Note that the WaterLeadership Online Training Course is only open to University of Waterloo students, faculty and staff.

Visit the WaterLeadership webpage for a full schedule of modules.


The University of Waterloo is committed to achieving barrier-free accessibility for persons with disabilities who are visiting, studying or working at Waterloo. If you have questions concerning access or wish to request accommodations for this event, please contact Julie Grant (j26grant@uwaterloo.ca) 

Event website 

Zoom