Media training workshops for UCC STEM academics

24 Jan 2022

The College of Science, Engineering and Food Science has developed a new workshop series on media communication for academic staff, delivered by a team of experts that including UCC media staff and former journalists. The workshops are very interactive with an emphasis on hands-on practice. 

The workshops consist of three half-day sessions available on a mix-and-match basis. Attendees who attend Sessions 1 and 2 may avail of an optional one-on-one live interview training session 

The sessions take place on campus in the Cooperage G13 (North Mall campus) from 9.00am – 1.00pm in January and February. 

Workshop 1: Media communication - the essentials (Professor Maria McNamara and Aoife Corcoran). 21 January, 9am-1pm.

In this session we will learn how to recognise different styles of communication in ourselves and others, and how to leverage this knowledge to work and communicate with others more effectively. We will also cover essential aspects of good science communication including getting to the point, eliminating jargon, identifying the “hook”, handling tricky questions and dealing with “fake news”.

Workshop 2: TV, radio and video (Grett O’Connor). 28 January, 9am-1pm.

In this session we will cover how to increase your chances of getting an interview, interview preparation and what to expect during an interview, with group-based live practice. We will also cover effective video conferencing.

Workshop 3: Print media and social media (Eoin Hahessy, Joe Leogue, Jane Haynes). 4 February, 9am-1pm.

In this session we will give an overview of writing for the media, press releases, the scope, pros and cons of different social media platforms, how and when to post, how to expand your reach, and how to use social media to capitalise on research achievements as well as a recruitment tool.

For more on this story contact:

Patricia Finucane, Marketing and Communications Manager. Email: p.finucane@ucc.ie to register for the workshops.