Training
Our experienced trainers provide a wide range of professional development solutions tailored and targeted to your business. We provide bespoke one-to-one or group training across media, social media, presentation and personal branding.

Basic introduction to media

Number of attendees: 1-3

Length of session: 1 hour

This is an introductory media awareness session for those who have had little direct exposure to the media. We explain how newsrooms operate, what constitutes a ‘newsworthy story’ and how journalists go about preparing a story for TV, radio, press or online.

The session provides advice on how to improve the chances of securing positive coverage on air or in print, or conversely, how to protect a company’s reputation if the news isn’t as positive.

Media training

Number of attendees: Up to 3

Length of session: 3 hours

Option 1: This is a hands-on workshop, designed to familiarise participants with the mechanics of the media and practical skills. The workshop helps participants to prepare for television, press and radio interviews, and teaches them techniques to deliver key messages.

Participants undergo a series of radio and television interviews which are replayed for comment and appraisal. The interviews focus on real life case studies relevant to each participant, and the importance of delivering a concise message with real impact.

Special emphasis is given to providing participants with the skills needed to handle those questions they would least like to be asked. The workshop also provides techniques to establish a solid and workable relationship with journalists.

Option 2: Including Social Media (allow additional 1 hour) The workshop pays particular attention to integrating and managing messaging in the media and on social platforms, including the relationship between traditional and social media.

Social media foundation for business

Number of attendees: 2-3

Length of session: 3 hours

This workshop provides participants with the technical tools to establish and manage their corporate online presence using Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. It provides best practice recommendations regarding developing engaging content for your community as well as key guidelines and policies to use social media effectively.

The workshop also pays particular attention to scheduling and planning content (including the use of paid content) and includes practical tips regarding the measurement and analysis of digital activity.

LinkedIn for professionals

Number of attendees: 5-15

Length of session: 2 hours

LinkedIn has become the new business card, making it more important than ever to ensure organisations are professionally and effectively represented, and team members know the best ways to use LinkedIn for business and professional development.

In this workshop participants learn how to become active on LinkedIn by developing a professional, engaging and complete individual profile.

The workshop also provides practical tips on technical settings, promoting content, connecting with and recommending other users and also explains copyright responsibilities.

Personal branding – Presenting effectively in person and online

Number of attendees: 5-10

Length of session: 4 hours

This hands-on workshop teaches effective ways to protect and lift personal branding.

Participants are provided with personalised instruction to deliver a message with impact based on pitch, speech and body language. Guidance is also provided to write an effective presentation, with special emphasis on structure, content and timing.

Participants also learn how to develop and implement a strong personal brand online. The workshop shows participants how to use social media and digital tools including blogs, websites, LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter to position them as an expert that people want to engage with.

Presentation training

Number of attendees: 5-10

Length of session: 3 hours

This hands-on workshop teaches effective ways to present to the needs of specific audiences. This training is vital for those delivering a keynote address. Participants learn how to how to convey their message with maximum impact.

Presentation training ensures that participants convey their message in a confident and effective manner. Participants learn techniques to engage the audience and master the technology required to deliver a powerful presentation. Participants also learn how to write their own presentations, with special emphasis on structure, content and timing.

Each presentation is filmed and participants receive instant feedback and tips for improvement.

Instagram for Business

Number of attendees: max. 10

Length of session: 2 hours

This workshop, updated in 2019, teaches participants the strategies behind successful Instagram accounts that stand out and achieve their business goals. It provides best practice recommendations around the development of engaging content for your community, as well as visual inspiration and case studies.

This course also covers understanding Instagram ‘Insights’ and how to measure your activity for success.

Learn how to incorporate Instagram into your social media strategy and spend time planning the foundations of your account, with the support of our Social and Digital Media Consultant. Contact us about running an Instagram for Business workshop at your organisation today.

SEO Fundamentals

Number of attendees: max. 10

Length of session: 2 hours

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is about the tactics that will improve the positioning of a website for better search engine visibility and user traffic. With about 95% of website clicks resulting from first-page search results, it’s important your website is well optimised so it appears in above the fold search results.

This workshop, updated in 2019, helps content writers, website managers and online managers to understand what Search Engine Optimisation is, why it matters and the fundamentals to get your search results working for you. This session covers organic search and paid Google Ads, with recommendations and guidance to achieve a fully optimised online presence.

Our Trainers

Verity Edwards
Verity has more than 25 years of experience in media and corporate communications, including 12 years at The Australian, and three as Director of Media and Communications at Business SA.

In her 21-year journalism career, she worked across radio, print and television, including the ABC, 5AA, Channel 7/Today Tonight and Messenger Newspapers. At The Australian she edited a Saturday section, acted as bureau chief, and worked across the paper, including on the Weekend Australian Magazine.

With experience across all media and in corporate communications, Verity has been sharing her extensive knowledge of how the media operates in South Australia and nationally since 2017, including with corporate sector clients and the SME sector.

Ron Kandelaars
Ron has conducted media and presentation training courses for a variety of corporate and government clients over the past 25 years.

He has worked in a variety of media roles for more than 30 years, including as ABC TV’s SA political correspondent and Chief of Staff. He wrote, produced and presented Channel 9’s successful travel program Postcards for 13 years. Ron also worked as a senior reporter with several commercial newsrooms in Adelaide, and as a public relations consultant. He is a regular speaker at conferences and is often engaged as a facilitator and MC for corporate events.

Mark Williams
Mark has more than 25 years’ experience in media and public relations at a local and national level, both in government and the private sector.

A former journalist, Mark’s skills and experience have spanned public relations, media management, research and analysis, the development and implementation of communications strategies, and issues and crisis management.

Mark provides communication support for Adelaide Airport Ltd and is the first point of call for media on airport issues. He has prepared and implemented communications strategies for major airport infrastructure projects and edited various publications including annual reports. Mark also provides day-to-day communications support to leading power generator GDF SUEZ Australian Energy, and as a member of the company’s communications management team, he plays a key role in website content development and maintenance.

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