From media awareness introductions through to tailored media training.

MAW Communications has developed a series of media training courses ranging from a Media Awareness “taster” through to a full day of Media Training using the latest recording and playback equipment:

Media Awareness Taster
A half day introduction to working with the press.  Aimed at individuals who are just beginning to deal with the media, the course is designed to demystify the press and help understand how journalists work.  We include an analysis of what is ‘news’, explain why some stories get into the press and some don’t, explore the ‘anatomy of a newspaper’, provide top tips on how to deal with the press and give them exactly what they want, and then finish by letting participants have a go at putting a news page together.

Media Training (half day or full day)
Tailored to your requirements but aimed at those with some experience of working with the press.  It is designed to quickly refresh participants on current best practice before taking them through a role play based agenda preparing key messages and practicing in front of camera.  The session involves detailed feedback on technique and an action plan for improvement.  

Tailored preparation for a specific interview
More intensive 1:1 coaching aimed at more experienced media commentators who want to sharpen up for a particular interview.  Here the agenda is based on the particular challenge and tailored to the abilities of the attendees.  Generally, the objective is to familiarise the trainees with some more advanced techniques and raise confidence levels before a specific challenge.

Tailored for you
The above courses can be adapted and tailored for your needs.  We can source professional facilities and equipment if required, as well as carry out training on your premises if that is appropriate.

The trainer:

Gordon Maw was media trained by Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Group and has over 20 years experience working in PR and communications.  He was formerly the Director of Communications for Virgin Money.

Gordon has worked with a broad range of newspapers and broadcasters both in the UK and beyond.  He has appeared as an expert commentator on programmes such as ITN’s News at Ten, BBC Breakfast, Sky News, BBC News 24, Channel Four News, Radio Four’s Today Programme, Radio Five Live and Channel Four’s Dispatches and been quoted in everything from the Financial Times to The Sun.   

Having worked with journalists for years, Gordon knows exactly what they want and how best to position individuals and organisations to deal with the press.  Today Gordon trains and coaches other people in how to get the most out of their time in the media spotlight and has trained a wide variety of chief executives, press spokespeople and celebrities. 

MAW Communications has developed specialist strategies for expert commentators to ensure that the media come back to them time and time again.  As a result, MAW Communications has been shortlisted in the Chartered Institute of Public Relations Awards for its work with brand expert Simon Middleton.

Case studies

Virgin Management
Gocompare.com
Howes Percival
Virgin Money
HBOS
SeatChoice.com
NIG
Turton Middleton
PKF
Validus IVC
Peace Direct
OMG
Owen James
The Affinity Group