Advances in technology mean that how we access news and how organisations communicate has changed.
As well as the mainstream media, there are new channels via which organisations now need to control the message about their products and reputation.

- How do you manage the blogosphere or engage effectively with social network communities such as facebook, myspace, flickr and cyworld?

- How can podcasting help your organisation resonate with a new digital audience?

- What are the implications of getting involved?

- How do you manage these new strands to your communications strategy - both internally and externally?

With the help of our internet communications specialists, learn how to manage your online reputation, engage with your digital audience and participate effectively online - whilst minimising risk.

Contact us now if you think new media training could help your organisation.

Sharon Francis
T: 01635 577500
E: sharon.francis@mediafirst.co.uk

Media First was privileged to be asked by valued client Siemens Plc - one of the world's largest electrical engineering and electronics companies and sponsors of the GB Rowing Team - to provide a bespoke media training course for the women's eight at their training ground in Caversham in July.

With the 2007 World Championships in Munich looming next week - the event doubles this year as the Olympic qualifying regatta - the objective was to familiarise the team with the press attention they will receive at the event, and to prepare them for the intense media scrutiny that will follow as they prepare for the Olympics in Beijing next year.

"The style and format of the training we needed for the athletes was quite different to the Media First training workshops we put our executives through," said Anne Keogh, Head of Media Relations, Siemens Plc. "Media First adapted the programme, and provided trainers with relevant experience the rowers could relate to well. The trainers were excellent and we saw real improvements in interview handling in a very short time. The young women will be excellent ambassadors for their sport."

The team at Media First wishes them the very best of luck.

2007 World Rowing Championships - Munich, 26th August - 2nd September

The Media First annual Ladies Day has become an incredibly popular event and this year was no exception. Everyone who joined us for the June event was really enthusiastic - despite the lack of sunshine - and thoroughly enjoyed the day, which included an image consultancy and presentation skills session in the morning followed by our guide to understanding the media after lunch. The day was rounded off with some practical TV & radio interview scenarios from our studios and, of course, a goody bag to take home.

Here are just some of the comments:

"It was an excellent day, which helped me refresh on all the basics and gave me a few new insights into getting the best out of the media. I highly recommend it."
- Toni McConville, Director of Communication & Consultation, London Borough of Brent.

"The day was good fun but also full of really useful tips to help me get the most out of the media/presentations for the benefit of the charity."
- Jenny Moir, Head of Public Relations, Hearing Dogs for the Blind.

ADVANCED Media Skills Open Course - FRIDAY 26TH OCTOBER

Designed for delegates familiar with the basics of understanding the media who can already communicate their key messages effectively, the Advanced Media Skills Open Course will develop candidates' communications skills to an expert level.

With the emphasis on reactive interview practicals, delegates will learn to fine-tune their sound-bite technique and hone their press, TV and radio interview skills, to enable them to respond positively and effectively to even the most negative or hostile questioning.

• Strengthen key messages
• Honing delivery
• Jargon busting
• Coping with the unexpected!
• Turning negatives into positives
• Rebutting incorrect facts and perceptions
• Handling hostile questioning

The course takes place over a full day at our studios in Compton, near Newbury, Berkshire.

Delegate places are priced at £299 + VAT including lunch & refreshments

For more information or to book your place, contact:
Amanda Ward
T: 01635 577500
E: amanda.ward@mediafirst.co.uk

BASIC Presentation Skills Open Course - WED 31ST OCTOBER

Shuddering at the thought of your next Powerpoint presentation?
The Media First Open Course in Basic Presentation skills offers mixed-group training in a relaxed environment.


Our senior presentation skills tutor will teach you the basics on how to create and deliver an effective presentation and coach you through your next Powerpoint with useful tips and one-to-one feedback throughout the day. Learn how to:

• Create a memorable presentation
• Focus the mind & control your nerves
• Engage with your audience & project the right image
• Manage Q&As effectively with media training techniques

The course takes place over a full day at our studios in Compton, near Newbury, Berkshire.

Delegate places are priced at £299 + VAT including lunch & refreshments

For more information or to book your place, contact:
Amanda Ward
T: 01635 577500
E: amanda.ward@mediafirst.co.uk

"Thank you for...a very interesting and THOUGHT PROVOKING course. Everyone had a very useful day and the feedback I have received has been very good. THE TWO COURSE PRESENTERS WERE EXCELLENT, and the consensus was that it is the BEST MEDIA TRAINING that we have ever taken part in. So very well done and thank you to everyone involved in delivering such an EXCELLENT DAY."

- Andrew Cumpsty, Head of Corporate Affairs, Ericsson.

And finally, whilst the boss was relaxing on a sun- dappled beach, Friday 20th July saw Compton beseiged by the floods that were sweeping across the South West. Fortunately, our training studios housed in a converted barn with-held the advancing waters, but the decision to evacuate the building was taken around lunchtime on hearing that roads were being closed in the area and the flooding was to worsen.

"It was the speed with which the waters rose that shocked me," said Amanda Ward, Client Liaison Manager at Media First. "One minute it was just another rainy day in Berkshire and the next, the water was over our car wheel-arches. It was pretty scary stuff."

Sue Matthews, Operations Manager remembers, "I suddenly became aware that the lane outside the office had become a river - or more a rushing brown torrent due to all the water coming off the Downs - when a sleeping bag floated past. There didn't seem to be anybody in it."

"When the lawn and car park disappeared under water we decided to bale out. Unfortunately, by the time Amanda and I had got everybody safely on their way, battened down the hatches and paddled to our cars, all the roads out of Compton were closed. So we turned round, paddled back to the office, put the kettle on and waited for the rain to stop!"

"Our journeys home took about an hour longer than usual, with many diversions and weaving through abandoned cars, but we count ourselves extremely fortunate."

Our thanks to Zurich Minicipal who not only suffered an aborted media training day, but also got a bit damp into the bargain!