The Science Media Centre is pleased to announce the much awaited Wellington media skills workshop for scientists, now accepting applications!
WHAT: Science Media SAVVY – Wellington
WHEN: Thurs – Fri, 20 – 21 June 2013
WHERE: Royal Society of NZ, 11 Turnbull Street, Thorndon – MAP
Science Media SAVVY is a two-day course designed to give scientists and researchers the confidence and skills they need to engage effectively with the wider public through broadcast, print and social media. Participants gain practical techniques to improve their communication, deal with nerves, adapt their message to their audience, capture attention, influence headlines, and respond effectively when an interview becomes challenging.
Our previous SAVVY workshops in Christchurch and Auckland presented a positive and challenging experience for participants, who ranged from senior scientists with little first-hand knowledge of the media, to emerging researchers with several interviews under their belt, all the way to seasoned veterans in front of the camera.
The flexible and interactive nature of the workshop adapts well to different confidence and experience levels. All active researchers with a desire to improve their public outreach are welcome to apply.
What participants had to say about previous workshops:
“What sets this experience apart is in-depth information regarding how the news process works and real reporters/professionals’ feedback. The practice pitch to news reporters was fantastic!”
“The workshop was very well-organised and run. I thought I would gain an insight into media, however I learned a lot about how much power I have as a scientist.”
“I honestly thought this was an amazing course. We had just enough time to cover the important things, were exposed to some great people and got a real insight into the media world with hands-on experience.”
“I had done media training before, but the science focus of this one made it miles better.”
“Great pro-active, forthright interview tips.”
“SAVVY was better than I expected. While I thought it would give good media tips, it actually helped me to workshop the narrative of my research, which I’ll use in funding bids, papers, etc.“
“I was blown away at the value and quality of the workshop. I considered this more valuable than some conferences attended, so great value for money.”
“I had high hopes for this course, and the reality has greatly exceeded what I had expected. When it comes to it, I am sure I will still be nervous at interview time, but the tools I learnt here will equip me well and give me enough confidence to not turn down opportunities any more.”
Read Sciblogs contributor Michael Edmonds’ take on the experience.
More information on Science Media SAVVY workshops is available here.
Applicants for this workshop must be:
– Active researchers or scientists (at any stage of their career)
– Able to nominate a specific project or area of expertise they think is of potential interest to media
Course fees for the Wellington two-day workshop will be $795 +GST.
One scholarship covering full course fees, sponsored by 2011 Prime Minister’s Science Media Communication Award winner Dr Mark Quigley, is available to a qualifying postgraduate student who shows exceptional promise in the field of science communication.
APPLICATIONS CLOSE FRIDAY 24 MAY 2013 AT 6 PM
Feel free to contact smc@sciencemediacentre.co.nz with any questions or for help figuring out whether SAVVY would be right for you.