This presentation was given by Aditi Kapoor, Facilitator, National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) as part of a PEC Media Workshop with NCAER researchers on 9-10 June 2014. The aim of the workshop was to provide an informal, practical session in which to sensitise researchers to a range of media communications.

1. National Council of Applied Economic Research
New Delhi
June 9-10, 2014
Towards Greater Research Impact
Media Skills: Driving the Agenda

2. How to handle journalists
2
Lets Discover…
Remember!
Practice makes Perfect
So keep engaging with
scribes

3. You’re in Demand
Media Always Needs More & More News
3

4. Doing the Homework
4
Step 1
Pick a maximum of 1-3 key findings at a time

5. Building a ‘Story’ for Journalists
5
Step 2
Be sure of what you want to say to journalists

6. Keep it Short
6
Step 3
Less is More
5 paras; 300-400 words

7. Step 5: Tell all Quickly!
7
They have just 2 min.
Or, first 2 paras of
each news item.
On TV, you have 10
seconds.
Practical Tip: Check your newspaper everyday!
Which para has the main message?

8. Grab Ears and Eyeballs
8
Step 3
Quote Data and
Facts from your
Research
It makes your
‘story’ richer for
the journalist

9. The 5 Rules to be a Media ‘Star’
9

10. Rule 1
From Confidence to Being in Control
10

11. Rule 2: The 4 P’s
11
Prioritise your messages. Pick less, maximum of 3.
Prepare by rote your key message(s).
Practice speaking in front of a mirror, friend, or call
yourself on a phone.
Perspective through field-based examples/quotes.

12. Rule 3: Form and Content
12
shortsentences
No jargon please!
precise.
RepeatKey messages.
Be Sincere, Passionate,
Respectful
Articulate Well

13. Rule 4
Stay on Message and Keep Repeating
13

14. Rule 5: Learn the ABC
14
Acknowledge what the journalist says
Bridge the gap connecting it to your message
Communicate your message
Keep at it.
Keep saying what you came there to say!

15. A Word of Caution
15
What can be related questions that you can be asked but don’t
want to answer?
List them with your team
Practice sticking to

16. Prepare, Practice…
16

17. Do not React; Stay in Control; Yes, ABC
17
 Q. What good will reforming the PDS bring given the
extent of corruption in the public distribution system?
 Wrong A: I guess it will be of some use as we
submitted it to the food department and the secretary
said the department will be acting on it….
 Right A: Well, please remember that for the first
time a computerised MIS system has been proposed.
Migrants too can use their ration cards now. These
changes will make the PDS system more efficient and
effective….[go back to your message].

18. 18
Thank you

19. This presentation was developed by:
Aditi Kapoor
Director (Policy and Partnerships)
Alternative Futures
development research and communication group
B-177, East of Kailash, New Delhi 110065
Mob:+91 9810306200 I Em: aditikapoor2@gmail.com I skype: aditi.kapoor
www.alternativefutures.org.in I www.gencap.org.in I Twitter: @GENCAPaf