Communications and Media Relations
You have good ideas but how can you get the message out? This course examines proven communication techniques to best reach a wide range of stakeholders. Participants will come to understand the important role that body language, eye contact, gestures and tone has on the effectiveness of sending and receiving information. Elected officials will be taught how to prepare for and give effective media interviews as well as learn practical tips, tools and strategies for working with the media in a political environment.

Core course
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Core Competency

1 day session, Fee: $300

• Identify the best means to communicate with stakeholders.
• Develop a strong and effective working relationship with the media.
• Prepare for an interview – what to do and what not to do.
• Develop effective and clear communication strategies.
• Improve public speaking skills to impact audiences.

Negotiation Skills
High quality negotiation skills are always in demand, especially when resources are scarce. This course will teach participants the basics of how to negotiate and how to further develop this skill. Elected officials will be shown how to maximize gains for all parties. Important topics covered will be interest-based negotiation, creative problem-solving, informal mediation, and effective techniques to build collaboration and manage conflicts.

Supplementary course
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Core Competency

1 day session, Fee: $300

• Develop more effective negotiating skills.
• Understand collaborative management techniques.
• Examine the process of mutually beneficial and interest-based negotiating.
• Identify negotiating styles and related strengths and weaknesses.

Team Building
The success of an elected official depends not only on themselves but on how well they can work with others. This course will present strategies to improve teamwork, minimize conflict and develop an appreciation for how others work. Participants will analyze their own communication style and begin to understand how this style affects how others perceive them and its impact on council. Elected officials will look at ways to develop realistic expectations of one another and how to manage accountability and performance issues.

Supplementary course
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Core Competency

1 day session, Fee: $300

• Understand the stages of team development and their implications.
• Explore personal style and its impact on team dynamics.
• Examine effective approaches to teamwork and group problem solving.