Why Aspiring Council Leaders Need Media Training and Communication Skills

This is a period of potential political change across the UK. Having councillors who can speak well in public and manage the media is crucial to enhancing the reputation of your council.

Councillors are expected to demonstrate not only sound decision-making but also need to communicate clearly and confidently with the media, stakeholders, and the public.

It isn’t just your current key councillors, but also your emerging council leaders who will need to navigate the complexities of clear media messages and deal with potentially devastating consequences of miscommunication.

The Risks of Miscommunication

A poorly phrased comment, an unguarded “off the cuff” remark, or a muddled response in a media interview can quickly escalate into headlines that damage credibility.

Miscommunication can have real consequences for trust and public confidence in your council, potentially leading to far-reaching changes in Administration.

Equipping Potential Leaders

That’s why investing in media and communication skills training for emerging council leaders is so important. This course will empower your emerging leaders with the skills they need to manage the media effectively, present clearly at meetings, deliver effective media interviews, and maximise their media opportunities.

This training empowers emerging leaders with the tools to:

• Manage media interactions with confidence and clarity.

• Present persuasively and professionally at council meetings.

• Deliver effective interviews that communicate key messages.

• Maximise opportunities to showcase success stories and positive initiatives.

Transferable Skills for Leadership

The benefits of this training extend far beyond dealing with the press. The skills developed are fully transferable and can be applied when addressing the public, communicating with colleagues, or responding to awkward questions at public meetings.

Media and communication skills training can also be applied when:

• Addressing residents at community events.

• Communicating with colleagues and partner organisations.

• Responding to challenging questions in public forums.

Preparing for the Future

By equipping councillors early in their leadership journey, councils can build a confident, credible group of spokespeople who enhance reputation, build trust, and communicate effectively with the communities they serve.

At a time of political change, this preparation is essential.

👉 Find out how our tailored media training for elected members can give your councillors the skills, confidence, and structure they need to represent your council positively and effectively.