Media training
Louise has extensive experience of designing and delivering training for clients from the education, voluntary and social enterprise sectors.
She frequently collaborates with fellow Guardian writer and freelance journalist Janet Murray to create new courses in response to demand, which they then deliver together on the day.
Workshops are highly interactive, practical and fun. Cake is often involved. But only if people are good.
Bespoke courses
Sometimes it’s helpful to have a course specifically tailored to your needs, or for training to be delivered onsite to an individual or a team. If you’d like to discuss the options, please do get in touch.
Clients include:
- Oxford Brookes University
- University of the West of England
- Cornwall College
- Truro College
- University of Surrey
- Cardiff University
- University of Sheffield
- Manchester Metropolitan University
- University of Worcester
- Edgehill University
- Southampton Solent University
- Liverpool John Moores University
- City of Bristol College
- Queen Mary, University of London
- St George’s, University of London
- University College Falmouth
- University of Essex
- London Metropolitan University
- University of East London
- University of Plymouth
- University of Chester
- University of Greenwich
- Cafedirect
- Single Parent Action Network
- Jordan’s Cereals
- People Tree
- Children in Scotland
Upcoming course dates
It’s hard to write short and easy to write long. But if you want your work to be read, you should be writing punchy, pithy copy that leaps to the point and makes every word work for its place on the page. Learn how to hook people in, practise a bit of slash and burn, then find out how to start at the beginning, jolly up some interest in the middle and what comes after the end...
A one-day course for PR or communications professionals who want to ensure their copy hits the spot every time. Develop the skills to write clean, accurate copy that communicates your message clearly, learn how to identify suitable news angles, and grasp the difference between news and features and how this might impact on your style, structure and tone.
Find out how to generate compelling ideas for comment and opinion pieces - and then learn how to deliver what editors want, when they want it.
Testimonials
How to Hone the Perfect Pitch
“I would recommend this course to anyone who wants to gain insight into what national editors are looking for in a story. The course is delivered by two very professional and experienced freelance journalists who are generous in sharing nuggets that they have gleaned over the years.”
Mary Price, head of communications, University of the West of England
“An excellent course for getting inside the mind of a national journalist and evaluating the way you work in order to become more successful at gaining national publicity.”
Sally Jones, press officer, University of Worcester
"This course had the perfect mix of theory and practice and I got so much out of the day. The course leaders brought to my attention ideas for pitching stories I never would have thought of otherwise. Since taking the course, I’ve totally changed my approach to PR, and have really seen the results."
Victoria George, PR and communications officer, London Metropolitan University
"A thoroughly enjoyable course that pulls no punches and which offers invaluable industry advice on what it takes to get your story off the ground."
Gareth Green, press officer, University of East London
"I would wholeheartedly recommend this course to anyone who may be considering it. Janet and Louise are really engaging and the information that they share is incredibly helpful and insightful. It would actually be worth institutions sending senior managers as well as press officers – it might just open their eyes to how their teams work with the media."
Gemma Sproston, communications officer, University of Chester
Getting Your Point Across
“The course provided me with some excellent practical tips for sharpening up my comment writing, which I’m convinced will help me get more coverage for my organisation.’
Andy Wasley, PR and communications manager, City & Guilds
“A great introduction to the skills and techniques required to write an effective comment/opinion piece. I would highly recommend the course to those who would like to encourage their organisations to have an opinion on something.”
Saira Khan, Broadgate Mainland PR
