Training & Teaching.
I’ve spent many years, in parallel to broadcasting, teaching radio journalism and production at university level, both undergraduate and postgraduate. I’ve also been involved with media training for many public sector organisations.
Broadcast / Media Training
Before the BBC changed its guidelines, I was involved with media training for organisations including West Yorkshire Police, the West Yorkshire Probation Service and emergency planning with chemical companies etc. I am keen to work with you on broadcast presentation skills, what to say and how to say it, from good news stories to crisis situations. I’m hoping to work with a highly experienced company with a long track record in providing media training and will provide details when and if this happens. I spent many years working with the BBC’s Academy in Bristol as a guest speaker on, and occasionally running courses about, radio presentation and production.
Teaching
From 1999 to 2005 I was Senior Lecturer in Broadcasting in the Department of Journalism at the University of Central Lancashire leading the 3rd year radio ‘route’ on the BA (Hons) Journalism course. I designed and led modules on radio journalism and radio production and also taught postgraduate radio. I then moved to Leeds Trinity University in a similar role (Senior Lecturer in Radio in the Department of Media, Film and Television) from 2005 to 2006. After that I returned to radio presenting five days a week but continued to teach and lead radio ‘newsdays’ on a freelance basis at UCLan, Leeds Trinity, Leeds Beckett and Leeds Universities.
Presentation Skills
You may want help, guidance and reassurance about speaking in public – not only how to do it, but what to say and how to say it. I can help. Year after year research shows that one of the things most folk dread is standing up and addressing an audience, whether it’s a small-scale presentation to colleagues, a conference address or a wedding speech. I’ve presented live radio (and a bit of television) for 30 plus years and addressed audiences ranging from a church group in a front room to rowdy public debates and Leeds Town Hall packed to the rafters.
Mentoring
I have a long history of working with colleagues, students and young people, mainly focused on the media and broadcasting but also addressing wider issues of confidence and career planning. I worked for several years as a volunteer mentor for looked-after young people in Leeds. I was personal tutor to many cohorts of undergraduate students dealing with everything from bad grades to difficult health and family issues. Since leaving regular teaching I’ve continued to have a regular relationship with LSR (Leeds Student Radio). I’m a trained BBC mentor, where I’ve specialised in working with people new to live presenting.