Councillor induction workshops underway

Peak Presenting is successfully delivering customised media and presentation skills workshops for councillors at several local councils. 

With newly elected councillors across NSW settling in to their roles, the workshops have formed part of broader induction programs.

Peak Presenting workshop presenter Craig Eardley said the workshops have helped with the onboarding of new councillors and refreshed the media and presentation skills of experienced councillors. 

Craig said the two hour workshops assist councillors to understand media policies and procedures while also giving practical communication and presentation skills and tools to apply in their civic duties. as well as across other professional and community roles. 

“Local government is a little unique in that councillors generally don’t speak on behalf of the organisation to media – they speak personally as councillors,” Craig said. 

“But they do interact with media so understanding more about how media works, and what they need to do to gain effective coverage, is important,” he said. 

“Our Peak Presenting training tool helps councillors to quickly identify and tell a story –  or deliver a key message –  in an engaging and effective way.”

“The tools, principles and skills for media management are very similar to those needed when communicating to any other audience.”  

“While councillors may not do extensive media, they do tell us how useful and applicable the training is for meetings and community presentations.”

He said Councils investing in upskilling their councillors are demonstrating a forward thinking and collaborative approach.

“As our session is interactive, we have a bit of fun amongst the heavy governance topics in other parts of their induction.”

Peak Presenting also provides Councils with media and presentation skills workshops for both managers and executives who are media spokespeople as well as workshops for Council staff to better understand and support Council’s media management. 

To discuss media skills, presentation skills, and other communication skills training workshops for councils or other organisations contact Peak Presenting.