Communications Workshops

“We repeatedly turn to CMG for our messaging, positioning and media training. Colleen's ability to translate very complex scientific information into an engaging and intelligible story makes her a tremendous asset to our communications team.”

Alyssa Zeff, Director, Worldwide Public Relations, BD

COMMUNICATIONS WORKSHOPS

For over twenty years, CMG has facilitated creative Strategic Communications Workshops focused on preparing C-Suite executives, physicians, professional athletes and celebrity spokespersons, among many others, to interact with media, financial, analyst and internal audiences during interview, presentation and Q&A settings.

The firm specializes in conducting Group Communications Workshops for a variety of participants ranging from medical experts, analysts, and fashion industry representatives to executives from the pharmaceutical, telecommunications and entertainment industries. At the close of each Workshop, participants receive a detailed communications booklet, The Persuasive Communicator.

  • MESSAGE STRATEGY & MAPPING

    Colleen M. Growe and her team offer expertise across a range of industries that enables participants to develop a relevant story strategy and actionable message flow customized for their particular audiences.

    During a custom designed Message Strategy Workshop, participants are equipped to:
    • Map out compelling and credible messages for their product, issue or company
    • Customize the messages into a logical and natural Story Flow
    • Anticipate potentially difficult issues that might arise and prepare credible responses
    Sessions may be organized one-on-one or as a Group session and may be combined with a Communications Workshop to provide practice in delivering key messages.

  • MEDIA SKILLS

    During a custom designed Media Skills Workshop, the participant is equipped to:
    • Deliver key messages during taped and live broadcast interviews as well as encounters with print and wire service reporters
    • Interact with the media on a daily basis, particularly during phone conversations when impromptu interactions are often required
    • Anticipate problematic issues, map out appropriate responses and pressure test the credibility of the messages through simulated interviews
    Various interview settings that the participant is likely to encounter are simulated and videotaped so that s/he becomes comfortable with the technical requirements of in-studio interviews and to provide an opportunity for videotape playback. The participant's performance is evaluated with intensive feedback on message delivery, demeanor and overall effectiveness.

    The session may be organized one-on-one or as a Group Communications Workshop and may be combined with a Strategic Positioning or Message Mapping Workshop.

  • SPEAKER READINESS

    During a customized Speaker Readiness Skills session, the participant is prepared to deliver a presentation before a range of audiences making use of a variety of support materials. In addition, s/he learns the value of preparing key message points that may be communicated in a variety of speaking situations including formal speeches, small group meetings with Q&A and impromptu conversations. The Workshop focuses on:
    • Anticipating the Audience Demand
    • Creating an Agenda
    • Mapping the Story
    • Preparing for Difficult Questions
    • Organizing Speaking Points
    • Managing Questions
    • Utilizing Support Materials
    Various speaker situations - such as a podium presentation before a large group, TelePrompTer setting or a tabletop presentation before a smaller group - are simulated. Each scenario is videotaped so that, via playback, extensive feedback enables the participant to identify strengths and weaknesses in his or her speaking style. Special emphasis is placed on customizing the content of the presentation to effectively communicate with the intended audience, e.g., financial analysts, employees or customers. In addition, the Workshop focuses on mastering the Q&A process that typically follows (or is part of) the presentation.

    The session may be organized one-on-one or as a Group Communications Workshop and may be combined with a Strategic Positioning or Message Mapping Workshop.

  • CELEBRITY SPOKESPERSON COACHING

    Whether utilizing a celebrity spokesperson for a Satellite Media Tour, employee engagement opportunity or as a brand representative, the preparation process to ensure that key messages are delivered in a credible and enthusiastic manner is critical. And while many celebrities have experience in front of the camera, few have encountered the media while they are in the role of product spokesperson.

    Successful celebrity spokesperson coaching demands expertise at balancing the celebrity brand within the context of the product positioning. Clients have said of CMG: "Frankly, I find Colleen's communication skills extraordinary. She is a born teacher and coach - the right blend of critique and support. Her complete understanding of how the media really works is put to your full advantage."

    CMG has worked with film, television, sports and physician celebrities from actors Cybil Shepherd, Queen Latifah and Aida Turturro (The Sopranos) to sports figures Joe Montana, Pele, Mark Messier and Lance Armstrong to Drs. Memhet Oz, Lisa Airan and Frederic Bandt, to name just a few.

  • EXECUTIVE ENGAGEMENT

    The Executive Engagement Workshop focuses on the brief encounters participants might have with busy executives. Through a fast-paced, interactive session, participants develop the strategy and skills to use every executive encounter as an opportunity to more effectively communicate and advance their agenda. During an interactive session, participants prepare their "intention map" and, through a simulated encounter, enhance their ability to deliver messages and manage challenging questions in a high-pressure environment.

    The session may be organized one-on-one or as a Group Communications Workshop and may be combined with a Strategic Positioning or Message Mapping Workshop.

  • INVESTOR PREPARATION

    During an intensive preparation process, the participant enhances her/his ability to deliver an effective and compelling investment thesis to institutional and venture capital investors and buy-side and sell-side analysts. The participant is prepared to deliver her/his presentation within the time constraints imposed by the particular encounter, e.g., Road Show, IPO Pitch, Quarterly Earnings, etc.

    In addition, the participant learns the value of managing key messages and support materials in a variety of speaking situations including large group presentations at a podium supported by PowerPoint and one-on-one meetings with tabletop flip charts (often interspersed with Q&A).

    The session may be organized one-on-one or as a Group Communications Workshop and may be combined with a Strategic Positioning or Message Mapping Workshop.

  • GROUP COMMUNICATIONS WORKSHOPS

    For groups ranging from 10 - 200, Group Communications Workshops are customized to provide a highly interactive, skills-driven approach that combines group, team and individualized exercises.

    Participants focus on perfecting their powers of persuasion in a wide range of settings before a variety of audiences that may focus on:
    • Preparing a Presentation
    • Mapping Key Messages
    • Anticipating Difficult Issues
    • Delivering a Persuasive Argument or Presentation
    • Engaging with the Media
    • Managing Q&A
    • Finessing Executive Encounters