Professional Certificate in Parliamentary Communications

Course Overview

In the cut and thrust of modern politics the art of rhetoric still remains one of the key modes of persuasion available to a politician. Not only do parliamentarians need to be effective public speakers but they also need to be able to present compelling and composed arguments when presented with difficult questions.

This programme will explore the art of public speaking and debating, equipping participants with the skills necessary to deliver great speeches, debate effectively and counter opposing arguments. Real life examples of great speeches and parliamentary debates will be analysed to illustrate the key points of rhetoric, delivery and rebuttal.

Participants will also gain an understanding of how to manage the media and engage effectively through social media; learning how to avoid common pitfalls on communicating in the digital age and how to analyse the effectiveness of digital communication strategies.

During the programme the participants will take part in workshops on speech writing and delivery before presenting a speech that will be professionally critiqued by the course's expert facilitators.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course the delegates will be able to:

• Analyse the strengths and weaknesses of different communication strategies
• Better respond to difficult and unexpected questions from political opponents and the media
• Effectively make use of social media to get your message acrross
• Learn how to draft informative news releases
• Effectively counter opposing arguments
• Utilise devices to write better speeches
• Engage more effectively with the media

Agenda

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5