Spokesperson Training 3: Parliamentary / Legislative Appearances
This session will help the person appearing and those who support them, build trust and support with decision-makers. It will help you seize the opportunity to engage committee members and other key audiences such as the public service and stakeholders around meaningful ideas and actions.
Overview
Public servants and people in other public, non-profit, and private sector organizations may be asked to appear before a parliamentary committee. For those appearing and those who support them, going through the committee process can be daunting. This course will help you plan, work with the Clerk of the committee, make your appearance, and engage with other audiences such as the media and stakeholders following your appearance.
Throughout the session, each participant participates in practice exercises. These exercises are supplemented by instruction and relevant examples of parliamentary committee appearances presented on video and discussed by the class.
The content typically encompasses:
- Types and composition of committees
- Appearance scenarios
- Rules of engagement (PCO notes on responsibilities)
- Preparing for a committee appearance (and any concurrent media, public, and stakeholder interest)
- Ideas – what they are and how to develop and use them to organize your brief and appearance
- How to better understand the perspectives and public positions of committee members and tailor your content and delivery accordingly
- Handling difficult questions and questioners
- Visual aids and speaking notes (“the binder”)
- Appearing virtually
- Anticipating and responding to media interest after the committee appearance
- Building on the committee appearance to engage with key stakeholders
Who should take this training?
Executives and subject matter experts who will or could appear before a parliamentary or legislative committee at the federal, provincial, or municipal levels. People who work in support of those appearing by preparing materials, coordinating with the Clerk of the committee, and providing other support.
Why take the training?
This course will help you plan and prepare for an appearance, anticipate questions, get your ideas and information across to committee members, and prepare for concurrent interest from the media and stakeholders. You’ll be ready to have an effective appearance by providing meaningful ideas and information and responding to questions with confidence and clarity.
TRUSTMAKERS is one of Canada’s leading media relations and spokesperson training providers. Over the past 25 years we have delivered 1000 + media and communications training sessions, in both official languages, in all parts of Canada and internationally.
What to expect
A. Pre-course information
You will be sent a brief form to fill out that asks about your previous experience and to identify a subject for your practice exercises during the session.
B. eLearning modules
In advance of the session, there are four short eLearning modules to complete. These modules consist of videos, downloads, and automated quizzes that take a combined total of 30 minutes or less to complete.
C. Live training session
During the live training session, you will participate in two recorded practice exercises simulating a committee appearance about your subject. These simulations will be reviewed and constructively critiqued. The live session is between 3 and 3.5 hours in duration.