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  • Communications, Media and Spokesperson Training

Communications, Media and Spokesperson Training

April 27-28 in Emporia at the Hampton Inn, 2900 Eaglecrest Drive     

Overview

A generic approach to communication does not work in today’s information climate. Each market poses unique challenges and opportunities to engage. KFB members must be able to provide credible information and share their own story of agriculture through various outlets. This training will aim to provide our members with the skills necessary to use their stories, statistics, and key messages to make their messages stand out and connect with relevant audiences.

Participants will:

  1. Learn how to identify, organize and project key messages with clarity, confidence and passion.
  2. Gain skills and practice to help increase comfort levels and effectiveness when talking to various audiences, such as formal presentations, traditional media and social media.
  3. Hear best practices of media and speaking do’s and don’ts.
  4. Discover how to best handle unexpected and challenging questions.
  5. Advance their Farm Bureau network of peers and experts in ag communications and advocacy.


Eligibility

  • Applicant shall be a member in good standing with their county Farm Bureau.
  • Applicant shall be a Farm Bureau member.
  • Applicant shall complete an application before April 8 and be willing to meet all time commitments associated with the program.


Program Requirements

Participants will be screened from an application-based process. Applicants must be willing and able to be part of KFB’s internal network of spokespeople to use for media, legislative testimony and social media purposes.

After selection, participants will be asked to select an issue or challenge (from a list) facing agriculture as a platform for the training. Prior to the training, participants will prepare a three-minute speech covering the importance of the issue and why it affects farmers and ranchers in Kansas. They will deliver the prepared presentation, receive feedback, and utilize this as a platform for applications through traditional and social media.


Sample Training Agenda

The CMS training will be held in Emporia at the Hampton Inn 2900 Eaglecrest Drive. Lodging will be provided for up to two nights and meals during the program are covered.

Monday, April 27: Day 1

1:00 p.m.        Welcome, Expectations and Participant Introductions
1:30 p.m.        Delivery of Prepared Speeches on Platform Issue (all class participants)
2:45 p.m.        Break
3:00 p.m.        Presentation Skills Telling Your Story
3:45 p.m.        Using the Message House
4:45 p.m.        Break
5:00 p.m.        Learning to Bridge
6:00 p.m.        Dinner
6:30 p.m.        Preparing Your Message
7:30 p.m.        Homework Review and Adjourn   
Evening           Preparation for final presentations


Tuesday, April 28: Day 2

7:45 a.m.         Day 1 Recap
8:00 a.m.         Media Training
10:20 a.m.       Social Media
11:30 a.m        Interview Practice Rounds
12:30 p.m.       Lunch
1:00 p.m.         Interview Practice Rounds
2:00 p.m.         Final Presentation & Q&A (press conference/town hall simulation)
3:30 p.m.         Wrap Up and Send Off

 


Applications must be received by April 8.

Apply here

For questions about the training or application, please contact Meagan Cramer at cramerm@kfb.org.