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The Art of Writing House Cards and Media Lines (G040)

Workshops > Government > Complete List > Writing Briefing Notes for Results

WHY SHOULD YOU ATTEND?

When Ministers answer questions in Question Period, their responses are widely scrutinized by the media, concerned stakeholders and the general public. A good answer can defuse a potential problem: a bad answer can make it much worse. Ministers expect their public servants to provide them with Question Period Notes – or House Cards – that will effectively respond to the “hot” issues. This workshop provides participants with the information, guidance and language they need to do just that.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

How Question Period works
How questions are asked and answered
How to write a good Question Period Note
How to write crisp, concise prose

WHAT WILL YOU TAKE AWAY?

A workbook with presentation details
Exercise hand-outs

Agenda Day 1
8:45 - 8:50 AM	Registration, Coffee and Introduction
8:50 - 10:00 AM	How does it all work? A Minster’s day. Question Period – timing, preparation and process. The Speaker’s Role. The House Card: role, structure and approach.
10:00 -10:15 AM	Break
10:15 -10:45 AM	Writing Concisely The need to be able to synthesize and summarize information for House Cards. Writing a précis: the five steps. Exercise: Participants will draft a précis.
10:45 - 12:00 PM	Developing a House Card What questions need to be asked and how to answer them. Exercise: Participants will identify the questions and develop answers.
12:00 - 1:00 PM	Lunch
1:00 - 2:30 PM	All About Media Lines How to write them followed by an illustrative exercise
2:30 - 4:15 PM	Responding to a Question Period Question or Responding to the Media Role Playing
4:00 -4:15 PM	Wrap-up Discussion
4:15 -4:30 PM	Review and Evaluation

Instructor

Barbara Campbell

Barbara Campbell is a communications executive with wide federal government experience, including as a Director General in several departments and in policy at the Privy Council Office

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