Why should you attend?
This workshop is designed specifically for communicators and others interested in competing for IS-2/3 positions and for newly appointed junior communications advisors. The one-day program offers a practical overview of the recognized IS-2/3 competencies, including the role and performance expectations of junior communications advisors. The emphasis of this highly interactive workshop is on the knowledge, skills and approaches that communicators at the IS 2-3 levels need to develop and exercise in order to succeed. The competencies profiles developed by the Communications Community Office serve as the reference for the required skills and abilities.
Workshop content reflects the stated communications competencies generally used in the federal Public Service to define job descriptions, recruit new communicators and assess performance. Designed to provide participants with immediately actionable new skills and knowledge, the workshop combines formal instruction with a generous dose of group discussion and practical exercises.
What will you learn?
This workshop will focus on:
- The competencies expected of junior communications advisors
- Government of Canada policies and procedures governing the provision of communications advice and services
- What is strategic communications thinking and planning
- The basics of effective writing
- Developing a communications plan
- Performance measurement and reporting for communications projects
What will you take away?
- Workbook
- Exercises and handouts
Professional competencies
- Values and Ethics: Serving through integrity and respect
- Thinking Things Through: Innovating through analysis and ideas
- Engagement: Working effectively with people, organizations and partners
- Excellence: Delivering results
Sample Agenda
| Activity |
|---|
| Introductions and Workshop Overview |
| Knowing and using the IS-2/3 Competencies Profile Review of the 10 sets of required competencies using the CCO Professional Development Roadmap. |
| BREAK |
| Mini-exercise: What are your greatest communications challenges? |
| Understanding the Government of Canada Communications Policy Key principles, requirements and accountabilities. Linkages to other G of C policies, regulations and practices and to IS-2/3 competencies. |
| Building Trust Roles, actions and behaviours of effective junior communications advisors. |
| LUNCH |
| Mini Exercise: Who are your clients? |
| Strategic Communications Thinking and Planning What is meant by “being strategic” in the context of the communications function? What knowledge and skills must I consistently demonstrate to be and be seen as strategic? What are the key elements of strategic communications planning? How do I differentiate between actions, results and outcomes? How and what to measure? Link to the IS-2/3 Competencies? |
| Group Exercise Working in small groups, participants will develop several elements of a Communications Plan based on a specific case study scenario. |
| BREAK |
| Basics of Effective Writing Art of writing well. Style, presentation and layout. Five key steps of the writing process. Helpful tips for writing media lines, press releases, reports, communications plans and briefing notes. How does this link to the IS-2/3 Competencies? |
| Group Exercise Working in small groups, participants will prepare media lines based on a specific case study scenario. |
| Wrap-up and Evaluation Participants will complete a short evaluation. |
Several people made a point of telling me how well the presentation went, how useful it was to them and how well I did, leading the presentation. I frankly owe these kudos to you and an excellent training session. This was, in fact, the first time I have ever delivered a presentation in such formal circumstances. My ability to perform (without nerves!) in front of a high-powered group was entirely due to the learning I received from you at the “Effective Oral Briefings and Presentations to Senior Officials” session in March (2014). So thanks, Josef!