Course Outline
Background
In view of the fact that a key factor in the developing, dynamic environment prevailing in Palestine is the human resource, the PASSIA Training Programs seek to empower Palestinian practitioners and professionals to deal more effectively with the tasks ahead. The course on Public Relations & Public Speaking will improve the participants’ capacity to give presentations, to communicate, to utilize media venues and to plan and implement public/promotional activities.
Application Requirements
The training program is designed for participants who have a public/media relations component to their work requirements and wish to enhance their skills. Normally, the applicant holds a BA degree or its equivalent. Applicants must be able to commit themselves full-time throughout the required period and to undertake preparatory reading and written work. A good knowledge of written and spoken English is essential.
Program Structure and Content
The training program on Public Relations & Public Speaking will focus on practical training and hands-on exercises in relevant fields and concepts and is structured as follows:
Preparation. Prior to the seminar the selected participants will be provided with a reading package, which will enable them to become familiar with the course material. Each participant will be required to write a brief paper on a subject related to the seminar. The presentation of this paper will be an integral part of the program.
Intensive Seminar. During the five-day intensive seminar a fundamental background on the key issues, concepts and practice of effective communications and media relations will be established, whereby participants will be asked to relate their training to actual issues and experiences at the institutions with which they are involved.
Seminar Topics include:
- Communication Skills
- Presentation Techniques / Preparing Materials
- Event Organizing & Promotional Activities
- Using Media to Disseminate and Gather Information
- Getting and Holding Attention
- Public Relations: Concepts and Strategies
- Public Speaking
- Case studies
Conclusion. At the close of the training program, certificates will be awarded by PASSIA to participants who successfully complete the program.
Procedure
Completed application forms must be submitted to PASSIA by Sunday, 12 February 2006. PASSIA will then invite short-listed applicants to interviews. Applicants will be notified of the results and, upon selection, participants will have to confirm their commitment to full-time participation in writing as well as submit a letter from their employers confirming that they will be exempted from work during the required period.
The PASSIA Training Program will take place from 4-8 March 2006 at the Best Eastern Hotel in Ramallah. All candidates must commit themselves to participate fully during the entire period.
Lecture Program
March 4, 2006
9:15 a.m. – 10 a.m. – Welcoming Address / Opening Remarks
Dr. Mahdi Abdul Hadi, Head of PASSIA, Jerusalem
10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Psychology of Different Personalities
Dr. Mahmoud Baidoun, Psychologist and Clinical Supervisor, Ramallah
11:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. – Break
11:45 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Psychology of Different Personalities, contd.
Dr. Mahmoud Baidoun
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. – Lunch
2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. – Participants (on preparatory assignments)
March 5, 2006
9:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. – Public Relations: Introduction and Getting Attention
Rami Khouri, Editor-at-Large, The Daily Star, Beirut
10:45 a.m. – 11 a.m. – Break
11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Communication Strategies and Techniques for Effective Action (1): Knowing Target Audiences and Defining Publicity and Communication Goals
Rami Khouri
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Lunch
1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Communication Strategies and Techniques for Effective Action (2): Selecting the Right Media-Outlets, Target Groups and Individuals
Rami Khouri
March 6, 2006
9:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. – Effective Presentations and Communications (2): Fundamentals of Effective Writing
Rami Khouri
10:45 a.m. – 11 a.m. – Break
11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Public Relations: Promotional Activities (Preparing Materials, Events & Campaigns)
Rami Khouri
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Lunch
1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Exercises
Rami Khouri
March 7, 2006
9:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. – Public Speaking
Diana Buttu, Consultant
10:45 a.m. – 11 a.m. – Break
11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Public Speaking
Diana Buttu
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Lunch
1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m. – Public Speaking
Diana Buttu
March 8, 2006
9:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. – Second Assignment
10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Case Study/ies: Public Speaking
Dr. Samih Shbeib, Lecturer, Birzeit University
11:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. – Break
11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. – Case Study/ies: Public Relations
Ghassan Andoni, Director of PR, Birzeit University
1:15 p.m. – 2 p.m. – Lunch
2 p.m. – 3 p.m. – Final Discussion and Wrap-up