Public Relations & Public Speaking

March 4, 2006 – March 8, 2006 (Best Eastern Hotel in Ramallah)

Speakers

Dr. Mahmoud Baidoun

Psychologist and Clinical Supervisor, Ramallah

Rami Khouri

Editor-at-Large, The Daily Star, Beirut

Diana Buttu

Consultant

Dr. Samih Shbeib

Lecturer, Birzeit University

Ghassan Andoni

Director of PR, Birzeit University

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.