I’ve always been interested by the type of person politics attracts. I’ve met quite a few over the years and the majority strike me as decent, positive people, determined to make a difference to the communities they serve. So why on earth get involved in politics?! Cynicism aside, I do Read more…
We’re watching the live stream of the UK COVID Inquiry. If you’re interested in the good, the bad and the ugly of #powerfulcommunication it’s worth a watch. You’ll see the full range on display. Comsteria’s director and media relations and presentation skills trainer Colin Kelly put together this quick critique Read more…
We know that some of our clients work in public sector communications roles. Some of you work in government organisations. Others try to keep big businesses on track with what they say and do. And we know how professional and well intentioned you all are. Why is it then that Read more…
In our media relations training, we always stress the importance of using positive speech and avoiding the temptation to give defensive or negative answers to questions from journalists. And contrary to some other media training specialists, we encourage our clients to tell the truth. We’ve been around long enough to Read more…
I haven’t worked with them and don’t support their methods but I am convinced there’s much to learn and some things to admire about the Insulate Britain communications and media strategy. I have to say I’m glad I don’t live in any of the areas where they are currently protesting Read more…
Sometimes, when there’s a hot political issue, or a government minister facing tough questions, consultants and media trainers like me will write blogs critiquing their performance. I could do that here; I could bang on about Education Minister John Swinney’s handling of this week’s SQA Exam Results Downgrade, what he Read more…
Nicola Sturgeon wins because she’s smart. Even her harshest critic would have to agree Scotland’s First Minister is a shrewd operator, and it comes as no great surprise to those of us who have followed her career over the last couple of decades. Her experience of top level politics both Read more…
I fear the normally astute John Swinney is out his depth on this one. It’s a brave Government minister who puts his head above (blue) water and tells pupils, teachers and parents that the blue water coming out the taps in their school is nothing to worry about. He’s failed Read more…
How much does media training cost? Well, the answer would have been staring you in the face if like me you read the ‘i’ newspaper this morning. A story, quoting a response to a Freedom Of Information Request, says that Scottish Government Finance Minister Derek Mackay underwent a course of Read more…
Jeremy Vine is on the radio just now having a discussion about Theresa May and the awkward spot of dancing she displayed during a school visit in Cape Town. The Prime Minister is taking criticism and being mocked on social media and Vine is asking his guests whether that’s fair Read more…