Civil Service & Government
Realistic interview scenarios for senior civil servants who may face media scrutiny.
This case study describes Hawkeye Media's work across several government departments with senior civil servants at grades 6 and 7. The participants included senior managers, policy managers and heads of department.
The brief
The preparation was intended for people who could face media scrutiny in a crisis. The documented sessions covered proactive and reactive interviews based on realistic simulated scenarios.
The communication challenge was relevant to the participants' responsibilities: preparing to explain a subject and to respond when a journalist's questions create pressure. The case study does not identify the departments or individual delegates.
How Hawkeye Media helped
Hawkeye Media used realistic simulated scenarios to support interview preparation. The published feedback discusses opportunities to participate, ask questions and develop an appreciation of the demands of a journalist's interview.
Participants also commented on the support provided by the trainers and skills they could use in their daily roles. The account therefore combines a specific interview-preparation brief with the delegates' own observations about the sessions.
Client feedback
The trainers were really supportive and gave me the time I needed.
Delegate feedback
Other delegate comments describe useful learning, supportive delivery and greater confidence. Participants also valued skills they could use in their daily roles, including tips about appearing on camera and a fuller appreciation of the demands of a journalist's interview.
Planning similar preparation
For a public-sector brief, identify the responsibilities of the participants and the situations in which they may need to speak. That gives the programme a practical focus while keeping the preparation relevant to the level of scrutiny involved.
Explore Media training and Crisis media training.
Discuss preparation for your department's spokespeople
Share the roles involved, the subject areas and the types of interview or scenario they need to rehearse. We will discuss a suitable training brief.