Media 4Non Journalists

Mike Matas has helped to rewrite the book... here he explains how the latest form of communication uses text, pix, video and animation... what do you think?

Some photos from Prince William and Princess Catherine's wedding... what a stunning dress she wore with such poise and elegance.

Did you know that YouTube is searched more than Yahoo and Bing combined? Did you realize that the fastest-growing group of online video viewers are 35- to 49-year-olds?  When it comes to senior executives, a recent Forbes Insight report highlighted that 75% watched work related videos at least weekly and 42% made a business purchase decision based on a video?

If you are a professional services executive or marketer, you can’t afford to ignore trends like these. In fact, if you want to stay competitive you need to make sure your firm harnesses the power of video.

Bealtaine Festival celebrates creativity in older age across Ireland from 1-31 May every year. The festival is committed to encouraging greater participation in and access to the Arts by older people, as artists, performers, event organisers or audience.  Since 1996 Bealtaine Festival organisers continued to create a network of partners and bring together diverse organisations and groups across sectors, united for a common creative purpose. The Bealtaine programme is jam-packed already with wonderful opportunities to engage and experience the Arts from singing on beaches at Dawn to re-discovering a hidden musical talent, going to the Bealtaine movie at your local cinema as part of the access CINEMA/IFI film tour or taking part in the  ‘Someone to go with’ initiative which pairs volunteers with socially isolated older people to share a bit of Bealtaine. Further information about the festival is available on the website www.bealtaine.com

Tralee Women's Resource Centre launched its new website at Kerry County Library in Tralee last Thursday. Created and maintained by me... the site offersTralee Women's Resource Centre the opportunity to interact online with women in Tralee for the first time... Check it out on http://www.twrc.ie/

Prepare what you are going to say by using the 4Ws and H… who, what, where, when and how; prepare anecdotes/stories to illustrate what you do; think in soundbites...

Here is what Alison Boardman, the Managing Director of Unique‐Voice, had to say about my talk to the Kerry Businesswomen's Network on How to Plug Your Business on Radio...which took place on Thursday 3rd February.

"Excellent presentation Claire! So well delivered, great content and practical advice on how to get the best out of a radio interview. I liked what you said about stories and how we all love them, as they say 'facts tell, stories sell' & we all like to hear real stories - whatever the accent, I do think if you are natural and not try too hard (which is difficult when time is limited and large audience listening!!), in general the audience are on your side. Well done again! I do need to go to your workshop before I go on radio again..."

If you would like to attend my workshop on Radio Interview Skills… including ideas on how to get on air…or you would like me to give my talk on How to Plug Your Business on Radio to your group let me know.

Budget Day sees me in Castlebar Co. Mayo at CRC  FM reading the news and  being interviewed by presenters Johnny Oosten and Mike Richards on air.

Behind the scenes footage of The Commuter

Should you be funny in a serious website or blog?  Yes... most people enjoy a laugh... So I ask you... who is your favourite comedian/comedienne? For me its Omid Djalilili -- I know I've spelt it wrong... but check out the vid below and you'll understand... His website is http://www.omidnoagenda.com/