Communications Conference
27 September 2024 - All
On Thursday, 26 September, LVI pupils participated in our annual Communications Conference. Victoria Smith and Chris Maughan, two highly experienced journalists, were invited to speak about effective crisis management and to offer valuable advice on handling media interviews.
In the afternoon session, the year group was divided into 11 teams, with each team assuming the role of the public relations department for a fictional ice cream company, ‘The Fabulous Cow.’ Throughout the afternoon, the teams were confronted with a wide range of crises, designed to test their ability to remain composed and think clearly under pressure.
As the simulation progressed, Victoria and Chris adopted the roles of interviewers, posing challenging questions to team members about their strategies for responding to the latest setbacks. This exercise provided pupils with a realistic, high-pressure environment where they had to articulate their crisis response plans effectively.
The day concluded with an awards ceremony. Both Victoria and Chris praised the overall quality of the interviews, noting that several of the performances were more impressive than some they had encountered in their professional careers. Among the standout participants, Sophie and Nell were named the best interviewees. Their ability to remain calm, empathetic, and composed in the face of yet another crisis that threatened the fictional company earned them special recognition. Their poised and compassionate approach not only impressed the judges but also set a standard for how to manage high-stakes situations with grace and professionalism.
Many thanks to Victoria Smith and Chris Maughan for taking the time to share their invaluable expertise with the LVI.
Mr Oliver Murphy
Deputy Head of Sixth Form
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