Mohammed bin Rashid Programme hosts media training for Young Leaders

Slye, a public relations professional in Washington DC for over 30 years, specialises in public speaking and media interview skills. He has worked with several leaders, public and private sector, to help develop and deliver easy-to-communicate messages with confidence and conviction.

In his presentation, Slye introduced a group of promising UAE nationals to techniques of developing a comprehensive communications strategy prior to a media interview. Using video, handouts, and a communications quiz, he conducted simulated interviews with print, radio and television reporters.

Adel Rashed Al Shared, Director, Mohammed bin Rashid Programme for Leadership Development, said: "Communicating clearly, eloquently and confidently is one of the most prominent leadership qualities that needs to be harnessed in Dubai's future generation of leaders. A leader should be thorough, and make sure that he is not misquoted or misunderstood on air, or in print."

The Mohammed bin Rashid Programme for Young Leaders was initiated as a development programme to create a talented pool of UAE nationals with the potential to evolve into future leaders.

During the workshop, Joe Slye spoke about the importance of preparing keys messages on sensitive issues; keeping interviews from ending before all the key messages were conveyed; and avoiding "off the record" and "no comment" statements.

"Although it may seem irrelevant, even the way in which you sit, stand, and gesture while speaking matters. In order to convey the right impression, every leader must know appropriate interview conduct," added Slye.

As a public affairs officer for seven US Secretaries of Commerce, Joe Slye has developed a government-wide programme of media and speaker training. He has also served as Associate Administrator for Public Affairs at the US General Services Administration from 1985-1988.