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It was a thoroughly valuable session and I think that all the staff there got a lot out of it – so thank you very much indeed to you both for running such an absorbing session. Rod Dennis, Consultant, Trimedia Ltd
I was really pleased with the training and got a lot out of it personally and am delighted with how well it was received by my colleagues as well. I would definitely recommend Mentor to anyone interested in doing media training. Emma Slater, PR and Press Officer, Royal Yachting Association
Challenging, eye opening and enjoyable. Tutors gave a useful and honest perspective on media viewpoint. Karen Dunnell, National Statistician, Office for National Statistics
The whole day was useful, fascinating and extremely helpful – looking forward to using the tools in a real situation. Tristan Mackie, Project Liaison Officer, Cornwall Light and Power
It was really useful having the chance to be interviewed by professionals on real topics in a live, but non threatening situation! Phil McVey, South West RDA
Very good – very impressed and enjoyed the day. Eddie Phipps, Royal Mail
Excellent. The tutors were challenging but conveyed their passion for and knowledge of the subject, and were really amusing. David James, South West RDA
Excellent – informed and informative, and well-pitched in terms of the groups level of knowledge and experience. Enjoyed it – thank you. John Bagnall, RYA
An impressive course that provides a big return for a small investment. Bryan Swanson, Regional Contracts Manager, Legal Services Commission
Excellent. I have no criticisms. The tutors were clearly very experienced and the standard of communication and mentoring was impressive. Their ability to transform a stressful event into a positive and valuable experience was impressive. Dr Derek Norfolk, Consultant Hematologist National Blood Service
Excellent. Well worth the time – thank you. Rebecca Harriot, North Devon PCT
The whole course was useful as it gave a good grounding in dealing with the media. Tim Godfrey, Bishop Fleming
Excellent! Just right for all of us. James Rider, Wessex Water
Presentation Development: Overall an excellent and enjoyable training course which I considered particularly relevant and useful in the course of conducting business. Jonathan Buck, Vice President, ProLogis
Excellent. The tutoring was outstanding and the written materials we have taken away are already being used to inform our communication methods. All five of us found it very interesting, of great use and we have all developed our skills considerably. One of the team said it was the best training they have ever had and I would second that. It had an added bonus of being a team building exercise. Truly top class. Hugo House, Good Energy.
Excellent. The course was very motivating and supportive towards how we can work with the media to raise the profile of our profession. Clarinda Redmond, Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
The way in which the course was structured was really good. It allowed a “base” line starting point of my skills and then, with feedback, to use the tools and training to improve significantly. Excellent. Christian Blackbeard, Ocean Housing
It was precise, brilliantly taught, perfectly pitched.The tutoring and back up materials were very good. Very informative and well constructed. Like the day itself – brief, to the point, no wasted material, no flab. Paul Gough, Pro Vice Chancellor and executive Dean, Faculty of Creative Arts, UWE
The tutoring was excellent. I am sure we will all benefit from such professional and experienced guidance. Louise Blackwell, ONS
Excellent! Tina was great! She was very inviting and comfortable to work with and made me feel at ease. Much more enjoyable than expected! I would recommend the course to anyone, it was fun, informative and extremely useful. I am sure it will help me enormously in my future career, Thank you! Julie Bunce, PA to the MD ProLogis UK
Impressive! It is a very good course. I am glad I attended it. Razaak Busari, Associate Director, QFCRA
Understanding how to tailor the interview to the medium and getting an insight into how the media think was really useful. A very enjoyable and interesting training course. Maria Nicolaides, Rolls Royce
The course was brilliant and Magnus had a way of putting me at ease and not feeling self-concious. I’m looking forward to putting what I learnt into action. Kelly Archer, Communications Officer, Meningitis Trust
Excellent course, right place, right information, right people! Alan Titcombe South West Regional Development Agency.
Excellent feedback, both constructive criticism and praise, given appropriately.An interesting and enjoyable day. Learnt some very valuable tips on giving interviews, and watching tv or listening to the radio will never be the same again! Sally Probert, NHS UK Transplant
I really enjoyed Handling Broadcast Media session – very useful for future when planning and implementing campaigns and supporting clients on broadcasting events. Good atmosphere – promoted discussion and participation. Kat Forse, Bray Leino PR
First rate. Magnus has a wonderful style. Unlike any other training session or course I have attended he was able to hold my total attention throughout. This Handling Broadcast Media course should be compulsory for all PR pros! Louise Jaggs, Text On Tap
I would recommend this training to anyone faced with the prospect of a media interview and who needs some preparation for it. Thank you very much for a very worthwhile experience. Julie Williams, University of the West of England, Bristol
Magnus is a compelling tutor and always easy to listen to as well as being encourageing. The practical session was most useful. Jemma Watkins, Bray Leino PR
Very good tutors – tough as interviewers but very good at giving constructive feedback. The tips for doing good soundbites was most useful. It was also useful to go over my chosen subjects as they were all really relevant to my job at present. It made me feel more prepared for when these come up in future. Lyndsay Stewart, Communications Team, National Blood Service
Absolutely excellent – the tutors were knowledgeable, skilled, rigorous, friendly and highly professional – I was impressed with their media interview skills and how they put us at our ease and made the process easy and fun! The constructive and supportive feedback was most useful. Nicola Lombardo, Case officer, Connexions
It was a great day and I now feel more ready to handle the media than I ever thought I would. The practice interviews and the tutors were excellent – really put us at ease and yet really tested us too. Enjoyable and fun as we overcame our fears and gained confidence. Laura-Jane Sheridan, Communications Officer, Connexions
Excellent tutoring. Friendly and relaxed and lots of invaluable advice and guidance from Tina. It was most useful being recorded on video and the back up materials will be very useful. Hayley Champion, Marketing, Yeo Valley Organic
I found that not only were both tutors very professional and personable but also very clear, concise and fluent in the delivery and content of the course. Just a fantastic day which I would highly recommend to anyone who is looking to take their presentation skills to the next level. Matthew Wilson, Poolia Parker Bridge
This course is absolutely superb and I got a huge amount out of it. Melanie Lewis, Poolia Parker Bridge
Thank you very much to all involved. It was well structured, professional course, with a human element that added to the interest and authenticity. I would definitely recommend it to anyone, regardless of whether or not they deal with the media because it teaches a lot of skills that are easily transferable (do quote me on that!) Kat Gwinnett, Legal Recruitment Assistant, Burges Salmon
Being able to see and hear myself on TV and Radio interviews, and get feedback from the group as a whole was extremely worthwhile. A great experience. Neil Harris, Green Peninsula
It was really useful gaining an insight into what the media actually wanted from a story and how the media worked. Barnaby Harris, Green Peninsula
Well organised event, which no doubt will add tremendous value to our company. I look forward to organising some sort of follow up event in the future. Katherine Doerr, Green Peninsula
I found it most useful understanding what the journalists and interviewers are after, and their thought processes. Andy Morris,Poyry Energy Consulting
I’m generally a sceptic when it comes to training – I thought this course was excellent. Andrew Nind, Poyry Energy Consulting
I found it most useful understanding what the media are interested in. Very useful and fun course. David Cox, Poyry Energy Consulting
The event kicked-off with live video interviews which focussed the mind admirably. Criticism was positive and helpful and the presenters came across as experienced practitioners, not teachers of theory. Tim Wareham, Poyry Energy Consulting
Very good, tutors had a wealth of knowledge and conveyed it very well to their audience. Steve Dabney Lloyds TSB Insurance
Fantastic course – both enlightening and a lot of fun. Audrey Cowan, Burges Salmon
I found learning that I need to take control of an interview and ensuring that I get my key points across most useful. Thank you for a really helpful course. Katy Edge, Burges Salmon
The tutoring was excellent – it was a relaxed atmosphere and Tina was very clear and very good at ‘teaching’. It was thoroughly useful and well worth going on – I felt I took a lot away with me. Sara Bailey, Bray Leino
I found the whole course extremely useful. Magnus was fantastic, helpful and objective. The backup material will be invaluable to play back and see what I’m doing well and areas where I can be even better. Nick Le Voi, First Great Western Trains Co
The tuition was excellent, professional yet understanding of the atmosphere of the event. Thanks for a very useful and informative day. Neil Crudgington, Green Peninsula
Excellent! A first class media training package. The tips from a seasoned journalist, how to deal with soundbites etc were most useful. It was just what I wanted. Tony Anthistle, MD, First Bristol
I honestly thought the standards were excellent. I really felt like I was being personally tutored. It made all the difference that Magnus was so prepared and clued up about my organisation, so all the time we had was dedicated to working on interview techniques. Laura Densem, Wallace & Gromit’s Children’s Foundation
It was an excellent course, and dispelled many of the myths and “scary” elements of the media – including what journalists are actually looking for when they are formulating their stories for press, radio & TV. It is the best course I’ve been on in 8 years in my company. Jo Elphick, Head of Communications, Unum
The tutoring was excellent. Entertaining – time to talk around issues – but the focus was always there. Since Wednesday, I have paid attention to TV and Radio interviews with a newly trained eye and have already found examples of good and not so good execution of the techniques we practised. Thank you for an enjoyable and informative day. Andrew Potterton, Chief Medical Underwriter, Unum
The exercises/different interviews we did were really useful. It was great to get some general guidelines and to try to apply them in an exercise. I liked that the tutors were so lively, enthusiastic and spontaneous. Natascha Hermann, SW London Public Health
Excellent! Cannot fault in any way – welcoming, supportive and authoritative. Understanding how to prepare so not caught unawares and experiencing media interviews first hand was so useful. Jonathan Kitchen Business Unit Director, Towry Law
A very useful and informative day - not only was it useful for handling and gaining media experience, it was also very useful for personal development, and I know I learnt a lot from the course. Matthew Cole, Station Manager, N-Power
Excellent! So useful watching myself on video and getting learning points for developing presentation. Philippa Carey, Hartnell Taylor Cook
Superb, superb, superb. Magnus I have attended many training events but I have never enjoyed and taken away so much as I have today. Your delivery and feedback and the caring nature is the best I have experienced. Sincerely, every part of this media training was more than useful. Superb, superb, superb! Geoff Fidler, First Great Western
The Presentation Training acted as a confidence boost. The videos allowed me to analyse where my strengths were/what I need to work on. I now feel more positive about future presentations. The tutor was excellent – good at telling where your good points were. She also told us where we need to improve, but made in a positive way. Tom Lambshead,Stride Treglown Architects
Excellent – Magnus was fantastic. Made us feel comfortable and it was less daunting. This whole media training course was so useful. Nancy Simbeye, First Great Western
Excellent. I was impressed. The ABC concept and the soundbite info was most useful for handling the media. Russell Hunt, Lloyds TSB Insurance Spot on! Being made aware of the pitfalls involved in engaging with the media was most useful. Geoff Marshall, VP Customer Business - Africa, Rolls Royce
All very useful especially being able to appreciate the differences between the various types of media. Too short! Steve Allibone, Head of Compliance, Unum
Excellent. Thank you. Lots of helpful information for presentations and dealing with the media. I have a whole increased understanding of how the media works. Preparation is the key! Pam Morris, Head of Customer Care Services, Unum
Excellent - I can see this having wider benefit in terms of impact. It was most useful practicing interviews and applying tips in front of the camera. Jonathan Plumtree, Finance Director, Unum
A fun and informative day. Excellent tutoring and useful manual and recordings to refer to. Everything was useful especially the telephone interview as I'll be doing these on a regular basis. Helen Kerley, Corporate Development Manager, Towry Law
A thoroughly enjoyable event. High standard of tutoring. It was most useful putting theory of media handling into practice and trying out new techniques. Nick Gleeson, Director of Corporate Development, Unum
A great learning experience. The media training was closely related to Rolls Royce and was a useful overview of typical situations of working with the media. Lars Seureniciht, Lars Seureniciht, Project Manager TP4000, Rolls Royce, Rolls Royce
I feel as though you have shone a spotlight on the shadowy world of the media. This course gives genuine insight into the way press compiles stories and how to make the most of dealings with the media.Thank you for the work you put in on preparation of highly specialist topics and on the day. Andrew Allan-Jones, Burges Salmon
"The handling the media training for Macclesfield councillors was excellent - well presented and fun! It was a really useful course and a real insight into how to get the best from talking with journalists. Speaking to the media is something we will do with more confidence and focus from now on". Alexa Prescott, Public Relations Officer, Macclesfield Borough Council
Excellent media training! Most constructive and confidence building. Mark Dudridge, Ginsters
Excellent. It was most useful preparing a presentation and receiving feedback. The entire event was beneficial for me. Lee Warr Architect, Atkins Walters Webster
Very good standard of tutoring. Getting started properly with 'gaining audience attention' was most useful. Peter Buckley, JPCS Ltd
Excellent day's presentation training in a friendly environment which encourages the individual to learn from others and keep developing their skills to the maximum effectiveness. David French-Greenslade, Business Development Director, JPCS Ltd
A very high standard of tutoring. Learning how to structure presentations and develop my body language was most useful. Kenton Simons, Interior designer, Stride Treglown
Excellent. The management bonding that has taken place on this presentation course has been a really valuable spin off. Greg Slater, Director, Atkins Walters Webster, Architects
Presentation Coaching: I learned a lot and certainly my fellow cynics were impressed that they left with a far greater understanding not only of how to do it but of how we can alter our material to improve presentation performance. Andrew Capes FRICS Partner, Hartnell Taylor Cook
The team and I, here at NCSL, want to offer our sincere thanks for your input in to the Equal Access to Promotion? programme. Your professionalism throughout the programme has been greatly appreciated by the team. The participants highlighted in their evaluations that they: "felt supported and valued"; "have been able to find that inner determination for my next career move"; "worth while programme which can and will inspire me for a long time"; "great facilitators, brilliant ideas and source of excellent network" Mentor have become the expert, having worked on many previous EAP? programmes and yet sessions were still fresh and inspiring for those involved. Your input has been invaluable in making the programme a success. Kathryn Carter, Programme Manager, Pre-Headship team, Leadership Programmes, National College for School Leadership
More useful than expected! It was most useful being shown a format to follow for structuring a presentation. Bob Drew, Architect, Atkins Walters Webster
Presentation coaching: Your input has been incredibly helpful. Kevin Steer, Managing Director, Stride Treglown
Media Training: Excellent. Developing interviews and press release writing skills was most useful. Barbara Dennis, Norcare
Excellent media training. Crammed a lot in to a short time, but covered the main aspects and issues we need to consider. Keeping focussed on our own issues and planning what to say and getting good soundbites was most useful. Bernard Wildsmith, Avon Care Sector Employers Consortium
Excellent. It was all so relevant and so useful to demystify media processes. Jason Schofield, Director, Crest Nicholson
Excellent. A very enjoyable and useful day. I now feel much more confident in my ability to handle the media. Ian Metcalfe, Director, Faithful and Gould
A really worthwhile course, thank you. A great opportunity to test out media skills - all extremely useful stuff. Hannah Rowe, Somerset Care
Extremely well run course with very interesting content and likeable tutors. Excellent tutoring. The media interviews were confidence building and learning how to structure and about soundbites was very helpful. Belinda Barton, Peninsula Care Sector Group
Very good - all relevant and helpful and very useful backup materials. The exercises throughout the day were most useful and enabled us to try out some media skills and techniques. Katrien Blake, Partners in Care
Excellently delivered and very entertaining. It was most useful to find out how to get full attention from journalists and to have maximum impact. Richard Smith, Way Ahead
Excellent! There are many aspects of this media training that I will apply to other areas of my work. Paula Jawett, Lloyds TSB
Excellent! Arthur Wilson, Norcare
Thank you for the Scoping Study carried out for Skills for Health by Mentor and Rob Dalton in particular. It was particularly well received by the Sector Skills Development Agency who commented that it was the first time they had seen a Sector Skills Council in development produce such a comprehensive and polished review of their communication needs.John Stephenson, Programme Director Business Systems, Skills for Health
We have worked with Mentor on a wide range of tailored projects for many of our clients, including interview-skills training, crisis preparation and handling, and the production of audio programmes for both internal and external audiences. Mentor has long been our preferred partner in these areas of specialised activity because of the thorough research and preparation that go into tailoring the end-product to the particular needs of each client, which mirrors our approach to communication management.
To echo Magnus’ teaching about sound-bites: You get a tailored product from Mentor, not the same off-the-peg product delivered to everyone. David Sturgess, Sturgess Van Damme, PR
Writing successful press releases:Perfect size group, great atmosphere to work in, tutoring fantastic. Lots of personal attention with no bias or disdain towards anyone. I really can get to the story without waffling now. Emily Dixon, Press Officer, Lloyds TSB. 14.08.02
Very reassuring and confidence boosting. Magnus was always happy to answer questions and provide examples. Fantastic catering! Tammie Ray, Community at Heart, Bristol, 14.08.02
News Day, Team Building:It gave me a different perspective on my job. Debbie Stavely A fantastic opportunity to learn with great facilities. Kelly Cutler Tutoring excellent, v. enjoyable. Mike Gutsell. Enjoyed learning about Camera shots etc. Cheryl Williams & Laura McKendrik. Excellent! Sarah Benefield. All members of the PR team at Bristol and West. 02.02
Appraisal course : Extremely high standard of tutoring and back up material, the role-play was very effective. Very relaxed, very conducive to learning. A well tailored course. Nick Griffiths and Teresa McAllister, Client Managers, Bibby Factors
Gave me some real practical solutions to problems. Excellent and well tailored. Teresa McAllister, Bibby Factors
Excellent tutoring – many pearls of wisdom! Trevor Didwark, RAC
Customer Complaints and the Media Interest : The Customer Relations Team enjoyed the day immensely. Much pragmatic and useful information was learnt, further enabling them to handle difficult customers ant to spot/manage potential media issues. I would highly recommend this workshop! Linda Buczek, RAC Motoring Services
Great value media training. Constructive and thought provoking. I have taken a massive step forward. Gillian Bewick, Norcare
My ultimate aim was that the people on the course came away not only confident about handling the media but also genuinely enthusiastic - and they all did.
Mentor were professional, approachable and cleverly structured the media day to meet our specific needs. We intend to build on this good work with them. Gail McKenzie, Head of Communications, Soil Association
Media Handling: Excellent tutor, well presented and fun! Excellent - such a useful course and a real insight on how to work well with journalists. We'll be more confident speaking to the press and more focussed on what to say now. 10 out of 10. Teignbridge District Council
Excellent. Practical exercises, advice and tips by someone with extensive experience in media - tailored to our needs. Rachel Murray, University of Bristol
An excellent course. I feel I would be able to represent The Soil Association well in any form of media interview now. James Cleeton, Soil Association
Excellent tutoring. A pleasant, interesting and enjoyable day. Seeing and hearing myself and getting feedback was most useful. Gundula Azeez, Soil Association
We want more! Fantastic! Being able to understand what journalists want and learning a process to help us deal with it was most useful. It's going to change the power relationship for me. Emma Noble, Soil Association
Very good. Both tutors were knowledgeable and professional. The background info on how to handle the media was most useful. Jackie Byard, Office for National Statistics
Excellent. Practicing different media interviews was confidence building and most useful. Paul Sacher, British Dietetic Association
Excellent, Very enjoyable. Fantastic and very motivating. Improved my confidence and helped me to understand how to control an interview. Very high quality. The whole day was excellent. The British Dietetic Association, PR and Media training Conference
The media training increased my confidence enabling me to take control of any interview. The standard of tutoring was excellent, they were clear and concise and worked hard to successfully develop our standards. Diolch yn Iawr/Thank you very much. Aled Davies, Office for National Statistics
Excellent tutoring - thank you, you have helped me understand the world of journalism! Having the opportunity to practice and make mistakes without ay negative consequences was most useful. Julie Owen. Teinbridge District Council
Excellent. Understanding how to prepare and to take control of interviews was most useful. Stephen Spooner, Rolls Royce
Excellent, very enjoyable. Encouraging, honest and constructive feedback. I feel more confident and I know I will be more effective in handling the media in future. Paul McArdle, British Dietetic Association
Excellent tutoring and back up materials. Learning how to inject energy, expecially in non face to face interviews was most useful. Thanks for a great day. Julie Lanigan, British Dietetic Association
Excellent. Practicing different media interviews was confidence building and most useful. Paul Sacher, British Dietetic Association
Excellent, Very enjoyable. Fantastic and very motivating. Improved my confidence and helped me to understand how to control an interview. Very high quality. The whole day was excellent. The British Dietetic Association, PR and Media training Conference
Excellent. I have learnt invaluable techniques for handling interviews. Caroline Lewis, Office for National Statistics
Presentation coaching: Very good standard of tutoring and notes. Everything was useful and learning how to structure a talk was the most useful. I'm going to suggest that other councillors attend. David Cox, Teinbridge District Council
Presentation coaching: I really enjoyed this course and feel that I have learnt a lot from it. The most useful part was learning how to change my perception of presenting. It gave me a fresh look at presenting skills. The tutoring was excellent - I was engaged and motivated by Tina and she gave me confidence in my presenting ability. Karen Harper, Mediatrack plc
Presentation coaching: Excellent session - one of the best I've attended. It was most useful learning skills that instantly bolster your confidence and make an immediate difference. Jeannette Heard, Lawson Clarke
Presentation coaching: Very good tutoring and the introduction CD was helpful in giving a suitable intro to the day. The focus on structuring and key points was most useful. Andrew Powell, Principal Architect, Parsons Brinkerhoff
Presentation coaching: Having the opportunity to see how I 'appear' during a presentation was most useful. David Perkin, Architect, Atkins Walters Webster
Presentation coaching: The most interesting and useful training course that I have been on. Facilities Manager, Parson Brinkerhoff
Presentation coaching: I passed my assessment - hooray!!! I'm absolutely delighted. Thank you so much for your support and guidance, it really helped me to get the best out of myself (and the breathing exercise was a godsend just before my opening meeting). I have new found happiness and confidence. Nicole Mason, Legal Auditor, Legal Services Commission
Presentation coaching: Good standard of tutoring. It was most useful observing a different approach to other presentation courses especially the notion of empowerment. Peter Collins, Technical Director, Parsons Brinkerhoff
Presentation coaching: The tutoring made sensitive and effective use of positive features in order to suggest means of improvement. The back up materials are helpful and practical. Alan Richards, Tribal Education
Excellent. Understanding how to prepare and to take control was most useful. Stephen Spooner, Rolls Royce
Excellent. It was most useful doing practical media interviews and receiving feedback and learning from others. Anne Barnett DCMCC
Excellent! Really interesting tutoring. I recommend the handling the media course to all. Fiona Barnett, Leisure and Tourism, Teinbridge District Council
An excellent tutor who was very approachable, sympathetic to my nerves and very engaging. Excellent. Margaret Goldthorp, Revenue and Benefits, Recovery Manager, Teinbridge District Council
Excellent. Tutor clearly had a lot of experience in the industry and was a very professional trainer. Lorraine Leaney, Communications Manager, First Great Western Link
Excellent - a very facilitative style which optimised training. Enabled me to learn from other' experience and to actual see how I performed. Zoe Conway, Legal Services Commission
The tutors were excellent and clearly have an ideal background and experience to help participants get the most out of dealing with the media. The practical exercises - in particular TV and radio interviews were excellent. Kevin Stephens, Legal Services Commission
A very worthwhile day - it helped me to understand how important it was to be prepared and to decide which issues to focus on. The lessons learnt will help general day-to-day activities too. Madhu Panue, Head of Audit & Controls, Unum
Extremely valuable and well focussed. A very constructive day that addressed my needs and expectations very well. Many of my fears about facing the media have been allayed. Professor David Williams, Southampton University
Excellent media training - the enthusiasm and positive attitude and encouragement of the presenters made this a thoroughly worthwhile experience - informative and entertaining. Professor Joe Hammond, Dean of Engineering, Science and Mathematics, University of Southampton
Many thanks to you and Tina (and Karen!) for an excellent and inspiring training day. I'm sure all six participants will now be enthused to hone their skills in the media arena. We will have to start looking for opportunities immediately. Sarah Watts, Head of Media Relations, University of Southampton
I thoroughly enjoyed the sessions and honestly can't recall a course that delivered such instant improvement. It was most useful, not just for handling the media, but for dealing with all sorts of situations, including dealing with my wife!! I had a rather unusual route to the editor's chair, coming as I have from an art background. Not having the traditional journalist skillset made dealing with other journalists more difficult, and sometimes more frightening. Having the tools to handle it has instilled much more confidence. I now might even consider a phone-in! James Beechinor-Collins, Editor, T3
Excellent media training that engaged and reassured all participants and gave them the confidence they needed to maximize Burroughs Day's marketing activities. This event was geared very accurately to our brief and requirements. John Baden-Daintree, Partner, Burroughs Day Solicitors
The course was possibly the best I have been on. I found it very informative and as a result I now feel a lot better equipped to deal with any interviews that may come my way! The video tape that we were given will never see the light of day though!!! Thanks very much - Robin Best, First Great Western
The best course I have ever attended. Roger Ison, General Manager, Training, BSM
Brilliant - inspired confidence in being interviewed and useful points towards presentation.Chris Kitchen, Kitchen Garden Produce
Very good and professional. Building confidence and making me listen to the questions was most useful. Thank you. John Clement, Tuddenham Hall (Asparagus growers)
Excellent - a broad range of tutor experience was very useful. Analysing the interviews and understanding the journalist's perspective was most useful. Very good quality - achieved objectives in full. Andrew Webb Rolls Royce PLC
Very good - the styles employed made the course very enjoyable. Learning how to move the interviewer to my agenda was the most useful part of the course - plus finding out you don't have to be armed with facts. Ali Dart, Lloyds TSB Insurance
Standards of tutoring and back-up materials were first-class - well done! Keith Harris, Senior Product Development Manager, Lloyds TSB Insurance
The course was excellent and its given me a whole new perspective on how to do interviews. I understand that I have ownership of the interview and soundbites. Hilary Morris Somerset HPU 28/01/2004
Magnus was fantastic - helpful and objective - which was really useful. The back-up material will be invaluable. Nick le Voi, First Great Western, 19-01-04
Excellent. The comparison between my first and last interviews of the day demonstrated such a significant improvement, the training and tutoring must have been good! Karen Harman, First Great Western, 19-01-4
Very professional and motivating. I would highly recommend this course to others. Poul Nymann, Consol Suncenters, 14-01-04
I just wanted to say a huge thank-you for the course. It was thoroughly enjoyable, and I loved the team spirit in your office - you were all so helpful. A great team. Chris Loder, Train Services Manager, First Great Western Excellent.
Simple to understand ways to remember learning points was most useful. I learned so much but it was fun - tutors with a great sense of humour. The booklet given at the end was very useful for reference. Jane Lansley, Lloyds TSB Insurance
Crisis Media Handling: Excellent! Three experts in their own fields and good research on a relevant local crisis scenario. Paul Damon, Senior Manager, Wessex Water.
Media Handling: Excellent. Understanding the media and that you have something valuable to offer the media. All very useful. Martin Askew, Clarke Willmott
Useful in all respects. The facilitators were excellent. Zulfiqar Ahmed, Unltd Open
Media Handling course: Excellent! Magnus has given me the confidence in how best to present my scheme and confidence that this will be well received. S Annesley, St George Community College
Media Handling as part of induction programme for senior managers at Northern Foods: Excellent tutoring. Encouraged me to think differently about journalism and to be more positive with local press. Helen Jackson Most useful was the challenge of getting your statement across and how that highlighted new learning points. Sue Patterson
The content and tone was spot on and I've had very positive feedback with interest in a follow up session. Debbie Sutton, PR Manager
Open Presentation Course: Excellent! It was geared exactly right for me. The relaxation technique and constructive feedback was very useful. Being in a small group made the course really beneficial. Corrie Evans, Legal Manager, Bibby Factors I enjoyed being pushed and learnt the importance of the audiences needs. Tutoring, very personal and constructive; critique given in a developmental way. Using video was a very effective way to deliver key learning points. Yvonne Foster, Educational Consultant
Most useful was use of video for learning and recognising the process is not about me! but about the audience. Very personable with helpful non-judgemental advice on presentation. Laura Jeffery, CITB
I really enjoyed the day and the challenge and felt I'd up skilled considerably. Thanks for your encouragement. Guy Herrington, Lloyds TSB
Media as Marketing Tool Seminar: The session was so informative that there were many ideas as regards PR that our organisation and myself can put to use. Feed back scores 2x8 and 3x9 - an excellent presentation. Academy for Chief Executives, NE and Cumbria headed by Nick Jackson
Excellent. For the record, your presentation turned out to be one of the best I have had the opportunity to experience in my three years with the Academy. As a leader, I consider it my duty to identify, cknowledge and encourage excellence. Harold Sharples, Academy for Chief Executives.
Presentation coaching: Many thanks for your words of wisdom, Tina and Magnus. We have benefited significantly. I have reshaped my presentation, found new confidence - I really do "take my status". I've really taken control and find I have time to put my personality and passion across and draw my audience into a connection. With this new improved version I've just won the major pitch I was going for in Devon. I put it down to my change of approach to the content. Mark Muir, Director, Stride Treglown rchitects Open Presentation Course:
Excellent. Tina was highly professional and extremely thorough, giving personalised attention to individuals that was equally enlightening to the other delegates ensuring valuable use of their time throughout the day. The audio CD received before hand was a good introduction to the day and the written material supplied at the end reinforced the learning. Catherine Le Roy, Nurse of the Year 2002, Marie Curie Cancer Care
Open Media Course: Excellent. Highly professional, individualised tutoring within a small group setting, delivered at an accessible, but equally stimulating and challenging level. Magnus had clearly researched the topical issues relevant to each individual delegate, so as to create the most realistic and revealing interview scenarios. An effective combination of coaching and coaxing, and a firm but reassuring style to boost our competence and confidence in handling the media. The back up materials and tape very useful to consolidate key principles learned. Catherine Le Roy, Nurse of the Year 2002, Marie Curie Cancer Care
Handling the Media: I never learnt so much in one day. High standard of tuition and very enjoyable too. Most useful was the interviews which allowed me to exercise my abilities in "real" situations. The feedback was very useful and the end of course material are very good. Rossella Garvil-Romana, Business Services Assistant, Lloyds TSB
Handling the Media: First class tuition, kept simple and to the point but with good opportunity to practice and good honest but supportive feedback. Nick Bozzini, Senior Product Manager, Lloyds TSB
Media Interviews training: Excellent. Being able to overcome fears through practice of techniques and watching recordings. This is thebest course I have ever been on. Lee Edworthy, Senior Station Manager, First Great Western
Media Training: An invaluable course with such a nice, brilliant chap. I can't tell you what a help it was and will be in the future and so interesting as well. Laura Field, Wallace & Gromit's Children's Foundation
Your seminar, The Media as a Marketing Tool, turned out to be one of the best I have had the opportunity to experience in my three years with the Academy. I was impressed - every bit was relevant and well presented. Your handout notes are excellent. Harold harples, Leader, Academy for Chief Executives
Media Training: One-to-one, Media Training: I really enjoyed the day and the challenge and felt I'd up skilled considerably. Thanks for the encouragement as well. Guy Herrington, MD Sales and Marketing, Business Banking, Lloyds TSB
The presentation skills training provided by Mentor has ensured that I plan effectively for my sales presentations and understand the process of delivery. By understanding the ways we communicate effectively and putting my points across assertively I have been able to take my presentations to a new level. In an increasingly competitive climate any opportunity to present to a prospective client must be maximised. The quality of my presentations could be a major differentiator between the products and services Target has to offer to those offered by the competition. Although I had been presenting for several years, the Mentor training made me think about the overall process and has improved the planning and delivery. The training provided me with the additional confidence to pursue public speaking opportunities at seminars and industry events. Andrew Moore, Business Development Manager, Target Group Ltd
Having suddenly found myself thrust into the media spotlight I was extremely thankful for the recent training I had undertaken with Mentor Communications. The practical training and advice you gave during our recent session was invaluable and it gave me the confidence I needed to be able to respond to many media interviewers and hopefully to get my message across. I would be delighted to recommend your training to anyone in business or professional life who may suddenly be confronted with media interest. Andrew Larpent, Chief Executive, Somerset Care Group
Media Training: Thanks for your great ability to identify and build onthe best in people. Colin Palmer, Managing Director, Wind Prospect
Media Training: Thanks for an excellent day and so many valuable learning points. We listen to the Today programme with new ears. The handbook is an excellent aide memoir. Andrew Larpent, Chief Executive, Somerset Care Ltd
Media Training: Excellent. The depth of knowledge/experience of the tutor was very reassuring. I found the live role play of media interviews most useful. Richard Stevens, Operations Director, First Bus
Many delegates have mentioned how much they valued your presentation skills sessions - they were a core part of the course and very much appreciated by tutors and tutees. Viv Grant SHINE Course Co-ordinator, London Leadership Centre, Institute of Education.
Customer Complaints and the Media Interest: The Customer Relations Team enjoyed the day immensely. Much pragmatic and useful information was learnt, further enabling them to handle difficult customers ant to spot/manage potential media issues. I would highly recommend this workshop! Linda Buczek, RAC Motoring Services
Excellent. I recommend this course to every company and every manager. Simon Harland, Finance Director SW, First Bus
Media Training: The tutoring was excellent - tailored precisely to our needs. The hands-on approach reinforced the benefits of learning by doing and the back-up booklet, tape and video are comprehensive reference guides. It was one of the most useful training days I and my colleagues have attended. The skills we came away with not only equip us for dealing with the media, they're also superb tools for communicating in any situation. Everyone should have a go! Stephanie Yageur, Senior Management Team, Mortgage Express
Media Training: Another great and challenging day! I learnt so much - thank you for such valuable input - I'm off to The Oxford Channel to give it a whirl now. Polly Vacher, MBE, round the world solo pilot.
Media and Presentation Training: Mentor thank you for the competence and dedication your team invested in the media training in Paris. It was actually the only item that ranked top on each evaluation form participants filled in at the end of the week! Giselle Fournier, Nutrition Marketing Director, Lu Worldwide, Group Danone
Media Training: Learning how to answer difficult questions was most useful. The tutors pitched it at a level comfortable for all delegates and were encouraging and motivational at all times. Well worth while. Phil Stones, M&L Director, Lloyds TSB
Media Training: Very good, very authoritative. Thoroughly enjoyed the day - a real benefit understanding the different approaches to handling different interview situations. Mathew Willman, Sales and Marketing, Director, Liaison VAT
Media Training: A very enjoyable day, learnt so much, not only on how to respond, but also positively in getting your message over. ndy Armitage, Operations Manager, Liaison VAT
Media Training: Excellent, especially the ability to relate the event to real life experiences. I recommend to others. Jon Kelly, Managing Director, Liaison VAT
News Day: Team Building: It gave me a different perspective on my job. Debbie Stavely A fantastic opportunity to learn with great facilities. Kelly Cutler Tutoring excellent, v. enjoyable. Mike Gutsell. Enjoyed learning about Camera shots etc. Cheryl Williams and Laura McKendrik. Excellent! Sarah Benefield, Communications Manager and all the members of the PR team at Bristol and West.
Media Training: Excellent, friendly, encouraging and positive tutors, a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Susan Knight, Press Officer, Cheltenham and Gloucester Bank
Meet the Media Seminar: Excellent! Identifying your message and getting an interesting angle - such a useful day. I'm less terrified of dealing with the media and it's given me more confidence to be pro-active in using the media to promote health messages. Karen Hazzard
Excellent. Interview skills and learning some tricks to help you present well. An informal day and relaxed learning environment. The course was just right. Aileen Secker
The day helped reduce my prejudices of media folk. Excellent tutoring. Marilyn Kenyon, A very good introduction to media skills with excellent and very practical back up materials. I would definitely recommend Mentor and Magnus to other Health Trust and other Dietetic departments. Thank you for an enjoyable day. Sarah Markham Media Training: The live radio interview was most useful really got you thinking on your feet. A very enjoyable course, all very useful. Stewart Davies, Lloyds TSB, Personal Finance Director1
Media Training: The structure and process altogether useful - soundbites and studio work, very appropriate. The small group allowed useful open discussion. Richard King, Lloyds TSB, Senior anking Manager
Media Training: Being encouraged to develop and pre-package my message and being interviewed in a robust way was most useful. All the tutors were very good. It was an enjoyable and educational day. Mark Baird, Lloyds TSB, Senior Banking Manager
Media Training: This was an excellent course, the initial interview was a superb technique that produced many learning points. Jonathan Gulliford, Head of Legal Services, RAC
Media Seminar: Excellent tutoring, approachable, responsive and helpful - creating a positive feeling to the end of the day. Apprehension turned into enthusiasm. Geraldine Wittingham, Winchester and Eastleigh Healthcare Trust
Media Training: Excellent tutoring. Being interviewed was most useful. It helped build confidence and showed what we are likely to face. John Cannadine, Senior Manager, Portal Proposition, Lloyds TSB
Media Training: Thank you for a very interesting day which has definitely built confidence and demystified the media for me. An excellent day and my aims and objectives were fully met. George Johnson, National Operations Director, BSM
Media Training: A very enjoyable day which helped me gain confidence in talking to the media. Damian Kearney, Regional anager, BSM
Media Training: Pitched just right, very useful, very practical, first class tutoring and back up materials. Andrew Kirby, Head of Motor Direct, Lloyds TSB
Magnus Carter: You possess all the ingredients of a world class speaker: you know your subject and transmit material and knowledge that is practical and genuinely new - a confident, commanding presenter with a sense of humour. Most of all you demonstrated real humility - not arrogance, really listened to and took on board people's views and comments. The feedback you gavethe guys on their video performances struck just the right balance between praise and what they could do better. You gave us a really engaging session and some fabulous learning - we could not have asked for more. Gareth Chick, Academy of Chief Executives, Group Chairman.
The Handling the Media coaching is fast moving and intensive. I was initially apprehensive but was put at ease by the professional attitude and level of attention put over by the tutors. Kevin Brown, Technical Claims Manager, Lloyds TSB Insurance
Media Training for Nutrition Marketing Managers: The pre-course interviews on the phone were great value. I liked the contextualising seminar at the start and the message development was a real necessity. Handling the printed media and the broadcast interviews were most useful and I will be implementing my learning in all professional communication. George de Bekker, Senior zone Manager, LU Worldwide, Danone
Crisis Management Day: A very useful (and enjoyable) course which gave me an insight into what to expect from the media and how to prepare, and be prepared! Chris Colby, Country Manager, loyds TSB, Uruguay
Presentation: The whole day was excellent but the personal feedback was particularly helpful. Every manager should do this course and every member of their team as well! Lizzie Noel, Director of Communications, Tribal Group
Media Training: Excellent tutoring. Highlighting ways to improve my interview technique through video and learning how to stay on message… Richard Swift, Marketing Manager, The Touchwood Centre
Media Training: Excellent tutoring and back up materials. Very useful to understand media viewpoint and to get feedback on my style. Steve Torricelli, Senior Auditor, KPMG
Open Media course: Excellent and informative. The scenarios and interviews were realistic and the feedback very useful. A valuable day - now I can cope with facing the broadcast media with success. Gaynor Evans, Press Officer, Somerfield
Presentation Skills: Relating to the audience was the most useful dvice. Very good and very different from other Presentation courses. Very informative, perceptive and accurate critique - and based on practical experience. Entertaining and thought provoking. Mike Sandquest, Richard Philipson and Dave Watkins, Stride Treglown Architects
Media Training: A real opportunity to practise radio and TV interviews with constructive feedback. First class coachng. Thanks for very interesting day. Derwood Pamphilon, National Blood Service.
Media Training: Extremely worth while - intensive without being ntimidating. Constructive and sensitively managed critique. Excellent media training. Jane Samuel, Senior Manager, National Blood Service.
Presentation Skills: A good course which was truly tailored to our needs. Also, the benefits were greater than just presentation skills, we really worked as a team, learned to critique and support each other and had a laugh! Laurence Ede, Director, Tocris Cookson
The tutoring and back up material were excellent. I made real progress by being made to tackle head on issues, which I had previously only talked about. Nicki Johnston, Assistant Director, Cross River Partnership
This was the most exciting and challenging day of my life! Magnus is a brilliant teacher - puts you at ease whilst bringing out the best in your ability. Alexander Richens, Office Angels
Mentor's Media Training was most useful for our sales people not just for interviews with journalists but it actually helped them in senior meetings with our multi-national customers too. Alison Palmer PR and Media Manager, BT Global Business Markets
Live experience and safe practise! Confidence building and excellent tutoring! One of the most worthwhile training courses I have ever attended. Martin Munro, KPMG. I could improve this course: two days rather than one!" A very worthwhile day. I learnt masses and already put the lessons to practical use on the radio earlier this week so successfully that I've been asked back! Sharon Linnard,artner, KPMG.
The Presentation Training was extremely useful; very enjoyable. It as also an excellent team building exercise. Dave Sunter: MD Tocris Cookson
Excellent, informative and fun - the best forum for learning. The personal element - analysis of own problems very useful plus helped team building as well. I shall definitely use the back up notes which are clear and concise. Sam Manley, Marketing Manager, Tocris Cookson
One of the most enjoyable and memorable experiences I've had. Truly interactive and fast moving, I really felt part of a team with the tutors. Most useful learning point - having a clearly focussed message when talking to the media. Andrew Moss, Senior Management Team, Mortgage Express
Great course with small group. Tutoring was brilliant, so supportive and confidence building. I feel a different person, someone who is confident and "enjoys" presenting. Glad I've got the video to prove it was really "me" who did the presentation. Helen Louise McCreadie, British Red Cross
Open Presentation Course: Watching myself on video, receiving open and honest feedback and constructive criticism plus advise on structuring presentations all very useful. The pre-course tape is a good idea to get you thinking about techniques beforehand. Excellent course. Hayley Milne, Lloyds TSB
Excellent. Practising various types of interviews in a 'safe' environment was most useful. Very high standard of tutoring and backup materials. Jeff Patmore, Manager Multimedia Solution Unit, BT
Excellent. Magnus made it "real" with excellent anecdotal references and discussion - practical exercises on work related subjects. Bob Stringer, Vice President Human Resources, Exel
Excellent, tough as they were the practical exercises were invaluable. Anneleen Wachters, Global Communications Manager, Exel
Excellent, tutor's personal experience very important. Great framework for structuring stories and key messages. Mike Summers, Vice President Automotive Worldwide, Exel
Open Presentation Course: I feel great! I now know that improvements can always be made. The feedback was excellent. Finding out how to get an audience 'hooked' - so useful. Bella Ware, Education Coordinator, Weston Area Health Trust.
A truly excellent course. A well informed and experienced team of professional tutors. Well paced, comprehensive and never boring. Susan Wearing, SW Regional Development Agency
I'm grateful you didn't damage my fragile ego but encouraged and emphasised the good while showing me a way to analyse and cope with problems. The tutoring was extremely high, focussed, analytical and well-controlled - the best kind of tutor, very knowledgeable, informative and empathetic. The training room has a warm and pleasant atmosphere. I recommend this course to everyone. Hiroko Sherwin, author.
Appraisal training: Extremely high standard of tutoring and back up material, the role-play was very effective. Very relaxed, very onducive to learning. A well tailored course. Nick Griffiths and Teresa McAllister, Client Managers, Bibby Factors
Open Media Course: I have achieved exactly what I wanted - knowledge and a set of skills to give me the best chance of success. Very high quality tutoring and advice. Mentor training room is a lovely environment. Katy Chamberlain, Director, KPMG
Open Media Course: A big take home value, very personal, relevant and enjoyable. Has given me a lot of confidence in understanding the media. Well balanced and relevant content. Richard Tucker, Director of Networks, Home Sale Network Open Course: The course was very flexible and met all of our varying needs. Very strong tutoring which was tailored to all of our own situations/roles. I recommend this course to others. Melanie Grier, PR Manager, Weight Watchers
Open Course: I look forward to using my newly acquired skills - more confidence in my performance. Great tips and good materials. The concept of the 'fantastic' soundbite was most useful. Jane Eggleton, PR officer Cheltenham Festival
Feedback and how to control nerves was great. The small groupmeant you got so much support from the tutors. A brilliant standard of training - I feel a different person, someone who is confident and "enjoys" presenting. Helen Louise McCreadie, British Red Cross
Packs a powerful punch for one day. A lot of personal presentation issues handled very sensitively and professionally. Mick Casey, Child and Family Support Unit, Bristol
We have worked with Mentor on a wide range of tailored projects for many of our clients, including interview-skills training, crisis preparation and handling, and the production of audio programmes for both internal and external audiences. Mentor has long been our preferred partner in these areas of specialised activity because of the thorough research and preparation that go into tailoring the end-product to the particular needs of each client, which mirrors our approach to communication management.
To echo Magnus' teaching about sound-bites: You get a tailored product from Mentor, not the same off-the-peg product delivered to everyone. David Sturgess, Sturgess Van Damme, PR
Congratulations if you have made it this far!! As you can see our advice and training is extremely well thought of.