Media Training for Elected Officials (ONLINE)

Thursday, March 23, 2023 - 8:30am to 12:30pm

This training will be offered two days to provide an in-person and a virtual option. This is the registration page for the virtual option. If you prefer an in-person training, please register for this event: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/media-training-for-elected-officials-tickets-483388216167. 

Triangle J Council of Governments has partnered with Valonda Calloway of ValCal Media to offer media training to elected officials from any local government in Chatham, Durham, Johnston, Lee, Moore, Orange, and Wake counties.

This course is strongly encouraged for those who are new to public office, but all elected leaders can attend.

The workshop will cover:

  • What the media wants
  • A reporter’s day
  • Crafting concise sound bites
  • The magic of editing
  • How to block and bridge
  • Body language
  • Vocal delivery
  • What to wear
  • Getting comfortable in front of the camera
  • Webcam best practices (Zoom, WebEx, Teams)

Note: During the course, participants will be recorded responding to real-world media questions based on their role and community, watch the video playback, and receive real time constructive feedback.

Valonda Calloway is a native of Richlands, in eastern North Carolina. She graduated cum laude from Winston-Salem State University. She began her career in media as a writer and reporter at Voice of America radio in Washington, D.C. Valonda returned to North Carolina as a news reporter and anchor for WNCT-TV in Greenville. In Raleigh, Valonda was an anchor and reporter for WRAL-TV.