The ISSF Communications Unit has held its first media training session with athletes, delivering useful advice to improve their presence in the media, online and in person.
Opened by Communications Manager, Nick Davies, the hour-long webinar was delivered by Head of Media Relations and Operations Juliana Daguano; and Social Media Manager, Andreas Georgiou. They were joined by special guest, Amlan Chakraborty, Senior Sports Correspondent at Reuters.
Daguano and Georgiou were clear that cooperation between the department and international athletes was imperative and that the team were there to support and guide those who need it. Daguano mentioned to the over-80 participants that the media team is their friend and partner in storytelling.
She also provided expertise elsewhere from her role, including word on how preparation to speak in interviews will build confidence. Consistent messaging and authenticity were spoken about, seeing them as key to making an interview memorable.
Focus then went to Amlan, who advised them to "share what you want to share", but made it clear that personalities stand out to those who work in media and its importance in branding.
"It's not just about what you're doing on the shooting range, they want to know about your lifestyle. They want to know you in flesh and blood. Not just as an excellent athlete, but as a human being," he said.
Georgiou gave tips on what works and doesn't work when building a brand on social media, stating that athletes must make their profiles accessible and easy to find through searchable usernames and clear photographs in their profile picture.
He also encouraged athletes to post regularly to build a fanbase, and to create video content to grow a following, while not being scared to try something new. Fan engagement and allowing your audience in were also mentioned as important to keeping their social media presence thriving.
A Q&A session followed, with the Communications team providing clarity over issues such as athlete verification on platforms such as Instagram, as well as platforms' policies towards shooting sport equipment featuring in videos. At the webinar's fruitful conclusion, ISSF journalist Michael Houston encouraged athletes to share their stories with the team and take advantage of the opportunity to feature in ISSF content in future. Those wishing to do so can do so here.
Opened by Communications Manager, Nick Davies, the hour-long webinar was delivered by Head of Media Relations and Operations Juliana Daguano; and Social Media Manager, Andreas Georgiou. They were joined by special guest, Amlan Chakraborty, Senior Sports Correspondent at Reuters.
Daguano and Georgiou were clear that cooperation between the department and international athletes was imperative and that the team were there to support and guide those who need it. Daguano mentioned to the over-80 participants that the media team is their friend and partner in storytelling.
She also provided expertise elsewhere from her role, including word on how preparation to speak in interviews will build confidence. Consistent messaging and authenticity were spoken about, seeing them as key to making an interview memorable.
Focus then went to Amlan, who advised them to "share what you want to share", but made it clear that personalities stand out to those who work in media and its importance in branding.
"It's not just about what you're doing on the shooting range, they want to know about your lifestyle. They want to know you in flesh and blood. Not just as an excellent athlete, but as a human being," he said.
Georgiou gave tips on what works and doesn't work when building a brand on social media, stating that athletes must make their profiles accessible and easy to find through searchable usernames and clear photographs in their profile picture.
He also encouraged athletes to post regularly to build a fanbase, and to create video content to grow a following, while not being scared to try something new. Fan engagement and allowing your audience in were also mentioned as important to keeping their social media presence thriving.
A Q&A session followed, with the Communications team providing clarity over issues such as athlete verification on platforms such as Instagram, as well as platforms' policies towards shooting sport equipment featuring in videos. At the webinar's fruitful conclusion, ISSF journalist Michael Houston encouraged athletes to share their stories with the team and take advantage of the opportunity to feature in ISSF content in future. Those wishing to do so can do so here.