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‘Unorthodox, unique, enlightening’ writing workshop at Campuskini
Published:  Feb 13, 2017 11:20 AM
Updated: 3:43 AM

Need to hone your skills on writing effective press releases? Or if you are a corporate leader, how do you handle hostile media conferences and answer tricky questions? What should you do during a company crisis?

A dozen writers and those in the communications field from various backgrounds gained some insights on all these and more at a unique and rare workshop last Saturday.

The Campuskini Media Relations and Writing workshop - a joint effort of Malaysiakini’s Corporate Social Responsibility project and veteran journalist M Krishnamoorthy - was held at the news portal's premises in Petaling Jaya on Feb 11.

“It was unorthodox, unique, enlightening and educational,” said participant Clinton Ang, a chief executive officer of a glove manufacturing company.

“I particularly liked how Krishnamoorthy guided and even made us write four press releases in the workshop itself, in a news story style.”

The workshop featured a surprise press conference by Bukit Gasing assemblyperson Rajiv Rishyakaran, and the class was challenged to write a 500-word news story in 15 minutes - as reporters often do.

“Krishnamoorthy was very open-minded in sharing his knowledge, experience, as well as his contacts, and Campuskini’s venue was excellent,” said Ang, who is also a vice-chairman of the Taman Tun Residents Association.

“This course met most of its objectives in a single day.”

Writing 'not so scary'

National Cancer Society of Malaysia assistant communications manager Mandy Thoo said the workshop was excellent for aspiring writers.

“We learned practical skills - all on the spot, too - so it wasn’t just a lesson on the theory of writing news releases and stories,” she said.

“Krishnamoorthy provided us the chance to write newsworthy stories, and taught us the art of pitching, editing and rewriting - all of which was extremely valuable.

“Initially, some of us were daunted by the thought of writing a media release, but found that it wasn’t as scary as we thought,” said Thoo.

Najwa Azwan, a final-year political science student from a South Korean university, described the session as informative.

“It was enlightening for a student like me, who is interested in pursuing a career in political journalism but is unsure on how to go forward. It was also a great opportunity to establish connections and meet new people from different organisations and careers.

“I highly recommend this to my friends - especially fellow graduates majoring in either political science or journalism.”

Another recent graduate Erik Ng said Krishnamoorthy was not overbearing, but instead guided the participants on how to improve their news writing skills.

“The high point was when the class was tasked with editing a press statement given at the press conference by Rajiv," Ng said.

'Engaging and participative'

SJ Securities research analyst Tou Hui Ling added that the course was “very engaging and participative, with … effective learning hands-on activities as the instructor is well-versed in the subject and conveyed the message in an easy-to-understand art of writing.”

Founder and president of Pelita Hidup, a NGO for the welfare of poor children, R Uma Ramasamy said, “Truly an interesting and fruitful experience attending the class. I entered the class with zero knowledge and now I am confident on how to write and edit a press release.

“I am impressed with Krishnamoorthy’s guidance and his easy approach on how to write a news story like press release.”

Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Utar) Medical lecturer Dr Robert Chen and author of book, 'How to Make Your Lectures Fun and Memorable', commended the workshop and facilitator Krishnamoorthy.

“It was an interesting workshop and I learned in an easy and fun way to write real life interviews following a press conference,” said Dr Chen, who is also the author of pocket book 'The ABC of Medical Terminology'.

KCOM Academy CEO and soft-skills trainer Davidson Abishegam said he thoroughly enjoyed many aspects of the one-day programme.

“Not only did the workshop cover writing effective press statements, but also had a lot of useful tips that I can apply in media relations.

“Krishnamoorthy is an earnest and down-to-earth trainer with vast experience, knowledge and sense of humour.

"Most importantly, he loves to help people and is second to none,” said Abishegam, who has also been a trainer in communications for several years.


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