Media skills for psychologists: a practical training workshop
Overview
This interactive, skills-focused workshop is designed for psychologists who want to build confidence, credibility and impact when working with the media.
This session will support you to translate psychological knowledge into clear, responsible and compelling public communication.
The workshop combines evidence-informed guidance, ethical reflection and hands-on media practice. Participants will take part in mock TV and radio interviews, receive structured feedback, and leave with practical tools they can use immediately in their professional work.
Whether you are new to media engagement or looking to refine your on-air and interview skills, this training will help you communicate psychology in ways that are accurate, ethical and accessible to the public.
Spaces are limited to 8 people to ensure that every attendee has the opportunity for an individual focus on their skills and mock interviews.
Your trainer – Dr Dan O’Hare
Dan has worked extensively with the media, including work with the BBC, The Guardian, The Times, Sky News, ITV, Al Jazeera, BBC Bitesize, The Metro, 5 live, Globals Radio and more.
As lead for edspy, Dan has supported over 400 professionals to communicate their work to a wider audience including the general public, policy makers and sector leaders.
Dan co-hosts the successful ‘The Educated Guess Podcast’ which has an international listener base.
What the session will cover
During this workshop, you will explore:
1. Why psychologists should work with the media
- The role of psychology in public understanding, policy and social debate
- How media engagement can support impact, influence and public education
2. Ethics and professional responsibilities
- Managing confidentiality, consent and professional boundaries
- Avoiding harm, misrepresentation and over-interpretation
- Working confidently within professional ethical frameworks when speaking publicly
3. Translating psychological knowledge for public audiences
- Turning complex research and theory into clear, engaging messages
- Using plain language without oversimplifying or distorting evidence
- Developing short, memorable and media-ready key messages
4. Practical tools for media interviews
- Preparing for live and pre-recorded interviews
- Handling challenging questions and unexpected angles
- Staying on message while remaining authentic and credible
5. Common pitfalls in media work
- Over-claiming evidence
- Being drawn into speculation
- Losing nuance under time pressure
- Navigating headlines and soundbites responsibly
6. Mock interviews and skills practice
- Simulated TV and radio interviews
- Structured feedback on clarity, messaging and presence
- Opportunities to practise multiple formats in a supportive environment
Intended learning outcomes
By the end of this training session, participants will be able to:
- Clearly articulate why and how psychologists can contribute to public debate through the media
- Apply ethical and professional standards confidently when engaging with journalists and broadcasters
- Translate psychological research and practice into clear, accessible and audience-focused messages
- Prepare effectively for TV, radio and print interviews
- Communicate key points succinctly under time pressure
- Respond to challenging or sensitive questions with confidence and professionalism
- Recognise and avoid common risks and pitfalls in media engagement
- Reflect on their own communication style and identify strategies to strengthen their media presence
This workshop is for:
Qualified psychologists who are interested in public engagement, media work, policy influence or public education, and who want practical, realistic experience in a safe and supportive learning environment.