Gov Comms Academy: Communication that builds public trust Request Training
The core curriculum

Four courses. Every public moment.

Each course stands on its own as a focused workshop. Together, they form the Government Executive Communications Certificate.

Bring Training to Your Organization

Take all four for the certificate

12 hours, four applied assessments and a timed crisis capstone.

About the certificate

COURSE 01

Speak With Authority

Public Speaking & Executive Presence

Public leaders are asked to explain budgets, policies and difficult decisions to audiences who did not choose the topic. This course builds the habits that make remarks clear, credible and memorable, from the first draft through the last question.

Best for: government and nonprofit executives, education leaders, public safety and law enforcement leaders

Participants will

  • Structure clear, audience-centered remarks
  • Translate complex information into plain language
  • Strengthen executive presence and delivery
  • Navigate questions with composure
Format: In-person workshopLength: 3 instructional hoursIncludes: Applied assessment
COURSE 02

On the Record

Media Training for Public Leaders

Participants learn how reporters work, what they need and how to stay accurate and on-message under pressure. Live practice interviews give every participant direct feedback on substance and delivery.

Best for: public safety and law enforcement leaders, public information officers, healthcare leaders

Participants will

  • Build a concise message map
  • Respond to difficult or speculative questions
  • Bridge to the most important public message
  • Practice effective on-camera delivery
Format: In-person workshopLength: 3 instructional hoursIncludes: Applied assessment
COURSE 03

What Makes News?

Writing Media Materials That Get Used

Most government news releases are written for the organization, not the audience. This course teaches leaders and communicators to find the story, write it the way newsrooms need it and work together to approve it faster.

Best for: public information officers, communications and public affairs teams

Participants will

  • Identify the strongest public-interest angle
  • Write effective headlines, leads and quotes
  • Package accurate, timely media materials
  • Improve the leader–communications handoff
Format: In-person workshopLength: 3 instructional hoursIncludes: Applied assessment
COURSE 04

Ready When It Matters

Crisis Management & Communication

When something goes wrong, the public judges the response as much as the event. Participants practice the first hour of a crisis in a realistic, timed simulation that ties together every skill in the certificate.

Best for: public safety and law enforcement leaders, public information officers, healthcare leaders, education leaders

Participants will

  • Establish first-15-minute priorities
  • Separate known, unknown and next actions
  • Develop holding statements and updates
  • Complete a timed crisis capstone
Format: In-person workshopLength: 3 instructional hoursIncludes: Applied assessment
Bring Gov Comms Academy to your organization

Build a prepared bench of credible public voices.

Request a private cohort for your city, county, agency, association or leadership team.

Request a Training Consultation See the certificate