Speaking Up and Speaking Out

The ability to tell the story of your sport is vital in attracting interest. Post-match interviews can. sometimes create the kind of moment that crystallises a game, or sometimes a career. For many, the highlight of the Rugby World Cup was the interview that Rory Best gave pitchside after the defeat to the All Blacks.

The Ladies Gaelic Football Association have come together with the always impressive Women on Air Network to provide media training as part of a new initiative the Laoch Programme – Now You’re Talking.

Next season will be the 20th year of sponsorship and coverage from TG4 with the All Ireland Championship and there are exciting plans to make that special.

A key part will involve the star players and this programme is aimed at giving them the confidence and the tools to represent themselves and their sport in the best possible light.

As a regular organiser of events and discussions, and one that is committed to a minimum of 30 per cent gender balance on any event we do, it is often a challenge to find women that are confident enough to step out of their comfort zone and put themselves out there.

It is though easier now than it used to be and a number of women we have persuaded to take the first step have gone on to be powerful speakers and advocates.

Confidence in your ability comes from encouragement and knowledge. That’s what Laoch will provide and we hope that it is well subscribed.

The LGFA’s Lyn Savage is managing the programme which will be for a maximum of three players from each county, ideally the captain as one and even better if they include an Irish speaker.

The bespoke media training day will be conducted by women who are working in the broadcast sector and who can bring their students along in a very positive way.

The benefits of being able to speak well in public extend well beyond a media interview and will be an addition to the makeup of an individual from a personal and a career perspective as well.

The media training event will take place at the Dublin Airport Carlton Hotel on Sunday, 19th January. It will then be expanded into regional leadership workshops around the country over the following weeks and months.

You can find out more right here. It is well worthwhile doing so and making this a New Year resolution.

It could well end up with you or someone you know following many more onto the stage at the annual Sport for Business Women in Sport event in November 2020.