Spokesperson Training, Crisis Preparedness Service Launched For Colleges & Universities

March 5, 2010 - PRLog -- Two former journalists with considerable experience in corporate messaging and crisis communications have formed Collegiate Spokesperson Prep (CSP), a service that creates more effective college and university spokespersons.

CSP prepares senior campus leadership, deans, department heads, subject matter experts, coaches and student-athletes to get the most out of media interviews through a combination of developing key messages and learning how to deliver them effectively.

Whether a school wants to highlight a key program, or respond to a crisis, College Spokesperson Prep makes sure future interviews positively influence thousands, often millions, of people.

“We do more that train a school's leaders and experts to conduct and control media interviews,” said Michael Beightol, one of the principals of College Spokesperson Prep.  "We make sure the messages are compelling and that they come across loud and clear.

“Our competitively priced services help colleges and universities advance their ranking and attract the best students by creating a broad base of spokespersons that excel at connecting the school to its key audiences.”

Nick Farina, CSP co-principal, said:  “In addition to media training and message development, our experience in corporate positioning and public affairs enables us to help solve any perception problems confronting a school.  We also update college crisis preparedness plans.”

Farina is a former editor and reporter for the Associated Press and the Chicago Sun-Times and has held many communications and consulting positions, including Vice President Public Affairs at Encyclopedia Britannica, Senior Managing Director of Hill and Knowlton and founder of Brand Equity Advisors.

Beightol’s career as a journalist spanned radio, newspapers and magazines. In 2000 he founded Coyote Marsh & Associates, Inc., a full-service boutique agency. Previously he held senior leadership positions with PricewaterhouseCoopers, Fleishman-Hillard and Golin/Harris.

Collegiate Spokesperson Prep, based in Chicago, is a media training, message development and crisis preparedness firm that works with colleges and universities to create better campus spokespersons. For more information please visit http://collegiatespokespersonprep.com or follow our blog at http://collegiatespokespersonprep.blogspot.com. Reporters are encouraged to contact Nick Farina directly for more information; 312-203-3232; nick@collegiatespokespersonprep.com.

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About Collegiate Spokesperson Prep (CSP): Based in Chicago, CSP is a media training, message development and crisis preparedness firm that works with colleges and universities to create better campus spokespersons.