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To request further information on any of the training courses listed below, please click the individual course titles.


Peter Gillman's Specialist Training Courses

ETC have the pleasure of presenting 3 specialist courses in association with the acclaimed journalist, Peter Gilliman.


Advanced Feature Writing Training (1 day course)

This training course stresses the two key elements of feature writing, story and structure, and equips delegates with the language to discuss both of them. It takes delegates to the next level of feature writing, providing them with a new range of techniques and strategies.

Course content:

  • Using intros to set up and sell your story
  • Telling stories through characters
  • Hooks, pegs, signposts and the magic Nut Graf
  • The nature of research, and writing outlines
  • Illustrations, boxes, and presenting your feature
  • Dealing with writer's block (does it exist?)
  • Meeting deadlines and keeping your editor happy

The course includes analysis and discussion of recent samples of the delegates' feature writing.


Advanced News Writing Training (1 day course)

This course takes delegates on from the basics of news-writing - points in descending order of importance, what why when etc - into the theory and practice of advanced news writing. It is aimed at giving reporters greater confidence in handling complex material and making best use of their expertise.

Course content:

  • Handling stories with several themes
  • Impact, drama, context, significance
  • Handling sources and attributions
  • Jargon and specialist knowledge
  • The role of the news feature
  • Accuracy, checking and the Reynolds principles
  • Balancing your output between print and the web

Investigative Journalism Training (1 day course)

This training course is for reporters and editors who want to move into this challenging and rewarding area of journalism. It presents techniques and strategies for unearthing and presenting headline-making stories.

Course content:

  • Nurturing contacts and building networks
  • Compiling information systematically and filling the gaps
  • Conducting tough interviews and reassuring sources
  • Handling deadlines and external pressures
  • Group journalism and joint by-lines (how does it work?)
  • Setting the agenda and breaking big stories
  • The Reynolds principles - pitfalls and opportunities