UoR Press Officer: Ollie Sirrell
Session 5 of the Engaging with Decision Makers programme felt like a turning point. Held on 16th July, it was all about shaping how we communicate our work to the people who can help make change happen. Led by the Walker Institute team, with guidance from Professor Rosalind Cornforth and Dr. Celia Petty, we explored how to build engagement strategies that are not only thoughtful but also impactful.
We started by revisiting our pathways and enabling environments, then welcomed our guest speaker for the day. One of the highlights was hearing from Ollie Sirrell, Press Officer at the University of Reading who dove into practical tools like the TRUTH framework and ABC method—simple yet powerful ways to clarify our messages and handle tough conversations. His advice on tailoring messages and using storytelling really brought the theory to life.
The active listening exercise was surprisingly eye-opening. Experiencing what it feels like to be ignored versus truly heard reminded us how vital listening is in any engagement. Later, we worked on our own strategies—identifying stakeholders, setting goals, and thinking through risks and resources.
We wrapped up with peer feedback and a well-earned summer tea break. It was a day full of learning, reflection, and connection—and it left us better equipped to communicate our research with clarity and purpose.
We’re now looking forward to the final session—Session 6 on Wednesday, 23rd July—where we’ll bring everything together and reflect on our journey.