Course Summary
To function effectively in the world, and especially as members of ISKCON, we need to learn to communicate well. We have a sacred mission to fulfill, one that needs us to be able to interact with all kinds of people in a way that helps them — and the world — awaken our spiritual understanding, our relationship with God, Lord Krishna, and to live happier, peaceful lives.
4-day Schedule
This course will be delivered in four days. Topics include public speaking, listening skills, and strategic planning for communications goals. The Course empowers participants to work effectively with the media, government, academics, ISKCON members, people of different faith traditions, and others by building mutually beneficial relationships with these ‘key audiences.’
Topics for this week include:
– What Is ISKCON?
– Definition of communications and favourable environment
– Srila Prabhupada, the greatest communicator
– Principles of effective communications
– Understanding ISKCON audiences
– Needs, interests, and concerns
– Sutras of communications
Topics for this week include:
– Introduction to listening
– Bad listening skit
– Listening pitfalls
– SOLE and reflective listening
– Open and close-ended questions
– Demonstration – reflective listening
– Government – 10 key points
Topics for this week include:
– Introduction to interfaith relations
– An enlightened view of interfaith
– ISKCON’s interfaith statement
– Interfaith: opportunities and benefits
– Devotee relations and sastra references
– Ways to serve and appreciation
– Tips to build love and trust
Topics for this week include:
– Review of principles
– Become an expert at public speaking
– Four questions public speaking in preparation
– Components of good speech
– Presentation skills
– Feedback sandwich
– Introduction to scholars
– NICs of scholars and Srila Prabhupada’s stress on them
– Tips on building relationships with scholars
– Video from the Harvard conference
Topics for this week include:
– Introduction to media
– Media basics
– Media release and writing exercise
– Tips for effective interviews
– Keys to success in media interviews
– TV or video Interviews
– Confrontational interviews
– Preparing an interview
Anuttama dasa (ACBSP) has served as ISKCON’s Director of Communications since the early 1990s, when he took over that role from his predecessor, His Holiness Mukunda Goswami who has been both an inspiration and a mentor for him. As International Director, or Minister of Communications, he has traveled much, while being based in Washington, D.C. in America. He has served on the Governing Body Commission or GBC of ISKCON and as GBC Chairperson. He joined ISKCON in 1975 in Denver, Colorado where he served as sankirtan leader and Temple President, before he moved to Washington in 1993, where he lives today with his wife Rukmini dasi.
Registration
ISKCON Communications Course can be attended without any prerequisites. The number of participants is limited to 12, so register now!
