“I’m terrified,” said a participant in one of our Communicate Media training courses recently. It’s a regular confession at the start of the day – and it’s certainly not the first time we’ve heard it.
“Why?” asked our coach, an experienced working journalist and trainer.
It might sound like a facile question but exploring each person’s concerns about engaging with the media and their aims for the course is a key part of the way we work. The participant, a senior manager, looked surprised for a moment but then shared some of his anxieties with the group.
Talking to the media can be risky
An acknowledgement of the power of the media (“one wrong word and your whole career could go down the toilet”) together with a lack of understanding of how it works and what journalists are looking for in an interview. A vague awareness as a viewer and listener of why some interviewees just don’t sound convincing. An urgent desire to know how to deal with difficult questions as well as how to handle nerves. All of these concerns were very understandable and were very familiar to us.
Handling a media interview effectively
During this intensive, highly practical course we also discuss with the participants the benefits that talking to the media can bring, such as raising the profile of an organisation, promoting a campaign and complementing advertising and marketing activity. By the end of one of our intensive media training courses with its realistic role-play interviews and constructive, expert feedback participants develop an understanding of what journalists who interview them are looking for. They also find their own, authentic voice and become aware of a list of tricks and tips that they can use to engage audiences and to handle difficult questions.
Media interviews – developing confidence
Our Communicate Media media training coaches really enjoy seeing our course participants experience “light bulb moments” and develop their confidence. Could we do the same for you? We believe so.
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If you require more information on our communication training courses please reach out to our friendly team.
How to get your message across and control a media interview. We'll teach you how to engage with the journalist and make the most of this important opportunity while reducing your risk.
Our intensive courses, created to meet your exact needs, will hellp you to engage and persuade investors and the financial markets. Ideal for both PLCs and start-ups.
These intensive workshops have been developed for the leaders of organisations and businesses who want to raise their profile and influence the debate.
An intensive refresher for those who already have media experience. Remind yourself of the basics, practice the skills and update your techniques.
With our free post course telephone support service we’re here for you after you’ve completed one of our courses. We'll give you a free refresher on the phone to get you up to speed again before a media interview.
A flexible media training drop-in clinic for your conference attendees. We set up shop at your conference venue and offer role play interviews and media advice to your delegates.
What does your target audience really think of you? How do you need to change your communications strategy? Our surveys show you what the media that you've been targeting really think of you.
You’ve worked for weeks on an issue, campaign or a product launch but how would a journalist report on it and what are the danger areas that you haven’t spotted yet?
How to protect your organisation from intrusive journalists.