“On no…did I really just say that on national Television?”
“Oops – was I supposed to be looking at the camera?”
“Wait – this is off-the-record, right?”
“Ugh – how did I not realize that embarrassing photo was behind me in the shot? “
“Shoot – can we re-do that?”
A media opportunity can propel your business forward – but unfortunately, for many untrained spokespeople or entrepreneurs, a media opportunity can also send you backwards due to an unexpected gaffe or mishandled question.
Media training is an essential part of today’s savvy public relations expert’s toolbox. At Anna Stallmann Communications, we do the legwork before any media opportunity arises to ensure the spokesperson is trained, practiced and ready to go. Here are five reasons why you should consider media training today.
The Time Is Now
When a media opportunity arises, you have to be ready or the opportunity may pass. Media training should not be one and done. It is a process for continuous improvement and refinement. Yes, there are basics to be learned, but the real work is done through ongoing practice and message refinement. Your media opportunity may only be 30 or 60-seconds of airtime. Begin preparing for it today so that when the camera is on, you are ready to roll.
Stay Out of Hot Water
Reporters are people too. And I might add, very nice ones! They are your neighbors, the parents of your child’s friends, the person behind you in line at the store. Just as you are always on the watch for a business opportunity, reporters too keep their ears open for a good scoop. By learning the “rules of the road,” you are less likely to get yourself in hot water by being mindful of what you are saying both in public, and when speaking to a reporter. Learning what “off the record” really means can ensure you don’t see your name tied to a front page news story (when you’d rather keep it behind the scenes.)
Master the Sound Bite
In today’s fast-paced news environment, reporters need succinct sound bites. You may have a pithy line, but if it is lost in unnecessary context, you’ll never see that rehearsed phrase captured in print or packaged into a news story. Through media training, you will learn tips of the trade on how to deliver your key points and signal to the reporter the most important parts of your insights, allowing you to better control the narrative and get the headline you want.
Be Invited Back
A media outlet benefits from good interviews – just as much as you do. A journalist or reporter will be more likely to come back to you for a future interview or comment, if you provide insightful, succinct and engaging content for their viewers. Understand what makes “a good interview” and how to build lasting relationships with producers and reporters so “your one shot” leads to many other earned media opportunities down the road.
Have Fun
When you are media trained and feel confident about your message, media opportunities will not feel daunting, scary or intimidating. Every journalist, thought leader and business executive you have ever seen on TV, heard on radio, or read about in a publication started from scratch. With time and practice, every individual can master the craft of participating in an interview. It doesn’t have to be a heavy lift preparing for an interview each time one arises. Instead, with the right training, it can become second nature – perhaps even fun, too.
Interested in refining your skills? Whether it is your first time or 1,000th time speaking to a reporter, media training is for everyone. With the right knowledge base, messaging skills and tactics, and practice, you can nail the interview no matter how difficult the questions. Media training can also prepare you for client presentations, speeches, and sales pitches. Ready to get started? Get in touch with our team.
