I’m sometimes contacted by clients who say they have an exceptionally high-level spokesperson within their organisation who is in need of “advanced media training.” He or she holds this lofty position, is experienced and competent in media interviews and needs to take things to the next level. I have learnt to proceed with caution when […]
Author Archives: admin
One thing you learn pretty quickly as a journalist is to never judge the proverbial book by the cover. And you can double down on that when it comes to predicting the competence of potential interviewees. So often the confident extrovert who seems for all the world a likely media “performer” fails the basic media […]
Media training isn’t a “blood sport” and pre-training instructions to “go as hard as you can” should, in my opinion, be re-considered. An excess in confidence isn’t unusual among accomplished executives, but in a discipline of fine margins like media interviews, over-confidence can be damaging to an organisation’s messaging – and is a constant concern […]
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Think you’re the master of the trade when it comes to talking to those around you? Be it professional or personal – conquering the art of communication is a big task. So, if you think you could do with improvement or feel you tick all boxes – here’s our checklist to make sure you’re on […]
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Even the most prominent media spokespeople face challenges when delivering the “ultimate presentation.” From demanding the room’s attention, through to displaying unwavering confidence – it’s a tricky game. Luckily, there are a few ways to leverage your inner ability to present a powerful display or speech; it just takes patience and a basic process. How […]
It’s a different beast the live-cross – off-beat questions, physical distractions and the ever- present knowledge that everything – mistakes and all go to air. Often clients will say – “we wouldn’t put them (our spokesperson) up for a live interview” or we don’t really do that – but the truth is – with modern […]
It seems counter-intuitive when you have been identified as the organisation’s spokesperson, that one of the most important aspects of the process is realising that YOU DON’T HAVE TO KNOW EVERYTHING! You are the centre of attention, the subject-matter expert and the camera/recorder is on, and accordingly so many people feel obliged to answer everything. […]
The reality of any media interview or interaction is simply that it is daunting. Personal and organisational reputations are on the line. If one camera and one journo asking difficult questions isn’t enough, then try 4-or five cameras and 6 or 7 journos – as this can be the reality of a press conference. Add […]
Ever changed phones or cars and been confronted with a new GPS? It takes a little getting used to, but once you are comfortable with it, reaching your destination again becomes stress-free. In many ways, interview notes are similar – after all, they contain the messages which are ultimately the “destination” for your interview responses. […]
Ever noticed how the mechanic’s cars often break down, builders live in unfinished homes and yes, let’s be honest – how those of us in the communications sector sometimes fail to communicate effectively? In the context of media training, the communication between the media team and the trainer they have engaged is absolutely pivotal in […]
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