Media training is often misunderstood.
How many of the following would you say are true?
All of the above are in fact FALSE.
Let us explain why and set the record straight on a few other misconceptions.
The Truth:
- Media training is about so much more than the corporate position
– It involves learning how to communicate effectively, by being genuine and maintaining composure under pressure. - Media training is beneficial for people at all levels
– Senior executives often take the lead with the press but having others trained is both a great learning for all work conversations and provides the reassurance of having more than one spokesperson ready to respond. - Media training is an ongoing process
– Just like going to the gym, continuous practice and updating skills are essential as the media landscape and business strategy evolve. - Media training is more than managing negative press
– It prepares people for all types of media interactions, including positive stories and helps people understand the media landscape they are operating in. - Proper training prepares you for off-the-cuff questions
– Mock interviews and scenario-based training empower spokespeople with techniques for thinking on their feet. - Even good public speakers benefit from media training
– Press interviews require specific skills that differ from general public speaking, such as concise soundbites and handling unexpected questions. - Media training covers a wide range of interactions beyond interviews
– From corridor chats to meeting important contacts and more, it helps you take your agenda to a conversation. - The comms team need media training
– While the comms teams manage the overall strategy, their ability to brief and advise individual spokespeople on the look and feel of an interview and what to expect is critical. - Good media trainers use different approaches tailored to individual needs
– This means adapting the training methods to suit the unique requirements and challenges of each client. - And finally, media training doesn’t need to feel like being put through the ringer
– Yes it needs to be challenging, yes spokespeople need to be tested but media training is a confidence building exercise designed to help people make the most out of every media opportunity.
Learn more about our media training services here or contact us to find out more.
