PR Expert’s Secrets to Media Training

Photo by Sam McGhee on Unsplash

Media training is key to becoming a good spokesperson, especially if you are an entrepreneur, coach, or consultant who is trying to establish yourself as the go-to expert in your field. It helps you better communicate your core messages and story to the press and to your audience. It also teaches you how to steer clear of problematic or contentious questions.

It is important to know what to say and what not to say and to deliver your key message points in a clear, succinct manner. Here are some tips for a winning interview:

Media Ground Rules

1. There is no such thing as “off the record”. If you happen to have a good relationship with a reporter, or if they are one of the few truly ethical ones, then you can agree to “off the record”, but proceed with caution. Don’t say anything you wouldn’t want your audience to know about you, your company, or your product or service.
2. The best way to tell reporters about your company, product or service is to offer the “Why?” rather than the “What?” Why is your company/product important? Don’t just repeat the company mission statement or “About Us”. Don’t regurgitate a bunch of technobabble. Be real.
3. Don’t say too much. Remain focused on critical points. Avoid providing a bunch of unnecessary facts. An interview is not an opportunity to download…