Top Three Media Training Tips
Media training is a big part of what we do at 143 Communications. We’re lucky to work with amazing clients with really great stories but before we put them in front of the media we need to make sure they are fully prepared. That preparation includes everything from having key messages down pat to knowing how to conduct themselves in an interview.
Here are our top tips for media training.
Research and Evaluate: Work with your PR partner to evaluate the opportunity. Here at 143, we provide clients with a briefing document that covers background on the outlet and writer, the information they are seeking out, the format of the interview, what the client’s goal should be in conducting the interview, any “red flags”, ways to personally connect with the writer, etc.
Rehearse, Rehearse, Rehearse: Make sure you know your key messages and that they are newsworthy, relevant to the audience and easy to understand and remember.
Perform: You’ve prepped, now it is time to put that preparation into action! When talking to the interviewer, convey enthusiasm, make continuous eye contact (even when it is a virtual interview, look directly into the computer camera, not the person on the screen!), gestures are okay but nervous habits should be controlled and try to avoid saying things like “um”. And don’t forget your ABC’s. You can direct the questions and get your key messages across by:
Acknowledging: “That’s an excellent question…”
Bridging: “What’s most important to remember is…”
Charting: Your key message
Finally, remember that an interview is not simply a conversation. An interview is a calculated process. And you are ALWAYS on the record (even during a simple, conversational coffee or lunch).
~Jamie