Emilia and Rachel at Laserstream Studios

So you’ve landed a big media opportunity. Congrats! Now what? 

Do you know how to handle a probing journalist? Stay on message? Make your brand shine? (Really? Are you sure?!) If not, media training is your new best friend. Let’s dive into what’s involved and why even the most seasoned professionals swear by it.

Why Media Training?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, we want to address what you’re wondering: Why do you need media training? Isn’t it just for politicians and celebrities? Nope. Media training is for anyone who wants to effectively communicate their message, handle tough questions, and make a lasting impression.

Reality Check: Winging it might work in improv comedy, but in media? Not so much.

What’s Involved in Media Training?

1. Message Development
   • What It Is: Crafting clear, concise key messages that align with your brand’s goals and values.
   • Why It Matters: Your key messages are the backbone of any interview. They ensure you stay on track and communicate what’s most important.
2. Interview Techniques
   • What It Is: Learning how to navigate different types of media interviews – live TV, radio, print, and online.
   • Why It Matters: Each medium has its quirks. Knowing how to handle each one ensures you come across as polished and professional.
3. Body Language and Delivery
   • What It Is: Understanding how your body language, tone, and pacing affect your message delivery.
   • Why It Matters: Non-verbal cues can make or break an interview. Positive body language and confident delivery help reinforce your message.
4. Handling Difficult Questions
   • What It Is: Techniques for staying calm and composed under pressure, and strategies for addressing tricky or unexpected questions.
   • Why It Matters: Tough questions are inevitable. Being prepared means you won’t be caught off guard and can turn potential pitfalls into opportunities.
5. Bridging and Reframing
   • What It Is: Techniques to steer the conversation back to your key messages, even if the interviewer goes off track.
   • Why It Matters: It keeps you in control of the narrative and ensures your key points are communicated.
6. Practice, Practice, Practice
   • What It Is: Simulated interviews and role-playing exercises to hone your skills in a safe environment.
   • Why It Matters: Practice builds confidence. The more you practice, the more natural and confident you’ll feel in real interviews.

The Benefits of Media Training

• Increased Confidence: Knowing you’re prepared reduces anxiety and builds up your confidence.
• Message Consistency: Guarantees your brand message is clear and consistent across all media interactions.
• Professionalism: Polished interview skills make a great impression on both media and audiences.
• Crisis Management: Prepares you to handle difficult situations and communicate effectively during a crisis.

Do You Really Need Media Training?

If you’re still on the fence about whether you need media training, consider this: Even the most experienced executives and spokespeople rely on media training to stay sharp. It’s not just about learning new skills; it’s also about refining and perfecting them. Thinking you don’t need media training because you’re a good talker is like thinking you don’t need driving lessons because you know how to ride a bike. Different skills, different stakes.

We Can Help

At Guarisco Group, we specialize in preparing clients for the media spotlight. Our media training sessions are tailored to your specific needs so you’re not just ready for your next interview, you’re ready to shine. 

Media training isn’t an expense; it’s an investment in your brand’s reputation. Ready to take your media skills to the next level? Let’s get started.