Media Training
There’s an easy way to pre-empt some of the questions that a journalist will put to you, either in an on-the-phone or face-to-face interview. Just remember the 5 Ws: What Where When Why Who Most questions for most interviews will fall into one of the above categories. Knowing this should give a spokesperson a head-start [...]
There are some pretty hoary clichés about how we present ourselves. “You only have one chance to make a first impression.” Or “Communication is x% the words you use, x% the tone of voice and x% body language.” Adjust the percentage figures according to taste. But the reason they are clichés is that they are [...]
It’s much easier to get a good press and come across well in the media if you have got the policy right or made the correct decision in a crisis. The public can generally tell when an interviewee is concealing something or doesn’t really believe in what they are saying. One of Bill Clinton’s former [...]
Never let it be said – though many would – that journalists don’t have any original thoughts. However the best journalists are those who enlist experts to help them create their story. That is where you come in. Your specialist knowledge – whether you are an economist, a meteorologist, or simply an eyewitness to an [...]
1. Apologise and be honest Beginning with a straightforward apology defuses the hostile questions that may follow and suggests that you are not hiding anything. Being honest about the situation will reinforce your credibility. If you don’t give an honest apology from the start, the whole interview will be spent trying to drag it out [...]
1. Use strong, assertive language to put down inaccurate accusations. Leave the audience in no doubt 2. Don’t recycle negative language used by the interviewer in a question 3. When an interviewer asks a light-hearted question, respond similarly – avoid the corporate line 4. Don’t get caught up in an interviewer’s flippant line of questioning [...]
The right preparation is absolutely vital before taking part in any interview with the media. It will help to promote you and your organisation, and limit damage if there is a problem or crisis. Here are 10 things you should prepare before every media interview: 1. Your key messages Your first aim in any interview [...]
Every day on the @harveyleach Twitter account, we publish a media training tip with the hashtag #dailymediatrainingtips. Here are the tips from this week: Avoid long pauses. They suggest you are uncertain or uncomfortable When representing your organisation, denying personal responsibility is not an adequate response Find the right balance between demonstrating your expertise and [...]
Every day on the @harveyleach Twitter account, we publish a media training tip with the hashtag #dailymediatrainingtips. Here are the tips from this week: Make clear when an issue affects your whole industry, not just your organisation, to give context Explain clearly what you are doing to help customers Before an interview always practise giving [...]
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