Media communication is key to the company image and brand. Television channels are increasing by the dozen every day. The media reporter’s population is on an exponential rise. High Television rating points (TRP) are the target of these channels. The aim is to sensationalize so that maximum viewership results. Are you terrified of meeting the media? As part of Public Relations (PR), you need to face the media to promote your company or brand. Facing the media, and answering questions posed by reporters is more important than giving a press release. It has a direct connection with the audience. Media training prepares you to face reporters with ease and without difficulty.
Communications training which is specialized to face media reporters with ease, confidence, anticipation, avoiding pitfalls, and getting the right message conveyed is media training. Media training teaches how to use body language, tone, words to deliver powerful messages. Interacting with live media is terrifying in itself. Imagine you are on primetime and beamed on a channel and goof up an interview. What impact on the organization do you represent? Avoid these pitfalls with media training. A must for all public relations people who face the reporters.
As part of media, training choose if you want to give the interview or not. It is always advisable that if you are defending a negative story opt for the simple option of a press release. Defending negative reports could turn out to be a tricky affair. Attempt only after gaining experience.
Prepare for different types of reporters or journalists. Look at their previous interviews online via YouTube. Anticipate questions beforehand. There is no harm in asking questions asked before the interview. Some houses would agree, others would not. Your answers should always be crisp, short, and to the point. Avoid beating around the bush. Learn to rephrase uncomfortable questions. Statistics, figures about your company should be at the fingertips. A Goof-up here could cause damage to the company image and reputation.
Media training means being camera-ready. Be comfortable in front of the camera at all costs. Being fidgety, nervous, palpitating, frowning, over smiling, excessive arm movement, the scared expression does not help. Practice long hours in front of the camera doing mock interviews. Look for feedback from colleagues and improve step by step. Be calm and composed and never get ruffled.
Never say No Comments to a question. A giveaway that you are defensive. Rephrase and answer confidently. Never walk out of an interview. That action is enough to grab headlines and give your company negative publicity. Never ask for approval of the interview. It is a giveaway that you were not confident of your answers.
Media training requires that you dress aptly to face the camera. Dress to kill. Avoid casual dressing. Jeans and T-shirt a strict no. Formal clothing is a must. You must also be comfortable in clothes.
However confident, you need to undergo rigorous media training to face the media. Convey your message with confidence, poise, to the point, and ease.
