Handling press and media interviews

Understanding the ‘news’ agenda and how journalists think and work is essential if you want to get the most out of press and media interviews. Our media coaching gives participants an understanding of how journalists think and the most effective way to prepare and handle a media interview. We use practical exercises and role play to show participants how they can take control of the media interview to get their messages across effectively.

Our media coaching sessions cover a number of areas including:

• understanding the ‘news’ agenda
• key message development, delivery and how to stay ‘on message’
• making your interview memorable
• dress sense - your essential tips
• handling difficult questions
• managing nerves.

We show participants how to refine their interview technique for different media formats – television, radio and press. Our coaching sessions also equip participants with the tools to recognise journalists’ traps and avoid being misquoted or misrepresented.

We focus on practical exercises - putting participants through their paces in mock interviews. Performances are filmed and analysed by our expert and experienced media interview trainers. Our trainers are seasoned professionals – having advised and represented senior personnel in the public, private and charitable sectors.

If you want to get the most out of a media interview then preparation is key - it means that you have to ask the right questions before the interview. We provide you with an easy-to-use checklist to ensure that you collect and digest all the information you need for effective preparation. A detailed manual supports the training session.

Our coaching sessions are available in small groups or for individuals and are tailored to specific needs. Our aim, in any media skills course we deliver, is based on three key elements, showing you how to: prepare, practise and put yourself in control.