Why Media Skills™ training?

Here's five reasons;

• Take the fear of the unknown out of dealing with journalists;
• Reduce stress of an interview by giving you a structure to say what you want and techniques to stay in control when speaking to journalists;
• Cut preparation time;
• Gain skills to be "good talent" and
• Provide a safe place to practice.

How does my public relations manager or consultant benefit?

Working with people who have been "media trained" makes a PR person's job easier. More informed and skilled colleagues, who understand what news is, why deadlines matter and how to give a newsy grab, means there is less chance of a mistake that could turn into a crisis. This leaves your PR person time to do what they are best at, concentrating on the strategies to get your organisation on - or off - the front page.

How do you know Media Skills™ training works?

In three key ways;

• We see the results on television, radio and in print
• People tell us it has made a difference to them - one client says it "made him think differently" and
• Clients come back to Media Skills™ training and refer us to new clients.

Why not just spend a couple of hours with a journalist who will ask a few practice questions/grill me?

This raises several concerns - firstly there's an issue around conflict of interest if the journalist still works in the industry then doubles as trainer. Secondly withstanding a "grilling" from a journalist intent on getting the story at all costs, who must then revert to being a trusted coach or trainer, is often confusing and confronting for participants.

Media Skills™ uses working journalists, with signed confidentiality agreements, assist in the sessions, however NEVER take on the role of trainer - their job is to behave as a journalist would in the real world.

Using a journalist enables the trainer to focus on the participant's performance, while the journalist is able to remain focused on doing his or her job objectively and realistically. The delineation of duties is consistent with the principles of successful adult learning methods.