Sure, “just wing it” may seem like the easiest way to go into an interview, but it surely isn’t the most effective. Many business executives have never participated in an interview, and far more have never worked with the media. Talking to the media is a great opportunity to broadcast a business’ mission, story, or statement to the public. However, it can also create a disaster if a business is faced with negative publicity, or an interview goes terribly wrong. This is where media training comes in handy to teach spokespeople how to think on their feet, prepare ahead of time, anticipate potential questions, and practice through mock interviews. Read on to learn more about the value of media training!
Boosted Confidence
Whether it’s been years since a business owner has participated in media training, or this is their first time properly preparing for an interview, media training guarantees that they feel confident before stepping in front of the camera. Media training and public relations professionals are tuned in on how journalists operate and what a business’ audience wants to hear. Essentially, a seasoned team of professionals understands their needs and desires, which is invaluable for business executives as they try to gain positive attention. This allows them to train business executives through mock interviews, sample questions, interview etiquette, and more – creating less room for mistakes and misinterpretation. Feeling comfortable in media training and knowing that an interview is more likely to turn out great is the ultimate confidence booster.
Effective Communication
Ultimately, proper preparation is the best way to reduce the risk of misinformation or misinterpretation. Thorough media training helps spokespeople move through an interview, clearly, feeling more comfortable responding to difficult or unexpected questions. With the right training, spokespeople will be able to steer the conversation in their desired direction by having thoroughly prepared, being able to provide evidence to back their statements, and having the ability to think on their feet.
Impactful Messaging
A common misconception is that interviews are like everyday conversations. Business executives or spokespeople might believe that they can just deliver a message as if they are talking to a friend. However, in today’s landscape, the public has a finger on the pulse of so many businesses at once. It is vital for leaders to fine-tune their message consistently, and to do so with the everyday person at the top of their minds.
Additionally, media training is extremely beneficial to them as journalists are looking for succinct sound bites, phrases, and statements that concisely convey their message. Media training can help executives compound narratives into sound bites journalists will appreciate. Not only this, but a business executive will gain credibility from key audience members, as they can easily digest a message with proper evidence and more, leaving a lasting impact.
Strengthened Relationships
Media relations is all about building strong relationships. Storytelling and delivering key messages are the main components of media training, as it enables executives and spokespeople to better connect with their audiences, generate empathy, and create connections with new audience members or consumers. Overall, it is great for business executives to learn how to gain their audience’s attention in such a media-saturated world. Media training is an excellent method to help executives reach this goal.
Public relations and media professionals are here to help, whether it’s an executive’s first or 100th interview. Moreover, business executives, spokespeople, and leaders who have never worked with the media are in good company. Many have not reaped the benefits of media training, as talking to reporters isn’t something most people have to do. But when the need arises, many people feel uncomfortable or feel perfectly fine going into an interview until the camera starts rolling. If an executive wants to know the fundamentals of journalism combined with practical examples, to show them how to remain in control even in the toughest of interviews, they should look no further than media training.