Five reasons why you should consider media training

by Sophia Dass

​If you want to be viewed as an expert commentator for your sector and specialism, it’s essential that you’re seen and heard in the media on a regular basis. Media training is effective in helping you to develop the confidence and skills to communicate your message in a concise and impactful way. When you position yourself as a go-to commentator, you reap the benefits of being recognised as an industry leader. 

Here are 5 reasons to consider the value of media training:

1. Shun stage fright
   
   It’s totally normal to feel nervous (or even terrified!) at the prospect of an interview, especially those for live television or radio. One of the biggest benefits of media training is its ability to develop your self-confidence, by fine-tuning interview skills.
   
   Being a spokesperson is like being an actor – a powerful script depends on a fantastic performance. Media training helps trainees to boost their confidence, by understanding how to succinctly craft and deliver a key message to the media. 
   
   
2. Deliver your message in a clear and concise way  
   
   If you can’t clearly convey your key message, your target audience won’t be able to digest it. Defining your key message can be achieved by keeping it short, original, relevant to your audience and focused on the value that your product or service can bring. 
   
   If possible, try to stick to no more than three key messages in order to keep your audience engaged. You can keep returning to these throughout your interview, helping to boost the impact of what you’re saying.
   
   
3. Ensure that people take notice of what you have to say 
   
   The phrase ‘actions speak louder than words’ holds some truth when it comes to the world of media interviews. When you are speaking on television, people take notice of your tone, body language and facial expressions. 
   
   Media training can teach you how to use your tone and body language to compliment your words and deliver you message in an impactful way.
   
   
4. Avoid being misquoted   
   
   Being misquoted in the media happens to the best of us. However, this risk can be mitigated if you enter the interview with a strong sense of clarity around your key message(s) and are prepared for any difficult or contentious questions. 
   
   Media training can help you dodge the possibility of being misquoted by learning what it takes to deliver clear, succinct and highly effective communication. 
   
   
5. Keep up with the 24/7 news cycle 
   
   In today’s digital age, the media waits for no one. News spreads like wildfire, and can be disseminated in less than 140 characters. 
   
   If news about your organisation or industry breaks, particularly if it’s negative, it’s crucial that you extinguish the flames before competitors offer their perspective. Having access to media training enables you to feel much more prepared to step up to the microphone at the drop of a hat!