Why Media Training Is Important
To speak confidently to the media and understand the techniques to manage an interview takes Media Training.
The best media spokespeople, industry leaders, politicians, and sports stars that you see on TV and across the media have completed Media Training courses to learn how to prepare for an interview, know what to expect from a journalist, and have the skills to control messaging and present with gravitas and impact.
Our Adoni Media Managing Director, Leisa Goddard, has more than 30 years of media experience at the highest levels of Australian journalism, She looks at why Media Training is important and what you should expect.
KEY MESSAGING
Media Training 101 begins with revising key messages. “Understanding how to precisely deliver your key messages ensures you are always in control of the narrative,” said Leisa Goddard, Founder and Managing Director of Adoni Media.
During Media Training, training helps you to identify and develop key messages that tell your story in a media-friendly way. Media spokesperson training ensures you can communicate your key points effectively and in a way that resonates with your audience.
ENHANCING YOUR IMAGE
Every media interaction represents a chance to strengthen your personal or corporate brand. CEO Media Training is seen as being particularly important as leaders are the face of an organisation.
“Media skills training shows you how you can transform simple interviews into powerful opportunities to showcase your brand story,” Leisa said.
NAVIGATING TOUGH QUESTIONS
Facing challenging questions is a common part of media interactions – and Crisis Communication Media Training teaches you to how handle tough enquiries with a number of techniques, including bridging statements.
“These strategies allow you to take control of the conversation and return to your key points, despite the direction of the questioning,” Leisa said.
“It shows the interviewer that you know what you’re doing and can use the interview to your benefit.”
BOOSTING CONFIDENCE
Your level of confidence can influence how your message is received. Media Training revolves around practising in simulated environments. Practising in scenarios which are as close to the “real thing” of a media interview as it gets, ensures you can remain confident in what is a familiar or known environment when a journalist does call.
“The best way to gain confidence in your media interactions is through preparation and practise,” Leisa said. “Being prepared for various scenarios helps to reduce anxiety and improves your delivery.”
A Media Training course also considers your body language, facial expressions, and mannerisms to ensure you come across as authoritative, in control, and confident.
MANAGING CRISIS SITUATIONS EFFECTIVELY
In times of crisis, stakes are high. “Media Training is critical for crisis management because it prepares you to communicate effectively under pressure, safeguarding your reputation,” Leisa said.
Media Training provides you with the tools to develop quick, calm, and authoritative responses that can mitigate potential damage.
Training also exposes you to some of the techniques journalists will use to make you feel uncomfortable and draw something out of you which you may not have wanted to say. Being familiar with these techniques, recognising them, and knowing how to handle them, will help to safeguard you when it’s time to conduct a “real” interview.
ADAPTING TO DIFFERENT INTERVIEW STYLES AND FORMATS
The media landscape is vast and varied, spanning traditional newspapers to podcasts, live TV, radio, online, and social media. Each medium has its own set of expectations and challenges.
“Media interview training helps you understand and navigate these differences, ensuring your messages are effective across all platforms,” Leisa said.
This adaptability is crucial for reaching and engaging your target audience effectively and cementing your reputation among journalists as “go-to” talent they can turn to for expert opinions and insights.
ENHANCING COMMUNICATION SKILLS
The benefits of media and public speaking training extend beyond interviews.
“The skills you learn – like being concise and adapting your message for your audience – enhance all forms of communication, from public speaking to fronting meetings, even to explaining to friends and family what you do,” Leisa said.
These skills improve your ability to communicate with impact to any audience.
A key outcome some don’t expect is how much Media and Presentation Training also improves their public speaking whether it is delivering a keynote, talking to stakeholders, or participating in a panel discussion.
“The goal across all communication is to connect with your target audience and when it comes to media that requires an understanding of how the interview process works and your role in that transaction,” Ms Goddard said.
BUILDING LONG TERM RELATIONSHIPS WITH MEDIA
Building a positive relationship with the media involves more than managing interviews; it’s about becoming a trusted source.
“Media Training offers insights into what journalists seek in a story, which helps you to tell your story, and explain your key points in a way that’s relevant to the journalist, the media outlet they work for, and their audience,” Leisa said.
Being able to deliver a story and key messages in a way that is media-friendly goes a long way in ensuring journalists call on you again, which is crucial for long-term public relations success.
During our Media Training Brisbane, Media Training Melbourne, Media Training Sydney, and Media Training Perth courses, our team of former journalists works with you and your team to ensure spokespeople have the skills and confidence to appear before the media.
“Media Training is not just a tool for improving how you handle interviews; it’s an investment in your professional future,” Leisa said.
Whether it’s boosting your image, managing crises, or building lasting media relationships, Media Training provides the foundational skills needed for effective public engagement. In today’s digital age, where every word can have a significant impact, being media trained isn’t just helpful, it’s essential.
Media Training sessions are half-day one-on-one session that is highly confidential or a group workshop that familiarises company leaders with key messaging and how to deliver it to connect and influence their audience.
Whether you’re interested in executive media training, media and presentation training, crisis management media training, or corporate media training, to be trained by Australia’s most experienced team, contact Adoni Media today.