Frequently Asked Questions

What is a media trainer or media coach?

A media trainer is a consultant who is highly focused on one area, skills necessary to help individuals or organizations maximize their effect when speaking to the media. This may include preparation, counseling, rehearsal or even skills on getting media attention.

What does a media trainer or media coach do?

A media trainer, first off, should give clients what they need and not a standard, cookie-cutter program. A quality media trainer will balance teaching with real, hands-on rehearsal. This means practicing with a video camera and critiquing along the way. Participants learn best by doing. The analogy we prefer is one of learning to ride a bicycle. If you were given a lecture on how to ride a bicycle, you would have an intellectual understanding of what to do, but would likely fall down if never given the chance to practice while being instructed. We know you must get up on the bicycle multiple times to be able to achieve success. This is why our clients get to practice and rehears at least 6 to 8 times during a training session. We are after real results you can see for yourself.

Isn't "Training" just for beginners?

We work with many clients who have a great deal of experience. They are often looking to rehearse with an expert and get advice that will take their game to the next level. Some clients come to us looking for advanced skills. Others are in fact earlier on the media path and need to make sure their are no gaps in their knowledge of what to do.

Why do I need a media trainer?

This is one of those areas that some, foolishly, decide to "wing." There is likely a reason why you are speaking to the media. It could be because you are trying to sell a product. It could be reputation management. It could be because you have been appointed as a spokesperson for your organization. No matter what the reason is, you are seeking a specific outcome. Training provides you the best and fastest path to that outcome. We have many executives who see the training or "rehearsal" as a necessary part of doing the job right.

How long have you been doing this?

Our trainers each have more than 15 years experience in media. This includes time both in front and behind the cameras.

Will the media know I've been trained?

If you have ever seen a politician dodge questions and thought "looks like they've been media trained," then something is wrong. Media training techniques should not be noticeable. When our clients are done with interviews, reporters and producers simply say "thank you. let's talk about having you back."

How much does media training cost?

We have a variety of services to meet your needs. For private training sessions, we tailor our lessons to each client's individual needs and challenges.
Contact us today to request a quote.

What are media "do's and don'ts?"

We could spend all day answering this. In short:
Don't wing it. Don't go out without a plan. Don't go out without practice/rehearsal. Don't neglect to learn the systems to be able to be in control during interviews.

Do... Do your due diligence. Prepare by learning the message system (a system to easily remember and deliver messages you would like in a story.) Do learn answer techniques. These techniques give you many ways to steer interviews without sounding like you are dodging questions. Do learn sound bite and leverage techniques to get the most out of every media opportunity.

Are media training and presentation training the same?

While you might think so, they are two completely different skills. Giving a speech or a sales presentation is not the same as speaking to a reporter. Reporters are usually looking for quotes, sound bites, facts, or entertainment. We show clients how to have the most control in these situations. (We also have presentation training solutions.)

I've had some training, but it hasn't resulted in sales or the outcomes we were after. Do you talk about sales?

Absolutely. We practice outcome based training. We will talk about the results you are after and give you the tools to get what you need. Some are sales techniques merged with media training techniques. Others are our own brand of methods to help you achieve your goals.

I'm thinking about training but am not sure if it is right for me. Any suggestions?

Yes. Give us a call. We are happy to talk about your situation and even give some advice. We will never push or hound you to join a program. We will simply listen to your situation, give some concrete advice, and give suggestions should you want to take next steps.

If this sounds like something you would benefit from, give us a call and start down the path of making the right outcomes happen.