Guinness World Record Holder  ·  Former NBC, ABC & FOX Producer  ·  20+ Years Training Executives Book a call →
About Jess Todtfeld

The media trainer C-suite and senior executives call when their message cannot afford to miss.

Jess Todtfeld spent 13 years as a television producer at NBC, ABC, and FOX — the person on the other side of the camera deciding which senior leaders came across as authoritative and which lost the audience in seconds. He has since trained hundreds of C-suite executives, board members, investor-relations teams, and senior spokespeople to deliver a sharp, credible message in any high-stakes environment.

Guinness World Record Holder CSP: Top 1% of Speakers Globally Author of Media Secrets Former NBC · ABC · FOX Producer
Work with Jess
Jess Todtfeld, Media Trainer
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112
Guinness World Record
Most Media Interviews in 24 Hours
June 2009 · full story
20+
Years training senior executives
13
Years producing NBC, ABC & FOX Television
500+
Customized programs for executives and teams
Client results

What C-Suite and Senior Leaders say about working with Jess

I now feel like I have the tools to be able to create more action from the people I speak to. I am grateful for the on-camera practice. I was immediately able to make changes to my presentations and improve them on the spot.
Ryan SorleySenior Analyst, Gartner
After a robust, one-day training I went from being a disorganized and hard-to-watch talking head to an authoritative brand steward ready for the toughest interview. The value in Jess’ approach was in his tough, real-time coaching and practical suggestions to manage the interview to ensure my message prevailed. I would certainly hire Jess again.
Daniel PeirceInvestor and Advisor, ex-Gatorade, Starbucks, Welch's, adidas Group, Save the Children
I've worked with Jess several times through the years and have always been impressed with his ability to convert a group of skeptical subject-matter experts into better speakers and presenters. Jess is always prepared and professional and helps his clients get it. I'd highly recommend him to anyone in need of improving their ability to deliver smart and engaging presentations or talk to the media or other groups.
Jeff MeyersMarketing and Communications Consultant
Jess gave me easy to use strategies to change my appearance. I realized how body language was influencing my message.
Michael S. JensenPresident, AIG Europe
The background

Why executives trust Jess — and not just any media coach

Most media trainers were never in the room where it happens. Jess was. For 13 years, he worked as a television producer and booker at NBC, ABC, and FOX Television — the person deciding which guests made air, which messages landed, and which executives came across as credible under pressure.

That background shapes everything about how Jess trains. He doesn't teach theory. He teaches what actually works in front of a camera, a reporter, or a room full of skeptical stakeholders, because he's spent years on the other side of the lens deciding who gets the benefit of the doubt.

"The goal isn't to make you sound polished. It's to make you sound like yourself, at your best, under pressure."

In June 2009, Jess helped set a Guinness World Record for most media interviews given in 24 hours — 112 radio interviews in a single day. It wasn't a stunt. It was a demonstration: mastering the art of delivering a sharp, credible message in any format, any context, repeatedly, without losing clarity or composure. Read the full story behind the record.

Jess holds the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation, placing him in the top 1% of professional speakers worldwide. He is the author of multiple books on media and communication, including the international bestseller Media Secrets: A Media Training Crash Course.

HSP: High Stakes Presenter Methodology

How Jess trains — and why it works

Every program Jess delivers is built around one belief: communication under pressure is a skill, not a talent. It can be learned, practiced, and owned by anyone willing to work at it.

The approach is practical from minute one. No lengthy theory sessions. No generic frameworks that could apply to any industry. Every tool is tested against real scenarios your team will actually face.

  • 01

    Diagnose first

    Every engagement starts with understanding your specific situation: the interview, the audience, the risk, the message. Nothing is generic.

  • 02

    Build the message architecture

    Jess's proprietary Sound Bite System gives executives a repeatable framework for structuring any answer under any conditions.

  • 03

    Practice under pressure

    Real exercises with hostile questions, off-topic pivots, and camera situations that mirror what your executives will actually face.

  • 04

    Walk away ready

    Every participant leaves with specific, personalized talking points and a set of tools they can use immediately, not someday.

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