Media & Crisis Communications Training
Media training
When you and your team face off against a potentially-hostile press corps, the favorable public image you've worked hard to build is in the balance. A positive performance can reinforce the strength and integrity of your brand while a poor effort can lead to permanent damage.
Our professionals regularly conduct group and one-on-one training to help leaders like you speak more clearly, respond more effectively to questions, and maintain the message discipline that is crucial to defending and enhancing your image.
Firm founder, Mark Weaver has been a media spokesman in several high-profile national media environments. Hundreds of television and radio programs and every national newspaper in America have interviewed him. He has appeared on 60 Minutes, Nightline, ABC News, CBS Evening News, NBC Nightly News, MSNBC, CNN, FOX News, National Public Radio, BBC, USA Today, Newsweek, Time, New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Christian Science Monitor, Associated Press, United Press International, and Reuters. He has also published several columns in major newspapers.
Our staff has the experience and expertise to help you. Using this experience, we develop fact points and practice exercises to help you learn how to respond to the very different news environments of TV, radio, print, and new media. We often video practice sessions to allow for careful review and constructive criticism.
Training can also be offered via Webinar, normally in up to 90-minute sessions.
Sample Media Training Curriculum
We believe strongly in a hands-on training model that provides opportunities for people to practice what they learn.
I. Interactive classroom training - What makes something newsworthy, communicating with the various forms of media.
II. Scenario A - Your company has a new product to share; write a press release announcing it's release
III. Interactive classroom training - Preparing for a press conference, why body language counts, creating the soundbite
IV. Scenario B - Host a press conference featuring TV, radio and news reporters
V. Interactive classroom training - responding to crisis
VI. Scenario C - Tabletop crisis exercise: pick a spokesperson, prepare background materials and host a press conference
We also cover important information about how new technologies impact media relations, in fact, we are early adopters of new technology and digital tools for just that reason. For instance, recording quotes on your phone and emailing links to radio stations along with your news release exponentially increase the likelihood that you'll get coverage.
We've trained executive leadership teams, communications departments, and staff members one-on-one in half-day, full-day or multi-day sessions to fit the needs and goals of the individual organization.
After our training, you should feel comfortable speaking in front of a TV camera, know how to craft an effective soundbite, understand how to handle hostile news encounters or "ambush" interviews, be able to treat each medium differently, and have a plan for proactive rather than reactive media relations.
When you're ready to get better, we're ready to show you how.
