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Media Interviewing Training - Tip on How to Master Press Interviews

Media interviewing training is crucial for c-suite executives, entrepreneurs, and business owners in today's digital age, as it directly impacts their ability to effectively communicate their message and represent their brand. The importance of this training becomes obvious when the challenge is the lack of preparation leading to:


  • Nervousness and anxiety during interviews

  • Difficulty articulating key points coherently

  • Jumping between core messages without a clear focus

  • Potential damage to the brand's reputation


What is media training?


Many individuals and organizations struggle to effectively communicate their brand's core message, often leading to misunderstandings, missed opportunities, or even hurting their own reputation. Shannon O'Dowd who has specialized in this field for over a decade, has improved her media training to provide a solution to this problem. 


Shannon helps C-suite executives, business owners, individuals, and spokespersons to effectively and properly communicate with the media through various channels including newspapers, podcasts, social media, radio, and other forms of media communication.


Why is media training important?


One of the first and most important exercises in media training is message development. The goal is to start with a strong brand message that can be consistently and effectively communicated, regardless of the specific questions asked. 


By focusing on message development early in the training process, individuals are equipped with a solid foundation to handle various interview scenarios. This preparation enables them to adapt to unexpected questions while consistently reinforcing their brand's message. 


The training also emphasizes techniques for easy transition from any question back to the core message, ensuring that every response contributes to the overall communication strategy.


Media Interview Training Fundamentals

 

Media interviewing training involves two crucial phases: message development and message delivery. The challenge many face is effectively connecting with their audience, clearly communicating their actions, and demonstrating their value proposition. 


Message Development


In the message development phase, the challenge lies in creating a well-structured, impactful message that resonates with the target audience. To overcome this, we conduct research and work through a set of strategic questions designed to uncover the core of your expertise, passion, and unique value proposition. 


Some of the key questions for message development: 


  • Ideally, where would you envision making your on-camera appearances?

  • Given your profession/expertise, what current events or trends can you authoritatively comment on?

  • What distinguishes your brand or business from others in your industry?

  • Which aspects of your brand, business, or industry are you most passionate about discussing? Are there any misconceptions you'd like to address?

  • Are your goals focused solely on enhancing opportunities for clients/business, or do you aim to establish yourself as a recognized expert in the media on a broader scale?


Message Delivery


The challenge in message delivery lies in effectively conveying your carefully crafted message under the pressure of an interview. Many clients struggle with maintaining composure, staying on point, and adapting to various interview formats. 


These are the points we focus on during message delivery: 


Body Language 

  • Maintaining an open, confident posture

  • Using appropriate hand gestures to emphasize points

  • Avoiding nervous habits or distracting movements


Eye Contact

  • Establishing and maintaining steady eye contact with the interviewer or camera

  • Balancing eye contact in multi-person interviews


Concise Responses: 

  • Crafting clear, succinct answers that convey key points

  • Avoiding rambling or going off-topic


Handling difficult questions: 

  • Employing bridging techniques to redirect to key messages

  • Maintaining composure under pressure

  • Addressing challenging topics without becoming defensive


Vocal techniques: 

  • Modulating tone and pace for emphasis

  • Using pauses effectively


Adaptability: 

  • Adjusting delivery style for different media formats 


Mastering these elements requires practice and feedback. Through mock interviews and targeted exercises, clients learn to integrate these skills naturally, to ensure their message is effectively delivered across various media platforms. 




 

Master Your Media Presence In Your Industry By Building Authentic Communication Skills


Transform your presence and master your media message in a set number of one-hour sessions with Shannon O'Dowd, the go-to coach for high-stakes conversations. Our proven approach has empowered leaders, organizations, experts, and influencers to shine on major platforms like the Today Show, Entertainment Tonight, and HGTV.  


What you'll gain:


  • Confidence on camera and in the boardroom

  • Polished performance techniques

  • Impactful messaging strategies

  • Effective body language and eye-line control

  • Nervousness management tools

  • Captivating presentation design skills


Our streamlined process requires only your attentive participation and commitment to practice. With Shannon's guidance, you'll quickly develop the skills to authentically connect, impact, and influence your audience in any high-pressure situation.


Don't let communication challenges hold you back. Join the ranks of successful professionals who have mastered their media presence with Shannon O'Dowd. Improve your communication skills and make a lasting impression in your industry. 


When the stakes are highest, you deserve to shine.


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