As an experienced media trainer, I've helped countless CEOs, executives, experts, athletes, and on-air personalities prepare for interviews, speeches, and appearances. Through my years of experience, I've come up with 10 essential media training tips that will help you feel confident and prepared for any media opportunity that comes your way.
Media Training Tips for Executives and Experts
1: Know Your Audience
Before stepping in front of any camera or microphone, take the time to research your audience. Who are they? What are their interests and concerns? Tailoring your message to your audience will help ensure that your message resonates with them. And if someone is interviewing you, research them so you get a sense of their personality and how they present themselves. It's so easy to do these days by checking out their social media, their website, or watching them on TV.
2: Have a Clear Message
Make sure that you have a clear message that you want to convey. Avoid jargon and complicated language that could confuse your audience. Keep it simple and concise, and make sure that your message is relevant to your audience's needs. Give them shareable information.
3: Practice Makes Perfect
The more you practice, the more comfortable you will feel in front of the camera or microphone. Take advantage of any opportunities to practice your media skills, whether it's through mock interviews or public speaking events. The easiest way to practice is to walk around your house and talk out loud. I even tell clients to do this while they walk their dogs. Just put in some earbuds so people think you're talking on your phone and practice your speech out loud while you get some exercise.
4: Body Language Matters
Your body language can say as much as your words. Avoid slouching or fidgeting, and maintain eye contact with your interviewer or audience. Use hand gestures sparingly, and make sure that your body language conveys confidence and professionalism. Avoid swiveling or moving too much in your chair or touching your hair often. If you'll be standing during an interview or speech practice in front of a mirror so you see yourself and get a sense of what you look like while you're speaking.
5: Be Prepared for Tough Questions
Inevitably, tough questions can come your way during interviews. Prepare for these questions ahead of time, and have a clear plan for how you will answer them. Practice your responses until they become second nature.
6: Speak in Soundbites
Make sure that your message is easily quotable by speaking in impactful soundbites. Keep your sentences short and to the point, and use memorable phrases that will stick in your audience's mind. It's about concise messaging that a listener or viewer can share with others in a conversation.
7: Keep Your Cool
It's important to maintain your composure during interviews, even if the questions are tough. Avoid getting defensive or emotional, and stay focused on delivering your message.
8: Dress for Success
Your appearance can have a big impact on how you are perceived by your audience. Dress in professional attire that is appropriate for the occasion, and make sure that you are well-groomed and polished.
9: Be Authentic
Don't try to be someone you're not during interviews. Authenticity is key to building trust with your audience, so be yourself and let your personality shine through.
10: Follow Up
After the interview or appearance, follow up with the interviewer or audience to thank them for their time. This simple gesture can go a long way in building relationships and establishing yourself as a trusted spokesperson. I regularly send a thank you note to a producer, host, anchor, or talent booker. An email thank you will suffice.
By following these media training tips for executives and experts, you'll be well-prepared to deliver your message with confidence and clarity, no matter the media opportunity.
Alison Deyette is a TV host, brand spokesperson, and media training/on-camera coach. She has helped CEOs, executives, on-air personalities, athletes, experts and a long list of Fortune 500 companies develop and express their messaging and content for television, web series, social media, corporate video, public speaking, and presentations. As your media trainer and on-camera coach, she’ll help to transform you into a powerful, confident, and focused speaker or personality. She is the regular lifestyle expert for The Kelly Clarkson Show, KTLA Los Angeles, Extra, Dr. Phil, Access Hollywood, Today and regularly works with brands on QVC, HSN and other networks.
