Media opportunities, speaking events, seminars, presentations, and even sales meetings can be daunting to both large and small businesses. If you’re looking to strengthen your skills and reach the next level in your career or business, then read on for my insights into the benefits of hiring a media coach like myself.

Clear - Determine what you want out of saying yes to a media opportunity, speaking engagement, or presentation. Are you looking to build your brand and gain exposure? Are you looking to build your business? Are you sharing important news and you know you have the expertise to share that information? We’ll discuss how saying yes to an opportunity can determine your message whether on camera or to an audience.

Concise - Determine your message, don’t blather. What you want to say always sounds better when you have a clear point of view, know who you’re trying to reach, and aren’t weighed down with all the inconsequential extras.

Confident – The best way to appear confident is to be prepared whether it’s being interviewed for your knowledge on a topic, sharing information about your company, speaking to an audience or making a presentation. We’ll discuss ways to build your confidence and communicate in a way that feels more natural.

Comfortable - Moving in your chair or frequently stepping from side to side; adjusting your clothes or wearing ill-fitting clothes; adding inconsequential words and phrases can all make you appear uncomfortable. I’ve learned from years on camera to speaking in front of large audiences that being comfortable isn’t easy for everyone, but it can be taught.

Content – Craft your message, your speech, or your presentation toward your audience. You may be the smartest person in the room, but you still need to share your knowledge in a way that those listening will understand.

Connect – Whenever I’m on camera or doing a voice-over I determine who I’m talking to and that can instantly change my delivery to a more authentic performance. Your plan should always be to make a connection with an anchor, host, audience member or viewer. When you make a connection, you’re seen as more believable and trustworthy.

Alison Deyette is a TV host, brand spokesperson and media training/on-camera coach. She has helped brands, executives, on-air personalities, aspiring hosts, athletes, experts and a long list of Fortune 500 companies develop and express their messaging and editorial content for television, web series, social media, public speaking, corporate video and print publications. As your media trainer and on-camera coach, she’ll help to transform you into a powerful, confident and focused speaker or personality, ready to share your message with the world! She is the regular lifestyle expert for The Kelly Clarkson Show, Dr. Phil, KTLA Los Angeles, Inside Edition, Access Hollywood, Today and regularly works with brands on HSN, QVC and other networks.