media training course objectives and sample agenda

One of the most popular courses we deliver is a practical one day session in radio & TV interview techniques which provides delegates with the background and skills needed to give effective, authoritative media interviews.Any opportunity in the media for you to instil confidence and paint a positive picture of control can be lost with an insecure performance which focuses on wrestling with the reporter’s agenda rather than concentrating on your own. There are four practical exercises using specifically devised ‘scenarios’, providing delegates with opportunities to hone their skills together with expert feedback and analysis.

Course ObjectivesBy the end of the course, delegates will be able to:

• Understand how the various strands of the media approach a story

• Prepare an effective strategy to either promote or mitigate a situation

• Conduct themselves effectively in front of reporters, microphones and cameras

• Deliver a confident and authoritative media performance

• See media exposure as an opportunity to promote your business or organisation

Example of a Course Agenda

0930 Welcome and Introductions

Course objectives are outlined to delegates. We consider how the media works, what journalists look for and address some common misconceptions.

1000 The Media Interview

Understanding the purpose, objectives and limitations of the radio & TV interview: delegates are guided through the tried & tested BMS preparation process.

1030 Controlling the Media ‘Space’

Is it you or is it the reporter who makes you feel anxious when the media call? This session focuses on how to be confident, comfortable and in control when facing the media.

1045 Practical Exercise 1 - Radio: Live Interview

Delegates undertake a live face to face interview for radio. All exercises are followed by playback, analysis and individual coaching.

1145 Practical Exercise 2 - Radio: News Interview

Sound-bite interviews are problematic - they last as long as a live interview but only a fragment or ‘sound-bite’ is ever broadcast; we focus on making sure themes are clear and to the point. Delegates are then interviewed one-to-one by a reporter.

1300 LUNCH

1330 Using Television to Deliver Messages

The electronic media introduces another challenge. We discuss body language and eye contact and how they are critical to gaining trust and keeping ‘human’.

1345 Practical Exercise 3 - TV: News Interview

Delegates undertake a pre-recorded interview ‘on-location’ (ie: outside/at an appropriate venue) for ITV/BBC News.

1500 Personal Impact

The approach to live TV interviews both in studio and ‘down the line’ including an understanding of their differing demands.

1515 Practical Exercise 4 - TV: Live Interview

Delegates undertake a ‘live’ interview for BBC News 24/Sky News - either ‘face to face’ with a reporter or ‘down the line’ from a remote location, followed by playback and analysis.

1630 Review of the Day

Course discussion, questions and evaluation