Marketing & Media Services offers media training to professionals and companies. Too often, representatives of major institutions and businesses individuals who wouldn't dream of addressing a large group of friendly, supportive people without a carefully-prepared speech -- approach critical media interviews with only a sketchy notion of what they will say. Many companies put themselves at risk by not being prepared for the possible, negative media coverage that could ensue if a problem came up with their business.
Once the cameras are rolling and the reporter is asking questions, the mistake most people make is of thinking: "I'll know what to say," or that they'll, "just wing it." Nothing could be further from the truth. When truly "put on the spot" most people will not be able to answer a reporter's questions in a way that reflects well on the company. Being prepared and having rehearsed answers is the only way to handle this type of situation.
Now-a-days, multi-million dollar lawsuits often follow a crisis situation or any situation where a representative of an organization is believed to be at fault for something. What the organization's representative says to the media can have a major impact on the organization's legal position; not to mention the loss of prestige and reputation even if a law suit doesn't follow.
Media training starts by identifying the key potential problems that a particular company night have and how to address them. We discuss possible crisis situations that could affect the organization and prepare answers to those difficult questions. We then come up with appropriate answers for such questions and teach key personnel how to deliver the answers in a calm and believable manner. We also teach each key person how to handle these stressful interview situations. Being on-camera is extremely intimidating but a person who has prepared can be less un-nerved by the experience.