Media Training means different things to different people. Communication has changed over the years, and the way we use it has evolved. Digital platforms have transformed how we disseminate our message, and as a result, the scope of media training has become broader.
In its simplest terms, Media Training is learning how to communicate to a mass audience…any audience.
Traditionally, sessions are about how to answer a journalist’s question and stay on message. But the move to becoming self-publishers (whether it be online through video, or in person through conferences, meetings, interviews and presentations) means the skills required to communicate to your audience in an effective way, have changed.
Spokespeople, representatives, and leaders still need to learn the skills to communicate clearly and confidently. They still need to know how to tell their story and how to bring the audience along with them. Often they need to know how to answer questions, but not necessarily from a journalist.
The weighting of different communication skills required will depend very much on how your audience are digesting your message. There are subtleties leaders should understand when preparing for a stakeholder meeting, they might not need for a journalist’s interview. Similarly, as with a training session I did last week, there’s a big difference between the skills you need to MC and event, and the skills you need to deliver the keynote.
Fundamentally – it’s all media training. But its means different things to different people. The most common questions I’ve been asked over the past week?
- Can you do this before EOFY (thank you expiring professional development budgets)
- We don’t need to practice speaking to a TV crew as that’s unlikely for us, it’s more about presenting in our social media clips and to our board members, clients or staff – can you help us with that?
The answer to both questions has been yes.
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Why train with ThinkBox?
At ThinkBox Media we believe in Strategic Customised Training. This means your training will be developed specifically for you; your industry, your concerns, your real scenarios.
A mining executive is not likely to face the exact same issues as a doctor, a government minister or a not-for-profit organisation. One Size fits all trainings do not work.
Some people need a lot of time to improve their performance, others get stuck on the messaging. Many bigger companies already have some bases covered by their own comms teams freeing up more time to focus on the practical skills.
Often a one-on-one training in required, other times small or larger groups may provide a more cost effective option for a team.
We know you’re results driven and so are we!
Not sure what you need? We can help you.
We have been asked a lot of questions. Many of them about where to start. So we have created a comprehensive FAQ's section to help you navigate the journey.