Media training can be an effective tool to prepare executives, board members and spokespersons to handle a variety of media encounters. Unfortunately, some of the very people who could most benefit from such training don't think they need it. What are the benefits and why should you consider it for you or your team? Confidence The main benefit is confidence. You've stepped through the various scenarios of what you can expect. Going through group or one-on-one coaching gives you the preparation you need to face a reporter or a radio or TV host. Seeing yourself on camera helps you to see what works and what doesn't.
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Here's a checklist to determine if you or someone else at your firm should take our Mack Media Training. You don't understand the media You've never spoken with a reporter and don't know what to expect You have spoken to a reporter, but it didn't go well. You need help crafting your message You need to boost your presentation skills We can help you with all of these concerns plus many, many more. Video must be a major component of any public relations campaign. This article sheds light on what's expected to be an explosion in mobile video viewing in 2013. What's that mean for companies trying to generate earned media coverage in the coming year? Everything. Here are just a few suggestions: You may be tempted to pitch your latest widget as a great subject for a media interview. It's a new product that will do wonders, you think. How could it not make news? Stop the presses. Stop thinking about the product and your company. Stop thinking about yourself. Think, instead, about the viewers, listeners or readers you're trying to reach. What do they think? What do they need? What are they most interested in learning? 1960 Nixon-Kennedy debate (Chicago Tribune) Tonight's Presidential debate and the two that follow will be critical for President Obama and Governor Romney. Both candidates have an extraordinary opportunity to reach out to undecided and independent voters, especially those in the swing states. What each one does with that opportunity will be the subject of countless other debates in the media, offices, bars and cafes across the country. Here are five things to keep in mind as you watch or listen to the debates. You may be tempted to pitch your latest widget as a great subject for a media interview. It's a new product that will do wonders, you think. That's the wrong approach. When it comes to effective media relations and public relations, stop thinking about the product or your company. Stop thinking about YOU. Think, instead, about the viewers, listeners or readers of the media you're trying to reach. What do they think? What do they need? What are they most interested in learning? Put yourself in their shoes. Here's why. The best press conference is the one that results in the best press coverage, in terms of both number and tone of stories. What many people overlook are the details that it takes to get those results. Follow these eight steps and you'll improve your odds tremendously. 1. Select a newsworthy topic. The Media aren't there to promote you. They want news. 2. Choose a good backdrop. Holding a press conference on location (in front of the school, in a classroom) is almost always more effective than a conference room. When you have the opportunity to speak to the Media, it's easy to get caught up in the moment. Questions such as, "How do I look?" become more important than, "What should I say?" To help bring you back to your main objective, which is to get your story told in the best possible light, it's helpful to think of what sound bite you want to appear on radio or television or what quote you want to read in print. So, before you begin the interview, have one or more "bites" in mind that you'll sprinkle throughout the interview. Sound bites are the key informational or influential nuggets you want readers, listeners or viewers to take away from the news story. You want them to see and hear your point of view. Here's one technique. Media advisories are a well known tool to alert members of the media to an upcoming news event. It could be a press conference, an interview opportunity with an expert or a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Advisories are typically matter of fact -- who, what, when, where, etc. What you may not realize is that advisories that offer a short video can maximize your chances of generating interest. Here are just three reasons. Are you in a rut when it comes to the words you use in a press release or statement? You may be and don't even realize it. Take this article about overused buzz words in press releases. A special website that analyzes press releases found that "leading" and "solution" were the words that were used most often. Other overused terms include "great," "unique" and "best." Sure, it's tempting to argue that those words may be just the right ones to convey your message. But, can't we at least try to be a little innovative? Sorry, "innovate" also ranked high on the list of overused words. The "solution" here is to at least recognize the problem. Then, you have a chance to overcome the problem. Being aware of the issue is half the battle. Then, stretch yourself. Take an extra moment to find something other than "dynamic" or "premier." It just might lead you in a new direction. For effective press releases and strategic thinking, contact us at info@mackcommunications.com. |
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