Developing Media Relations To Get Your Message Across

Objective: To teach you how to get your message across in the most positive manner at interviews, news conferences, debates and panel discussions. You learn to develope relationships and communicate your side of the story effectively.

Program Outline:

Preparation And Planning
• Understanding the medium: demystifying myths
• Determining your goal(s)
• Researching and discerning a reporter's role
• Gaining comfort in TV and radio studios
• Grooming, attire, and accessories

Organizing A Message So It Is Heard
• Using Decker format to develop messages quickly
• Shaping messages to your real audience
• Stimulating interest
• Enlinening potentially dry material
• Handling controversial, divisive issues
• Preparing for the "Sound bite"

Appearing on TV, Radio, And At News Conferences
• Gaining immediate rapport
• Blending energy with technique
• Connecting through language and humor
• Accenting ideas with body movements and gestures
• Staying on track with minimal need of notes

Developing A Confident, Resonant Speaking Voice
• Optimization of speaking rate, pitch and tone
• Accentuating ideas with vocal variety and pauses
• Articulating and projecting
• Avoiding detracting mannerisms (e.g. "ah, umm")

Using Psychology-Based Interviewing Skills
• Getting to the heart of a question
• Stating what is wrong without a fight
• Getting side-tracked interviews back on track

Reducing Potential Problems
• Being misquoted, taken out of context, or having quotes fabricated
• Being portrayed unfavorably
• Knowing the difference between "on" and "off the record," and "background info"

Enhancing Messages With Visual Aids
• Choosing Visual Aids
• Developing fact sheets, press kits, handouts
• Adding in modern technology

Fielding Questions
• Keeping responses concise and salient
• Defusing hostile, challenging reporters
• Handling difficult, controversial issues
• Responding when you do not know

Additional Coaching In:
• Presention of testimony, debating, and panel discussion
• The use of microphones
• Creating an action plan to build on your gains