Take a media training class from the team who used to be the media.
Real News Public Relations‘ media training services help professionals better understand the media, what drives reporters, and how to use your understanding to nail the interview every time. Located in Dallas, Texas, we offer media training in person, as well as virtual/remote through Zoom.
Whether you’re being interviewed on TV, in print, or on the radio, one thing is certain: it’s not the reporter’s questions that make a story newsworthy, it’s your answers.
Our media trainers are former journalists that will train you on messaging and techniques to ace your media interview and deliver your message every time.
Our Media Training Workshops Cover:
Our professional media class will train you to understand how journalists think, deliver memorable soundbites, and steer your interview to ensure you always look and sound your best in the limelight.
- Target audiences
- How to look and sound great on TV: Body Language and Intonation
- Message crafting, storytelling, and public speaking skills
- Emotional messaging: using a media appearance to make people care
- The art of owning a TV, radio, or print interview
- What journalists want and what journalists need
- Press releases: when should you send them?
- The art of the soundbite
- Bridging techniques
- How to answer difficult questions
Our Expert Coaches Teach How To:
- Set goals for every interview
- Practice your body language so you look your best every time
- Stay consistent and focused with your key message
- “Bridge” any instances where your message may be taken off track
- Create catchy takeaways and soundbites in order to ensure you are remembered exactly how you want to be
- Adapt your presentation for the medium:
- Phone interviews
- TV interviews, and
- Print interviews
Media Interview – Interactive Workshop & Coaching Overview
Presentation
Participants will be provided with techniques, guidelines, and actual systems for each aspect of an effective on-camera media appearance.
Key Takeaways
The focus will be on best practices for preparation, bridging techniques, answering tough questions, on-camera delivery and emotional messaging.
Practice Interviews
Participants will engage in recorded on-camera appearances. If desired, participants can take part in a mock presentation with their peers playing the role of the audience. Constructive critiques will be offered throughout the experience.
Live Feedback & Q&A
Participants will have the opportunity to watch their appearance on camera and will receive a precise review of their strengths, weaknesses, and, most importantly, step-by-step instructions on how to solve their specific problems.
Example Media Training Class Agenda
Join us for a professional media training class, expertly led by Jeff, designed to equip you with the essential skills needed for effective media communication. Whether you’re a seasoned spokesperson or looking to improve your media presence, this workshop is tailored to propel you to excellence.
Our trainings tend to be highly customized to the needs of our clients. For an example of what our full-day workshops may look like, as well as topics covered, see the table below:
Spokesperson Training
We provide a robust approach to spokesperson training, focusing on the substance of communication – delivering key messages, exuding authority, and establishing a credible presence, verbal or non-verbal, which can span from hand gestures to sartorial choices.
A spokesperson’s role, worth, and obligations within the firm are essential elements of the training, designed to empower them for assertive media interactions. The course also enhances confidence in group communication settings, small or large.
Our method possesses an ethos of positivity, inclusivity, and preparation for even the most contentious, demanding interview scenarios.
Spokesperson Training Sessions
We aim to foster confidence, establish the foundation for successful media engagement, and achieve the desired targets of media interaction. Implementing mock interviews, feedback exercises, and guidance on demeanor and body language are integral to our courses.
Key Elements of Focus:
- Interview prepping, on-air and off-air
- Understanding the news cycle and media landscape
- Developing comprehensive responses to challenging questions
Meet Your Instructor
Jeff Crilley is the founder of the Real News PR, the country’s first “all journalist” PR and crisis communications firm.
Prior to starting his firm, he had a successful career as a TV journalist, appearing on major news networks such as CNN and FOX News, as well as on shows such as Good Morning America and The CBS Early Show.
He was recognized for his work with numerous awards, including an Emmy and the Edward R. Murrow Award. In 2004, he was named “The Best TV Reporter in the state” by the Texas Associated Press.
Today, Jeff uses his expertise to run one of Dallas’ largest PR firms and to coach professionals on how to become better interviewers.
Why Real News PR?
“We have been working with Real News PR for a little over two years, and our experience has been fantastic. The media attention and PR spots Real News has facilitated continue to improve our brand awareness and increase the speed to trust for our organization. If your company is looking for quality exposure, Real News is the PR firm for you!”
Jennifer P.
Chief of Staff of Tech Company & Real News PR Client
Frequently Asked Questions
Media training is a service that helps professionals understand the media, what drives reporters, and how to use this understanding to excel in interviews. Whether on TV, in print, or on the radio, it focuses on delivering the right answers to make a story newsworthy and always look your best.
Media training is important because it equips individuals with the understanding and confidence necessary to deliver great interviews when it matters the most. By practicing your interview skills and understanding how reporters operate, participants can shine in their interviews and make their story newsworthy through compelling answers, not just the questions asked.
A media training workshop can be beneficial for anyone who needs to communicate with the media or the public as part of their job or role. This could include politicians, public relations professionals, business executives, spokespeople, and other individuals who are often in the public eye.
Our spokesperson training focuses on the essence of communication, ensuring that spokespeople deliver key messages, exude authority, and establish a credible presence. This includes verbal communication as well as non-verbal cues, such as hand gestures and attire.
A media training workshop typically covers a range of topics designed to help participants improve their communication skills. These could include preparing for interviews, crafting effective messages, using body language and nonverbal communication, and dealing with difficult questions or situations.
The length of our trainings can vary depending on the specific program and the needs of the participants. Some workshops may last a few hours, while others may be full-day or multi-day programs.
Not necessarily. Our workshops are beneficial for individuals at all levels of experience, whether they are seasoned professionals or new to dealing with the news media. The workshop can provide valuable skills and knowledge that can help participants improve their communication skills and confidence when dealing with the media.
There are no specific prerequisites for attending our media training workshop. However, participants may benefit from having some basic knowledge of public speaking and communication, as well as a general understanding of the media and how it works.
To sign up for a media training workshop, you can contact us today. We will provide you with more information about the program, including the schedule, location, and cost.
Yes, there are many resources available that can help you improve your interview skills. These could include books, online courses, or training programs offered by professional organizations. You can also seek out advice and guidance from experienced media trainers or communication experts.