Media Training Should Educate and Empower
Many people are apprehensive about attending a media training session. They may have a fear of cameras, they may be holding onto a negative media encounter, or they may simply feel too busy to set aside some time for training.
Selecting the right media trainer is vitally important to overcoming these obstacles and to the success of the training.
Here are a few quick tips to help you choose a media trainer who will educate and empower your team to clearly communicate their messages.
Media Trainer Qualifications
Once you begin searching you’ll find many companies offering the “best” training service. Do your research to separate quality trainers from cons.
- Most media trainers claim a background in journalism. But not all resumés are created equal. Look for experts with major market newspaper and/or network news experience. You want someone who has covered a wide range of important stories and people, so that he/she can handle your particular media challenges.
- Check their credentials in education and their time in the industry.
- Make a few calls to their listed references and clients. Talking with clients is a great way to get a feel for the quality of service.
Questions to Ask About Their Training
Narrow down your media trainer list by asking these important questions:
- What does a media training session look like? What are their goals? What content do they cover? Don’t settle for only on-camera drills; There must be a media training orientation that sets the stage for the exercises.
- Have they handled clients and media challenges in your industry? If you’re a pharmaceutical company, you don’t want a media trainer who specializes in athletes.
- What atmosphere is set? Is it lively or a lecture? Will the session be power point lecture where participants are looking for their phones to pass the time, or will instruction be varied, interactive and engaging?
- How do they give feedback? Look for constructive feedback given in a tactful manner.
- What support do they offer once the training is over? Avoid trainers who practice a “hit and run” style of consulting, and disappear after the training day.
Picking the right media trainer is paramount to the success of your media training and future media relations. Ultimately, you want your training to be valuable, supportive and constructive. Do your research upfront to ensure a positive and beneficial experience.
