Media Training

Our tailored media and communication skills training provides sound, practical advice on handling reporters and interviews, crisis management and how to find and promote positive stories within your business or organisation.

We deliver tailored training, designed to meet specific client needs. Media interview role-plays are recorded and played back for review. The sessions are energetic and provide a great team-building exercise.

You and your teams can experience realistic media crisis management simulations and learn how to take control of the flow of information, when and how to answer questions in difficult circumstances, and when to approach the media proactively.

We also offer a range of complementary communications products, including corporate film and electronic news release production, to ensure that you are getting the attention you deserve.

Our media courses are conducted by leading news and presentation professionals who are now training specialists. We can bring our trainers to you, or provide courses in comfortable training facilities.

Client Feedback

Since my media training session … I have been interviewed on radio by Neil Mitchell, Virginia Trioli, Jon Faine and Derryn Hinch - plus a ten second TV news "grab.". And I have you to thank for being able to handle those interviews in a confident manner. Always at the back of my mind were your wise words of professional advice.

Sally Davis – former Mayor of Stonnington

Thanks Jo… to be honest, although it was really challenging (takes you out of your comfort zone somewhat!!!) I actually enjoyed it… definitely one of the better training sessions I've been to!!! So I will definitely come back for the refresher in a few years!!

Hayley Pearson – Amcor Cartons, Queensland

Elements of Media Training

Getting your message across

To get your message across most effectively, you need to understand some obvious and not-so-obvious aspects of preparation and presentation.

We work with you to ensure that when the going gets tough, you don't give the media what they want - a victim.

We assist our course participants in shaping their key messages in light of prevailing community and media attitudes and subconscious perceptions.

Dynamics of an interview

This segment of the course will enable the client to anticipate what he or she will be asked and to make the best of otherwise damaging circumstances.

Gain practical experience in:

  • Providing clear information 
  • Assessing danger zones
  • Avoiding entrapment
  • Using 'key' messages & changing the agenda
  • Recognising hidden agendas
  • Messaging within safe boundaries.

How to deal with journalists

Your job as a communicator will be much easier if you understand how a journalist thinks and the protocols of dealing with them.

Answering questions

Media Strategies trainers get to know your industry, then ask you the questions you are most likely to expect from a journalist. Interview sessions are recorded for the client's permanent record.

We coach you on:

  • Listening effectively
  • Thinking clearly
  • Avoiding jargon
  • Brevity & simplicity
  • Anticipating difficult questions
  • Handling aggressive interviewers

Physical & Tonal Delivery

Learn how to use your voice more effectively in the electronic media, with the correct breathing, pitch, emphasis, timing, energy - and with tonality that ensures audiences won't be "tuning out."

We explore the importance of facial expressions and body language in determining not only your powers of persuasion, but also the quality of your vocal delivery.

Crisis Interview Situations

Credible training scenarios involving hypothetical security or safety breaches, damage to reputation, poor financial performance, environmental issues, industrial accidents, contamination scares, or the loss of jobs, provide a sound basis for credible, practical training.