Media Interview Training/Media Relations Training
Media interview training is something Steve has focused on for the past 12 years, including as an invited presenter for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Wisconsin Academy of Family Physicians and the Medical Society of Milwaukee County. See Steve's Bio for more.
Those who participate learn how to draw reporters' interest, get their key points across no matter what the questions and feel comfortable in front of a microphone.
Steve uses actual media examples from television, radio, print and Internet to show exactly what works and what doesn't. Then, he takes it a step further, gets out his microphone and digital recorder and does some practice interviews with volunteers.
Media interview training programs are held for either small groups or for individuals who wish to hone their skills. Media relations training presentations include one of the easiest to read, least expensive and most useful media training books available, Media Savvy, Media Success!
"Steve--I wanted to share an example of the results of your hard work with me, and thank you again. I have been in print stories in Indiana every week or two over the past several months and have been able to weasel our issue into stories. I brainstorm for a minute or two on a well-messaged quip of the day. I then walk the statehouse press offices and toss the quote at whoever has their door open."
Aaron Doeppers, Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids
Mini Case Study: Tobacco
Just to give you an idea of how critical smart media usage can be, consider the example from the U.S. Congress. A brilliant tactical move to bring all of the tobacco company CEOs before a Congressional Committeee and watch them perjure themselves in the glare of TV lights, turned out to be the beginning of the end of the tobacco industry's reign of terror in America.
Somebody orchestrated this political theatre and it was enormously effective. Documents later proved that these leaders knew full well the impact of nicotine, despite their protestations.
This video has since run over and over again, demonstrating the deception of the industry, and its leaders.
Meet the Press--Don't Fear Them
Communicating effectively in the news media hinges on confidence, the whole basis for media interview training. The reason a news reporter will come to you is because you have something he or she doesn't have: credible information.
But you have to relay that information effectively and with a strategy in mind. Steve has led media relations training sessions for hundreds of professionals over the years, including doctors from the Brown County Medical Society. After their media interview training, they performed at a high level before the press at a public forum that drew excellent media coverage.
Even highly educated, knowlegeable professionals often fear gotcha questions, not knowing enough about the subject matter or possibly freezing before the camera. But the truth is reporters tend to be generalists and don't know a whole lot about any particular subject. They seek excellent sources because they add credibility to their reporting. Therefore, you can walk in with confidence, expressing yourself without fear.
Steve specializes in media relations training of clients so they know what to expect and have a chance to try out the strategies discussed. Doing an interview is nothing more than having a conversation--but one which you prepare for carefully.
His concise, bulleted handbook, Media Savvy, Media Success!, provides the basic information necessary to get prepared for an interview and do well enough to attract more of them.
Why trust Steve?
Hear directly from the Associate Dean of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public, Patrick Remington, MD, MPH, about why Steve has what it takes to help you communicate effectively with the news media.
See other testimonals, as well.
Contact Steve to schedule a media interview training session.