Journalists are constantly on the lookout for interesting and engaging stories they can write for their audience. When you make yourself available for commentary, you are positioning yourself and your business as an industry expert.

Media training can be highly effective in assisting you develop the skills to get your message across succinctly and with impact. And when you are an effective spokesperson, the media will return to you again and again for expert commentary on your area of expertise.

Here are our five compelling reasons to consider media training:

1.  Learn to boost your public speaking confidence

Media training can teach you how to use your words, tone, and body language to deliver your message in a powerful way. When you are speaking on TV, people are not only listening to you; they are also looking at your body language and facial expressions.

One of the biggest benefits of media training is you can develop your confidence in speaking with the media. Interviews, like live radio or television, can be very daunting and terrifying for many people. However, when you develop your interview skills you will find speaking in the media is one of the most powerful forms of marketing and PR for your business.

2.  Learn to clearly and concisely define your key messages

Defining your key messages is essential so you know exactly what you want to convey when you are being interviewed by the media. Your key messages should be original, short, focused on your audience, focused on the benefits of your product or service and use the language that suits your audience.

3.  Be prepared for difficult questions

Sometimes journalists can ask you questions that are difficult to answer or put you on the spot. Media training can prepare you for challenging questions so you’re prepared for any unexpected twists or turns in the interview. By preparing yourself for difficult questions you can feel more confident as you step into the interview.

4.  Learn to take control of the interview

You are in control of the interview, even though the journalist is the one asking questions. With media training you can learn how to maintain your composure throughout the interview and create the outcome you want.

When you are clear about your answers, you can steer the interview in the direction you want. This is a subtle and important skill that can be learned through media training and practice.

5.  Learn how not to be taken out of context

If you go into the interview without having clarity around your key messages or feeling unprepared for difficult questions, the likelihood of being misquoted will be much higher. Media training can help you avoid the possibility of being misquoted through learning the specific skills of clear, concise and effective communication.

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Sydney Public Relations Agency, CP Communications provides specialist media, traditional and online PR strategies that get amazing results. Contact us today. For more PR tips see www.PublicRelationsSydney.com.au