Media and presentation training

 

As former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger once quipped at a major press conference: “So, does anyone have any questions for my answers?”

While his candor certainly may have earned him a laugh; that approach to managing the media may not be the most effective way to subtly weave in your key messages.

What is certain is that to get the right message out, it is essential that any organization invests in media training for their leadership group, to prepare for when, and not if, they will need to speak to the media.

We have found that only by de-mystifying the workings of the media participants can satisfy both their objectives and the journalist’s at the same time: a win-win outcome.

With our customized media interview and spokesperson training sessions you and your leadership group will learn:

• Fundamental differences between print and broadcast interviews and what to expect.
• How to identify the media audience, stay focused and relevant.
• How to build and refine high-impact quotable key messages.
• How to achieve source credibility that entices media to return.
• How to anticipate, prepare and respond to tough questions.
• Bridging techniques to navigate provocative and loaded questions.
• Participate in on-camera interview scenarios, which are then constructively critiqued.
• How to appear natural and be yourself.
• How to turn lemons into lemonade, when responding to a crisis.

From Bored Room to Board Room

A recent Gallup poll concluded that the fear of public speaking is rated second only to the fear of snakes and before the fear of dying. Perhaps Jerry Seinfeld said it best, “According to most studies, people’s number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Death is number two. Does that sound right? This means to the average person, if you go to a funeral, you’re better off in the casket than doing the eulogy.”

The Five Ps – Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance

Echo Communications’ systematic approach can help to eliminate the fear of public speaking. We have prepared dozen’s of CEOs and executives to make high-impact public speaking engagements.

We’ll teach you how to:

• Identify and write dynamic, memorable speeches that reach your key publics
• Know your audience, why they have come and what matters to them.
• Don’t read, speak to them – ensure you maintain eye contact.
• Engage your audience – be energetic, confident, enthusiastic and involve them.
• Find good sources and facts to support and add credibility to your presentation.
• Build sound bites, write for the ear not for the eye, keep it short and direct.
• Effectively use PowerPoint to support your presentation, not replace it.
• Develop valuable audience materials that they will want to take with them.
• Watch for audience feedback – A live audience means real-time feedback.
• Anticipate and prepare how you will answer audience questions