Guide
Preparing for a media interview
What to ask before you say yes, what broadcasters are meant to tell you, how to build messages that survive the edit, and what “off the record” really means.
Read the guideMedia Training
Jawsmith understands the rules of engagement with the media and how you can use them to your advantage. Learn how to craft messages and soundbites that will resonate with your audiences and get you to the top of a journalist’s most valuable contact list.
We live in a 24/7 global, digital, media age; organisations and leaders alike need to be able to harness the benefits it brings whilst minimising the pitfalls. Best practice cuts across all platforms.
Learn how to give insightful, influential answers which seamlessly drive your agenda. Understand what the media are looking for in a good spokesperson and how to prepare for both positive and challenging encounters. We can turn your office into a studio or visit a studio near you, depending on your needs.
More specialist training from Jawsmith
- Select committee preparation, understand how select committees work and how best to interact with them from submitting written evidence to giving oral evidence through interactive workshops and role-playing committees.
- Crisis Simulation, how organisations perform in a crisis can either enhance their reputation or undo decades of good will. Stress-test your crisis preparedness with a fully bespoke realistic crisis simulation. Understand how crises unfold in the digital age and what your team needs to do to keep one step ahead.
- Presentation training, conquer your fears and deliver your message with confidence and clarity. Understand what it takes to engage with your audience and develop your reputation as an expert.
Hilary is the consummate professional trainer and was very good at managing the discussion so it didn’t turn into intellectual waffle.
Questions, answered
Frequently asked questions about media training.
What is media training?
Bespoke preparation for interviews with journalists across broadcast, print and online. Sessions cover developing your messages, understanding what the media are looking for in a good spokesperson, and rehearsing on camera with detailed feedback.
Where does media training take place?
Either in your own office, which Jawsmith can turn into a studio, or at a studio near you, depending on what you need.
Who is media training for?
Anyone who speaks for an organisation: chief executives and board members, communications and press teams, subject experts and any nominated spokesperson likely to face a journalist.
Do you prepare people for hostile interviews as well as friendly ones?
Yes. Preparation covers both positive and challenging encounters, so you are ready whether the interview is an opportunity or an interrogation.
Is the training tailored to our organisation?
Yes. There is no one size fits all approach at Jawsmith. Every session is preceded by research into your organisation and the current issues in your sector, so the questions you face in the room are the ones you would face in reality.
In a real studio
Studio training days
When a session needs broadcast conditions, Hilary runs it in a working studio near Chichester, with an earpiece in your ear, three cameras on you and an engineer in the gallery.
Free guides and tools
Free tool
Interview planner
Work out your key messages, proof points and hardest questions, then print a one-page brief to take in with you. Saved in your browser as you type.
Open the toolFree tool
Tough question drill
Fifty awkward questions from interviews, crises and committee rooms, against the clock. Answer out loud, then see what the question was trying to do.
Open the toolRelated training
Select Committee Preparation
Understand what it takes to demonstrate to policy makers that you are the expert and you have it covered. Select Committees are a marathon and not a sprint, with different rules of engagement to the average Q&A. We demystify the process and get your organisation committee ready.
Find out moreCrisis Simulation
Is your organisation crisis ready? Are you confident your executives understand the discipline of crisis communications? From crisis communication training to full blown simulation exercises, we can make sure your organisation can sail any choppy waters ahead.
Find out morePresentation Training
More people fear public speaking than death, so the saying goes. We help you harness your fears to embrace the podium experience. We start by looking at what you say, and then how you can deliver your message with clarity and confidence.
Find out moreBuild communication confidence with Jawsmith
Let us help you, your teams and your executives communicate more effectively. Get in touch to find out more about us and our approach.