Media training courses are designed to help teach individuals how to coherently and efficiently interact with members of the media during and interview process and press conferences. The courses target any person that is bound to regularly interact with reporters and journalists but lacks the proper communication and public speaking skills. This could be a business person, government official, spokesperson or any other individual acting as an image to a brand or idea. The media training courses are also open to individuals that want to improve themselves without necessarily having the objective to interact with media members.

Overview

Course Description

Most media training courses will begin with an introduction to media theory. This familiarizes individuals with how the media works. The presentation usually covers all aspects of media such as print, radio, television and even social media. This is followed by practical strategies for handling interviews within the various aspects of the media. The strategies will involve interview preparations, organizing and delivery of the message, how to respond to different types of questions, and reporters tricks and traps. The skills and techniques taught may be unique to each element of the media such as radio and television.

Training Method

Media training courses are delivered through various methods to address all technicalities that may be involved. A course may begin with examples of successful and unsuccessful interviews to give learners an idea of what it is all about. It then proceeds to participants discussing their experiences and expectations followed by a lecture that may include PowerPoint presentations. Any questions regarding what has been taught are then addressed, and finally, participants are required to carry out interview simulations. The simulations may be recorded and later critiqued for learning purposes, but their overall importance is to allow members put into practice what they have learned.

Materials

Like in any other course, media training has materials that are used as a reference. In many situations, detailed interview scenarios are researched and prepared. The scenarios are usually based on real-life issues that participants are likely to encounter in the interview simulations. In addition to that, trainees may be given handouts covering the concepts learned which they can always refer to. Copies of the interview simulation are also given alongside and evaluation form. All these materials help participants identify the do’s and don’ts of a media interview and thus make them better spokesperson that can effectively communicate their agenda without chances of being misquoted.
Media training courses also involve conducting a pre-workshop briefing before training begins to deliver a more customized training presentation.