Posted By Kathy Wilson on April 16, 2025
Media interactions can make or break an organization's public image. Whether you're preparing for a press conference, broadcast interview, or podcast appearance, these seven media training tips will help you communicate with clarity and composure.
1. Know Your Message Points
You don’t want to boil the ocean in a media interview. Before any media engagement, identify 3-5 key messages you want to convey. These should be concise, memorable statements that capture your core points. Practice weaving these messages naturally into your responses, regardless of the questions asked. Remember the "bridge" technique: acknowledge the question, then transition to your message using phrases like "What's important to understand is..." or "The key point here is..."
Tip: If the reporter asks at the end of the interview whether there’s anything you’d like to add, use this as an opportunity to reiterate those key points.
2. Prepare for Challenging Questions
You never know when a curveball may be thrown your way. To ensure you’re ready, anticipate potential questions and develop thoughtful and concise responses without becoming defensive. When faced with a difficult query during an interview, pause briefly to collect your thoughts before responding. Turn back to bridging as a strategy to bring the interview back to your desired agenda.
3. Avoid Industry Jargon
Technical terms familiar to you might be confusing to a reporter or their audience. Practice explaining complex concepts in accessible language without talking down to your audience. This skill is particularly important when communicating technical information or data-heavy content. It may sound clichéd, but think about how you’d tell your company’s story to an acquaintance at a cocktail party or to your grandmother.
4. Control Your Pace and Tone
Speaking too quickly can make you appear nervous or unprepared. Practice a measured pace that allows listeners to absorb your message. Vary your tone to emphasize important points and avoid a monotonous delivery that might cause audiences to disengage.
5. Master Non-Verbal Communication
Your body language often communicates more than your words. Maintain eye contact, sit or stand with good posture, and use natural hand gestures to emphasize points. Avoid defensive postures like crossed arms or fidgeting. (Beware the swivel chair!) For video interviews, ensure your camera is at eye level and practice looking directly into the lens rather than at your own image.
6. Dress Appropriately for the Medium
Choose attire that reflects your organization's brand while considering the specific media context. For broadcast appearances, avoid busy patterns or small prints that can create distracting visual effects. Solid colors generally work best, but stay away from bright white or stark black.
7. Practice Makes Perfect
Media outlets often need concise quotes or clips. Practice crafting 10-15 second responses that encapsulate your message clearly and memorably. These "sound bites" should be authentic to your speaking style while being quotable and impactful.
Confidence in Every Conversation
Media training isn't about creating a scripted performance — it's about developing skills that allow your authentic self to communicate effectively, even under pressure. The most compelling spokespersons maintain their natural personality while delivering clear, consistent messages. Regular practice with these techniques will help you represent your organization effectively across all media platforms — and have reporters turning to you time and again for your thoughtful commentary.
Ready to communicate with clarity and composure? Tier One's Earned Media Team can help.
