Elevate Your Professional Impact
The reporter was on deadline and demanding a response.
Navigating media interactions is an art that demands more than just subject matter expertise. It requires an understanding of the nuances of communication – the subtleties that turn a good interview into a great one and a difficult question into an opportunity. Here are some best practices that I’ve found invaluable in my career as a broadcast journalist and communications director:
· Authentic Engagement: Be yourself. Authenticity resonates with audiences more than a perfectly polished script. Media coaching should enhance your natural communication style, not overhaul it.
· Strategic Messaging: Know your key messages inside out. What are the three things you want your audience to remember? Tailor every answer to reinforce these points without appearing evasive.
· Active Listening: Engage with the questions you're asked. This means not just hearing but understanding the inquiry, so you can address it thoughtfully. Sometimes, the question behind the question is what truly matters.
· Non-Verbal Cues: Communication is not just verbal. Body language, eye contact, and tone convey confidence and credibility. Being conscious of these can change the entire perception of your message.
Each interaction with the media is more than a momentary exchange; it’s a building block for your long-term reputation and brand.
#MediaRelations #PublicSpeaking #ExecutiveCoaching #LeadershipDevelopment #Communication
Vice President, Manager of Employee Experience | Employee Engagement, Culture
1yExcellent advice Terry L. Owens! Thank you for sharing!