Media Training
Some trainers delight in ambush interviews. We don't, because they're not realistic. More importantly, we believe that’s the wrong way to confront an already-nervous trainee.
Our Training Approach
Instead, we start off with a discussion of the best practices in dealing with the media, illustrated with video and print examples. In our role-playing we build up your confidence by starting with an easy interview, graduating to more challenging questions only when you’re ready. We leave you feeling confident in your ability to handle the media effectively.
Cameron Communications Inc. doesn't offer a one-size-fits-all-needs type of training. We know that each client has unique needs, issues and challenges. We customize our training by conducting extensive research - just as a good journalist will do - to identify the sticky issues and tough questions.
Based on your unique needs, we can prepare you for all types of media interviews:
| Telephone | Editor's Desk-side | |
| Television | Satellite Media Tours | Ambush Interviews |
| Radio Talk Shows | ||
Print Interviews
This is where real journalism begins. Print interviews are actually more difficult than TV, and we specialize in preparing clients for these challenges, including trade publications, business journals and the consumer press. We can benchmark your skills with a pre-training interview by telephone and kick off your training session with a news story based on that interview. This process if often an eye-opener for trainees who aren’t convinced they need media training.
Television Interviews
TV interview opportunities can range from spot news and panel discussions to long-form talk shows and editorial replies. Each presents its own challenges, which we address in our extensive role-playing on video and critiques. We address such issues as how to dress, the distractions of a TV studio and how to avoid them, what make-up to wear, how to use your time in the "green room" to best effect, etc.
Satellite Media Tours
Few TV interviews are as challenging as the SMT. Doing multiple interviews, back-to-back, while looking straight on to the camera can be a daunting experience. Given the investment of time and money in booking an SMT, media training tailored to this unique format is a must.
Ambush Interviews
No, Geraldo Rivera is not hiding behind every bush, waiting to pounce.
But there are occasions when reporters will surprise you with an unexpected interview. What are your rights in that scenario? How can you handle an aggressive reporter who won't take no for an answer? What are the types of events and locations where they may lurk? Our training addresses all of these issues and gives you the poise and assurance to handle even Geraldo.
Radio Talk Shows
More time to develop your message is one real plus for talk show guests. But how do you handle the wild card of callers' unexpected questions? How do you regain control if the interview turns into an attack? These issues and others are addressed by Jim Cameron, based on his extensive experience as a radio talk show host in New York and Boston.
Telephone Interviews
This is the technology that you'll use most often to deal with reporters. Given its ubiquity and the harried nature of their work, most reporters will likely pick up a phone to interview you before they'll leave their offices. But how do you handle the "cold call" from a reporter on deadline? How can you stay on message without seeming evasive? How can you use other technologies to supplement a phone interview? We've got the answers and teach you all of them in our training.
Editor's Desk-side Sessions
Not every reporter or editor has the time to attend a media event or luncheon. Often, you have to carry your message to them, literally at their desks. How do you communicate your story to a harried reporter with a short attention span? How do you establish a rapport with a busy editor and get yourself "Rolodexed"? Our training and role-playing prepare you for this new interviewing challenge.