Media Tactics

Frank Furness

Have you ever worked on a project that seems to take forever? At the beginning of this year I recorded a triple CD with on Media tactics with Michael Dodd and have only now released the final product. I guess part of it was my travelling and Michaels schedule, he lectures all over the world on media as well as at Westminster University and has a regular slot on Sky TV. Although Michael lives in London, he is from Australia and sadly he had to report on the Ashes Cricket tour that England won.
The first time I had a TV appearance, I had no idea what to expect, was terrified and decided immediately that I needed media training. I joined Michael’s programme and was amazed at how the media can either glorify or crucify you. I also realised the importance of media knowledge in business and how this can enhance your company, brand and increase profits (I love that phrase).
Here are some tips that I learned from Michael:
For Print Interviews:
• Find out what the angle is that the journalist is pursuing.
Ensure that the reporter understands your points
Provide good ‘quotes’, this is what reporters look for
Remember, nothing is ‘off the record’
TV and Radio
Have a key message prepared
Have 3 key points to discuss
Have a headline to sum up your most important point
Sound confident and in control, especially in the first 10 seconds
Use stories as examples
Mix emotions and fact
Be warm and human, you are the star of the show
Never use one word answers
Finally
Be as honest as you can with the interviewer
Speak authentically
Relax and have a good time
No one-word answers – ever
Think detail, think colour, think story
Take a listen to a cut from our Triple CD Resource ‘Media Tactics’

Frank Furness CSP CFP is a professional speaker and trainer specialising in sales and sales management. He has educated, entertained and inspired audiences in 42 countries. His publications and sales CDs have been sold globally. For more information or to sign up for the free ‘Sales Tips & Ideas’ newsletter, email frank@frankfurness.com or telephone+ 44 (0) 870 240 6505. www.frankfurness.comNOTE: You're welcome to "reprint" this article online as long as it remains complete and unaltered (including the "about the author" info at the end), and you send a copy of your reprint to frank@frankfurness.com Take a look at other articles, free software and e-Books at http://www.frankfurness.com/Download 39 Power Sales Closing Scripts at http://www.frankfurness.com/closingscripts.cfm