The Media Landscape: Recent Episodes
Media First
Join Julia Belle and Media First for your weekly bitesize guide to the news stories you need to know about. Created for comms and media team professionals – and media spokespeople - we’ll take you through the stories dominating the news agenda and discuss why they matter. Our “journo on the go” segment also explores what stories and news angles are coming up. And it is all neatly packed into just 15 minutes.
Imagine if employees in your organisation found out they were losing their jobs through an automated email telling them to hand back their laptops.
That bleak scenario just happened to one large bank.
And it was plunged into crisis mode.
Click here to read the original article this audio blog was created from.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Your organisation is getting media coverage it doesn’t like, or feels is unfair.
Bad coverage can be bad for the brand.
How do you react?
Would you blacklist the media outlet, refuse to let its journalists speak to your spokespeople, and vow not to send them any press releases?
Click here to read the original article this audio blog was created from.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
There's a lot of advice about the things to avoid saying.
But not so much about the language that can make interviews more impactful, signal to the audience that they need to pay attention, and help steer spokespeople away from dangerous ground.
Until now.
Click here to read the original article this audio blog was created from.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Talking in generalities is a mistake many media spokespeople make.
And it is an error that saw one high-profile journalist become increasingly frustrated with his interviewee this week.
“Why don’t you put some definition on these terms?” he asked.
Click here to read the original article this audio blog was created from.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Christian Horner described his sacking as the principal of Red Bull Racing as “a shock”.
But was it that much of a surprise for anyone else?
Or was it inevitable he would go after a turbulent time in the hotseat of the Formula 1 powerhouse?
Click here to read the original article this audio blog was created from.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
So, your organisation has just been slapped with a £21m fine by a regulator.
How would you respond?
Would you apologise?
Or would you attempt to draw a line under the issues and show they are in the past?
Click here to read the original article this audio blog was created from.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Yes, you read that right.
Not only is the strawberries and cream sandwich real, but it has also gone viral.
And it has generated some much-needed positive coverage and PR for a brand that has been in crisis media management mode for a long time.
Click here to read the original article this audio blog was created from.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
It’s been a little over a week since we gave you our analysis of a high-profile media interview disaster.
And yet there has already been another one with almost identical failings.
The interview even featured the same exasperated journalist.
Ready to find out who grabbed our attention for all the wrong reasons this week?
Click here to read the original article this audio blog was created from.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Fancy handling the crisis comms around escaped bears?
Or maybe being the spokesperson who has to answer journalist questions about the escapees?
It sounds like a dramatic and intense crisis scenario, doesn't it?
And it was one faced by a charity last week.
Click here to read the original article this audio blog was created from.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
It’s an interview that has been labelled as a ‘humiliation’.
It has also been described as ‘toe-curling’, ‘embarrassing’ and a ‘meltdown’.
And at one point, the exasperated journalist asked if there was “much point continuing this’.
What can you learn from it?
Click here to read the original article this audio blog was created from.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
How would you or your organisation’s spokesperson feel about being asked to appear on BBC Breakfast?
The programme attracts millions of viewers and presents a brilliant opportunity to catapult your organisation and its story into the spotlight.
But a high-profile interview like this can also feel daunting. The interviews are almost always live.
And they are often requested at short notice – as one of our recent media training delegates found out.
Click here to read the original article this audio blog was created from.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
“Sorry, my phone was on silent.”
We’ve all been there and used this excuse at times.
But how many have used it during a high-profile crisis comms incident?
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Repeated threats to end the interview early.
Telling the journalists what they should and should not ask about.
And accusing the presenter of not being a journalist.
These are just some of the many remarkable moments that came during an extraordinary radio interview.
Click here to read the original article this audio blog was created from.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Using too many filler words is a topic that often comes up during our media training and presentation skills training courses.
Delegates watch recordings of their initial performances and are often surprised by how much they use them.
But does it matter? And if it does, what can you do about it?
Click here to read the original article this audio blog was created from.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
You know that crisis management training is the foundation of your organisation's ability to respond quickly and effectively when the worst happens.
Whether it is a workplace accident, product failure, a data breach, supply chain issues or the behaviour of senior leaders, all businesses need to prepare properly, so they can act swiftly and communicate with clarity.
If they do, they can limit the damage to their reputation and share price. And prevent a crisis from turning into chaos.
But are there other benefits to crisis management training?
Click here to read the original article this audio blog was created from.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
“Rats the size of feet”, “rats the size of dachshunds” and “rats the size of cats”.
Birmingham’s ongoing bin dispute has given the city an image problem, with the narrative dominated by rodents and their size as piles of rubbish built up.
The city’s reputation has undoubtedly taken a hammering.
How can it recover from this ongoing crisis?
Click here to read the original article this audio blog was created from.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Customers unable to use contactless payments to buy goods or collect items bought with and click and collect services.
This is not just any cyber crisis, it is an M&S Easter cyber crisis.
Click here to read the original article this audio blog was created from.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Whether speaking to the media, using social media, creating a presentation or working on internal communication, you need compelling messages that cut through the noise and engage your target audience.
That can all feel a bit overwhelming.
How do you know what makes a good message? How do you know your message will drive desired outcomes? How can you ensure your message will resonate?
Click here to read the original article this audio blog was created from.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Do you fancy learning some media training advice from a former White House press secretary?
Jen Psaki was Joe Biden’s spokesperson for 16 months
Now a host at MSNBC, Ms Psaki has just shared what she believes is the worst media training advice.
Click here to read the original article this audio blog was created from.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Who fancies a more positive story to look at this week?
After giving you our thoughts on the Heathrow shutdown and everything that has gone wrong at Tesla, we didn’t want to offer another crisis media management blog.
Instead, a brilliant bit of social media PR grabbed our attention.
Click here to read the original article this audio blog was created from.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
It's a crisis with some remarkable numbers - more than 270,000 disrupted air passenger journeys.
Europe’s busiest airport was plunged into full crisis media management mode after it suffered a power outage because of a fire at a nearby electricity substation.
But now the dust has settled, what crisis comms lessons can you learn from the shutdown?
Click here to read the original article this audio blog was created from.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Is a sudden IT outage in your crisis communication plan?
Do you feel prepared to handle the social media outrage and media scrutiny it could bring?
Outages are a hot topic currently.
And even a brief one can cause a reputation hit.
Click here to read the original article this audio blog was created from.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
What do two of the country’s leading banks, a powerhouse advertising company and high-profile business leaders have in common?
Well, they have all been making headlines over changes to working-from home-arrangements.
Alterations to home and hybrid working policies are increasingly gripping the news agenda and leading debate.
And how those stories are handled offers crisis communication and media training lessons.
Click here to read the original article this audio blog was created from.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
We are often asked, “How do you make the biggest impact in media interviews?”
It's a question that is posed a lot during our media training courses.
So, we thought we would get one of our brilliant trainers to answer it.
Click here to read the original article this audio blog was created from.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Have you heard the story about the people stranded in Britain’s highest pub?
While that may feel like a dream scenario for many of us as we battle through January, six staff and four guests were actually stuck at the Tan Hill Inn, in the Yorkshire Dales.
And the story provided a brilliant example of newsjacking.
Click here to read the original article this audio blog was created from.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
One of the golden rules of media training is not to show frustration at interview questions.
But that can be tough.
Interviews do not always go as planned, and spokespeople may face unexpected and uncomfortable questions.
They may face some that feel personal.
But when anger and frustration slip into interviews, they are propelled to a far wider audience – for the wrong reasons.
Click here to read the original article this audio blog was created from.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
There’s a lot going on in the news.
But one of the stories that seems to keep bubbling up over the past few weeks is how much money the Government has spent on media training.
The latest story reports that more than £18,000 of taxpayer’s cash has been spent on the training. How is the story being covered? And is the criticism justified?
Click here to read the original article this audio blog was created from, click here. click here.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
You can probably imagine the scenarios included in an airline’s crisis communication plan.
Extreme weather, mechanical malfunctions, cyber-attacks and the mistreatment of passengers trending on social media are all likely to feature prominently.
But what about showing an ‘inappropriate’ or spicy film to every passenger on a flight? And passengers being unable to turn off their screens?
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
One of Kamala Harris’s media interviews has caused a storm.
Not because of anything the Democratic nominee said.
But because she chose to appear on a podcast rather than traditional media.
To read the original article this audio blog was created from, click here. click here.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Laura Kuenssberg’s cancelled interview with former Prime Minister Boris Johnson continues to gain lots of attention.
What would have been a high-profile interview was canned after she accidentally sent him her briefing notes.
The political journalist had been due to speak to him about his memoirs – called Unleashed - but posted on X that the “frustrating” gaffe “obviously means it’s not right for the interview to go ahead.”
And the error reminds us of a question we are often asked during our media training sessions.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
What’s the aim of a media training course?
Is it simply to help spokespeople avoid saying something damaging?
Well, the hosts of a popular podcast believe it is.
And we don’t like the sound of that.
To read the original article this audio blog was created from, click here.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
We all know the news cycle can feel bleak and depressing.
But are you aware it is causing record numbers of people to avoid the news?
Media First are media and communications training specialists with over 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Click here to find out more about our media training.
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Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
We’re a little late with this one.
But we recently stumbled across a great example of brilliant business writing.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Click here to find out more about our writing skills training.
Subscribe here to be among the first to receive our blogs.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
The dust has started to settle on this year’s general election.
Labour has gained a historic win, achieved a sizeable majority, and Keir Starmer has begun to get to work in Downing Street.
Weeks of campaigning are now consigned to the history books.
But what media training lessons can you learn from them?
To read the original article this audio blog was created from, click here.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
It tends to be easier to find examples of media interviews that have gone badly wrong.
But we don’t just want to share the bad and the ugly with you in our media training blogs.
We also want to highlight those spokespeople who excel and deliver compelling interviews.
And our expert media trainers have been captivated by two excellent interviews.
To read the original article this audio blog was created from, click here.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
That was the issue faced by Sainsbury’s over the weekend as it was plunged into crisis media management mode.
An overnight software update meant the “vast majority” of the supermarket’s online orders couldn’t be fulfilled on Saturday.
And the glitch also caused some stores to be unable to accept contactless payment, with customers having to resort to using a physical bank card or cash to buy goods.
To read the original article this audio blog was created from, click here.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Formula One is back for another season.
But the sport is embroiled in more drama away from the track and a crisis that shows no sign of slowing.
Its dominant team has spent more than a month facing headlines on the front and back pages over allegations about the conduct of its leader Christian Horner.
What can we learn from it about crisis communication?
To read the original article this audio blog was created from, click here
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Imagine making an error in a press release that is described as a '$2 billion typo'.
Well, that was the situation Lyft found itself in after a rogue zero was added to figures about its predicted financial performance.
And it ensured the ride-hailing company endured a bumpy journey with lots of headlines and media appearances.
To read the original article this audio blog was created from, click here.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
How would your organisation respond if a watchdog found “multiple instances of race discrimination” in the way it operated?
That was the position Pontins found itself in after the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) concluded it had committed several breaches of the Equality Act.
The holiday park operator discriminated Travellers by drawing up a list of "undesirable" Irish surnames.
To read the original article this audio blog was created from, click here.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Imagine you work in comms for a premium car company. You are keen for your spokesperson to dispel the claim your vehicles are more often stolen than others. Probably the worst thing they could do in this situation is repeat the negative language used by the media. It is something we always highlight during our media training courses – it is a golden media training rule
Yet, we continue to see spokespeople make the same mistake.
To read the original article this audio blog was created from, click here
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Ever wondered just how important it is to have examples you can use in media interviews?
It is something we always stress during our media training courses. You will also have read us go on about it in these blogs.
And two interviews that saw a journalist repeatedly ask for examples to support a claim have received plenty of attention this week and act as a great reminder.
To read the original article this audio blog was created from, click here.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Apologies – or the lack of them – never seem to drift too far from the top of the media agenda.
Accountability matters whether it is a business or an individual. But all too often, ‘sorry’ seems to be the hardest word to say.
The latest evidence of this is provided by Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey, who created a media training case study on how not to handle an interview when under scrutiny.
To read the original article this audio blog was created from, click here.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
The new year is supposed to be a time of new starts.
But Boeing has found itself facing a familiar PR and crisis media management headache at the beginning of 2024.
The company’s reputation was again forced into a tailspin when part of the fuselage – known as a door plug – tore off while the aircraft was travelling at around 16,000 feet.
It's the latest instalment in a damaging and long-running crisis for the aviation giant.
To read the original article this audio blog was created from, click here.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
How can you tell that a spokesperson has given a great media interview?
Well, if the journalist replies to one of their answers with “gosh”, it could be a clue they have done an excellent job.
That’s what happened at the end of an interview that grabbed our attention this week.
To read the original article this audio blog was created from, click here.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
It’s almost the time of year when we review the best and worst interviews of the past 12 months.
The list has been compiled (and we’ve checked it twice) ahead of our masterclass in December, which you can register for here.
And then along comes a late entry.
To read the original article this audio blog was created from, click here
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Do you remember the CEO who gave an emotional press conference when her business was at the centre of a massive data breach?
Well, whether it’s just unlucky or accident-prone, barely a year after the worst data breach in Australian history, Optus and Kelly Bayer Rosmarin are back in the crisis communication spotlight.
The telecommunications company’s frail reputation has been further battered by a mass network outage that left people without phone or internet connection.
And its response has been labelled as a "clown show" and a "PR disaster".
To read the original article this audio blog was created from, click here.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Have you heard the story of the driver who was ‘kidnapped’ by his electric car?
The gripping tale of the runaway car that ran red lights and roundabouts before being rammed by a police van has been everywhere.
It has featured in national newspapers, websites and radio programmes.
And it offers some media training lessons.
To read the original article this audio blog was created from, click here.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
You don’t have to be the biggest football fan to know there has been a lot of controversy recently.
“Significant human error” resulted in a perfectly good goal being ruled out in a showpiece match between Tottenham and Liverpool.
That mistake has filled airtime, column inches, social media channels and WhatsApp feeds.
Then, just as it seemed the story might be running out of impetus, a key figure breathed fresh life and a big helping of contention into the sorry saga.
To read the original article this audio blog was created from, click here.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Radio can grab attention like nothing else.
When a spokesperson delivers a compelling interview, people quickly switch from hearers to listeners.
But the same is also true of spokespeople who deliver poor interviews.
And there was an interview on LBC last week that grabbed our attention for all the wrong reasons.
To read the original article this audio blog was created from, click here.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
So, there is another ‘cake gate’ crisis.
And this one doesn’t involve a Prime Minister and lockdown restrictions.
Instead, former Coronation Street actress Catherine Tyldesley has found herself at the centre of a viral scandal, numerous damaging headlines and unwanted press attention over what has been dubbed ‘cake-gate’.
And, as providers of crisis communication training, we think there are lessons others can learn from the story.
To read the original article this audio blog was created from, click here.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
There are many ways a media interview can veer off track.
Having too many messages, failing to prepare, using jargon, being evasive and losing your cool when faced with challenging questions are some ways an interview can start to go wrong.
But what about when a spokesperson starts to ask the journalist questions?
To read the original article this audio blog was created from, click here.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience.
We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
It is a question increasingly being asked amid accusations of posturing for profit and virtue signalling.
And a recent story that has received plenty of attention has brought it to the forefront again.
While much of Europe has been affected by soaring temperatures and wildfires led to holidaymakers being evacuated in some countries, the banking affairs of former MEP have gripped UK headlines.
To read the original article this audio blog was created from, click here.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Imagine if your approach to a media interview was described as ‘wasting airtime’.
Or if the presenter wrapped it up by saying, “It is an interesting policy – even if we don’t quite understand it.”
And the newspaper reports that followed suggested you have been ‘skewered’.
With feedback like this it’s easy to understand why media spokespeople need ongoing support and media training ahead of their media appearances.
To read the original article this audio blog was created from, click here.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
We’ve been talking a lot lately about podcasts.
As well as guiding you through how to get started with your podcast, we’ve also explored how to prepare spokespeople to appear on this format.
And, if you needed any evidence of why that preparation is so crucial, an interview that grabbed our attention provided the perfect example.
To read the original article this audio blog was created from, click here.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
We watch and listen to a lot of media interviews and public appearances.
There are always media training and public speaking lessons people can learn from them.
And this week has been particularly memorable, with the comments made by several spokespeople grabbing headlines, dominating social media and even impacting share prices.
To read the original article this audio blog was created from click here.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
If you follow us on LinkedIn or TikTok you may have seen some posts containing examples of infamous interviews and the lessons you can learn from them.
The ones shared so far include Robert Downey Jnr walking out of a Channel 4 interview, the PR manager of S Club 7 storming on set and ending an interview over a question about money and the boss of a water firm providing an example of how not manage a press conference.
Each video includes media training advice and tips from Victoria Smith, one of our expert tutors.
And Rishi Sunak has recently provided some interview examples we are sure to add to that series.
To read the original article this audio blog was created from click here.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Most of us had probably given This Morning little thought before.
After all, it’s on when we are working.
But it has been hard to escape during the past few weeks of intense speculation, revelations and rolling coverage?
What can brands learn from the crisis?
To read the original article this audio blog was created from click here.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
We know you understand the main benefits of media training.
It helps your spokespeople communicate with clarity and confidence, making the most of media opportunities and giving attention-grabbing interviews.
They learn practical techniques to answer difficult questions from journalists and bring messages to life in a way that resonates with the audience and compels them to take action.
It helps them overcome the fears that often surround being asked to give a media interview. And, of course, avoid interview blunders.
But there are also hidden benefits participants and clients often uncover during - and even after - a media skills training course.
To read the original article this audio blog was created from click here.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
The phrase ‘car crash interview’ is often branded about on social media.
There normally tends to be little merit to the description.
But this week, the use of the phrase has been a little more apt.
Step forward, Suella Braverman.
To read the original article this audio blog was created from click here. Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Wouldn’t it be great to know what journalists want from your organisation and what you can give them to boost your chances of securing great coverage?
Well, a new report does just that.
Cision’s 2023 Global State of the Media Report pulls together the thoughts and insights of more than 3,000 journalists worldwide.
Now in its 14th annual edition, it looks at the challenges reporters face and how comms professionals can help them.
To read the original article this audio blog was created from click here.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
The benefits of media training are not always obvious to everyone. Something we often hear is that a CEO doesn't need media training. Why?
Because 'they've done loads of interviews before', 'they've done lots of public speaking', 'they can handle difficult questions' or 'they are very confident'. But this doesn't help bosses make the most of media interviews and get their key messages across to their target audience.
So, what should you do with a CEO who doesn't want media training?
To read the original article this audio blog was created from click here. Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
How do you solve a problem like the CBI?
The scandal-hit trade body, which represents 190,000 businesses, has been in full crisis mode since The Guardian reported claims of workplace misconduct, harassment and sexual assault.
Former boss Tony Danker has been sacked following complaints about his behaviour and many organisations have moved to distance themselves from the lobby group.
Now its new boss has suggested a rebrand could be part of the efforts to rebuild its reputation.
To read the original article this audio blog was created from click here.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Leaked footage of the company meeting has received millions of views and resulted in countless headlines.
And the story continues to rumble on.
It is the latest example of how senior leaders behave and what they say can pose huge reputational risks.
To read the original article this audio blog was created from click here.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Questions can be a huge source of concern for presenters.
What happens if you don't know the answer?
What about if you don't hear the question properly?
Or you get asked something uncomfortable?
That's a lot of questions about questions.
To read the original article this audio blog was created from click here. Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. W
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Following our recent masterclass on ‘Making the most of broadcast media opportunities’ we had so many additional questions and comments from our viewers that we just couldn’t get through them in the time. So we decided to make a podcast.
Join James White and our media expert Victoria Smith as they answer your questions including, how to make your spokespeople to stand out in a crowded market, when it’s ok to ask for questions in advance and how to start building relationships with the right journalists.
And for when you do secure that media opportunity, we’ve also included some tips on handling the nerves.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Should organisations get involved in political activism and use their platforms to raise awareness of issues and pursue lasting change?
Or is getting involved worth the risk of controversy and alienating customers?
These are questions many companies are increasingly trying to answer.
And one of the world’s biggest beer brands has produced a case study on how not to do it.
To read the original article this audio blog was created from click here.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience.
We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
A weather bulletin may seem likely an unlikely starting point for a media training blog.
But a recent one contained a brilliant example of how spokespeople should use numbers in media interviews.
The presenter showed a photograph of giant waves caused by Storm Noa that swept across the UK last week.
And he said: “The waves were thought to be eight metres high – that’s about the size of two double-decker busses.”
Why is that such a great way to make numbers memorable?
To read the original article this audio blog was created from click here.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience.
We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
We are increasingly asked about the role of video in crisis communication.
Can it help you control the narrative and get your message to more people when you are in the spotlight?
Can it help you better connect with customers and supporters when you are under intense scrutiny?
And, if you do include apology videos in your crisis comms strategy, what makes a good one?
To read the original article this audio blog was created from click here. Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
The words of presenter Shelagh Fogarty as a radio interview came to a premature and memorable end.
And having just highlighted in our media training blogs how a spokesperson performed well in a challenging interview, we thought we also better look at this example of how not to do it.
It was provided by Dr Timothy Brain, the former chief constable of Gloucestershire Constabulary, when he appeared on LBC.
To read the original article this audio blog was created from click here.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience.
We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Words matter.
And as scrutiny increases over what language is appropriate and inappropriate to use, it can be harder to find the right ones.
To navigate this, Oxfam released an ‘inclusive language guide’ to help staff talk about its work.
Among the recommendations is that parent replaces mother and father. Humankind is suggested in place of mankind.
And “is affected by” should be used when describing someone with a health condition. But the guidance saw the charity face a ferocious backlash.
To read the original article this audio blog was created from click here.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience.
We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Saying sorry is a crucial part of crisis communication.
Get it right and you can diffuse the situation, minimise the reputational hit and rebuild trust.
But when apologies go wrong, they can make the crisis worse.
A new book shines some light on how to get it right and breaks down apologies into six steps.
To read the original article this audio blog was created from click here.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience.
We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
How do you feel about asking questions at the end or during a presentation, webinar or masterclass?
Do you worry about asking something that could make you seem silly?
Do you think it won’t interest anyone else?
Maybe you feel your question is obvious or simple and that everyone else in the audience knows the answer.
Asking questions in front of a crowd can make us feel vulnerable.
But good questions pose a great opportunity for those asking them.
They can enhance your understanding of the subject, create a better exchange of ideas, show a desire to improve and raise your profile.
To read the original article this audio blog was created from click here. Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Those were the words of Nick Robinson as he cut short one of the most memorable recent interviews.
When we say ‘memorable’, it was for all the wrong reasons.
The Today programme presenter was interviewing Alexander Stafford, a former Parliamentary aide to Boris Johnson.
And the interview quickly went spectacularly wrong.
To read the original article this audio blog was created from click here. Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
The is a lot of buzz about ChatGPT. The artificial intelligence chatbot - trained to interact in a conversational way - is already being put to the test in everything from writing articles and songs to language translation.
In one case, a recruitment team unwittingly recommended the language model for a job interview after it completed an application task. And the publishers of the Daily Mirror are exploring whether it could write routine traffic and weather stories in its local titles. But what about crisis communication? Could ChatGPT - the fastest-growing web app in history - and AI have a role to play here?
To read the original article this audio blog was created from click here.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
How do you feel about radio and television interviews?
Most people tend to have mixed emotions.
During our media training courses, we find delegates understand the huge exposure a broadcast interview can create.
But these interviews, particularly live broadcast ones, can feel intimidating.
What happens if you forget your key talking points, are asked challenging questions or struggle to effectively communicate your story?
To read the original article this audio blog was created from click here.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Print interviews offer a brilliant opportunity to cover a story in more depth.
You have more time to explain the background and put an issue into context.
And there is often a belief they are easier than broadcast ones – it is something we often hear during our media training courses.
But don’t be fooled.
While you may not find yourself stumbling over your words or feeling the pressure ramped up in a TV studio, print interviews offer pitfalls as well as opportunities.
To read the original article this audio blog was created from click here.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
British Gas boss Chris O’Shea has been busy.
The CEO of Centrica – the company that owns the energy giant – has been at the front of the response to harrowing stories about how it treats vulnerable customers.
An undercover investigation had revealed debt collectors used by the company forcing their way into homes to install prepayment meters.
The story was the front-page lead in The Times under the headline ‘British Gas breaks into homes of the vulnerable’. And it included a distressing first-hand account from a reporter who was part of a team that forced their way into a family home during January’s freezing cold snap.
How has he handled his time in the spotlight?
To read the original article this audio blog was created from click here.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
So, Matt Hancock has returned to our screens.
And this time, the controversial former health secretary was not eating something disgusting or coming into close contact with creepy crawlies.
Instead, he appeared on Good Morning Britain to discuss himself for around 30 minutes.
And amid covering his appearance on I’m A Celebrity, the amount of his appearance fee he donated to charity, and yet more questions about his affair and breaking lockdown guidelines, the conversation veered on to media training.
To read the original article this audio blog was created from click here
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
What should you do when you’re asked a question in a media interview you don’t know how to answer?
It is a scenario delegates on our media training courses often tell us causes them the most worry.
They fear they will seem foolish or say something that will come back to haunt them.
But what about saying “I don’t know”?
To read the original blog that this audio blog was created from click here.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience.
We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Who doesn’t like it when cake is brought into the office?
It helps celebrate milestones, can boost morale, gets people together, and offers a crumb of comfort during the most trying days.
But what about the impact on our bulging waistlines?
Our latest blog looks at how a comparison between cake and passive smoking created global headlines. And a big slice of controversy.
To read the original blog that this audio blog was created from click here.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
It feels like it has been January for about six months already.
It’s cold, gloomy and payday inexplicably remains weeks away.
And the news is dominated by depressing stories as the winter of discontent grips.
But amid the darkness, there is a story captivating large numbers of people and offering hope and joy.
To read the original blog that this audio blog was created from click here.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience.
We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters and communications coaches..
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Spare a thought for the Elizabeth Arden comms team.
The skincare brand has found itself at the centre of an internet storm thanks to some astonishing revelations in Price Harry's bombshell book.
And those crown jewels revelations have also created widespread media coverage.
How has the company responded to the sensational story?
To read the original blog that this audio blog was created from click here
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience.
We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers. Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
How does the thought of giving a media interview make you feel?
If it makes you feel jittery, nervous and stressed, the good news is you are not alone.
Even experienced and confident spokespeople worry and can suffer from interview anxiety.
So, how can you overcome those nerves, sweaty palms and shaky hands, and make the most of your next media interview?
To read the original blog that this audio blog was created from click here
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
When will they learn?
Dodging questions in media interviews is never a good look.
The audience hates it. It antagonises journalists. And it does not make the issue go away.
It also leaves spokespeople looking evasive and slippery.
Just ask Rishi Sunak.
His first set-piece interview of 2023 has been undermined by a question about whether he uses private healthcare.
It happened during an interview with Laura Kuenssberg on BBC’s Sunday.
Asked if he has been registered with a private GP, the Prime Minister said, “My dad was a doctor. I grew up in an NHS family”, which appeared to be the answer to an entirely different question.
When the journalist interrupted that scripted response and asked the question again, he said: “As a general policy, I wouldn’t ever talk about me or my family’s healthcare situation. It is not really relevant. What is relevant is the difference I can make to the country.”
Ms Kuenssberg interrupted him, asking him why he won’t say whether he has private healthcare.
“It is a distraction from what the real issue is,” he said. “The real issue is, are we making sure there is high-quality healthcare available for the country?
“When it comes to the private sector in general, we should be making use of the independent sector. I don’t have any problem with that whatsoever.”
This approach to a pretty straightforward question resulted in more damaging headlines for Mr Sunak.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
How was your Christmas?
Well, hopefully, it was better than that experienced by the doctor surgery – and its shocked patients - that saw a message muddle create panic and damaging global headlines.
The practice had intended to send its patients a Christmas message.
But instead, managed to wrongly inform them they had “aggressive lung cancer with metastases”
In this blog that has been converted to audio, we look at the crisis communication lessons that can be learnt from this Christmas horror story.
To read the original blog that this audio blog was created from click here
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
What spokespeople stood out this year?
Every December, we like to look back over the past 12 months and highlight those who have stood out for the way they have managed their time in the spotlight.
This year, the list includes a world leader, campaigners, a sporting star and someone who makes you want to listen whenever they speak.
In this blog that has been converted to audio, we look at what made them stand out.
And the lessons other spokespeople can learn from them.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
It has been another newsworthy year.
Three Prime Ministers (currently), a war in Ukraine and a cost-of-living crisis are just some of the stories that have dominated the headlines this year and seen Covid slip down the news bulletins.
Some of those who have found themselves in the spotlight have handled the media expertly.
Others have produced interviews that have left a lot to be desired.
And, as is our tradition at this time of year, in this blog that has been converted to audio, we are going to look back at those who got it wrong and the media training lessons you can learn from them.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
If you’ve been on our media training courses, you may have heard us say, “just be yourself”.
Personality is a crucial ingredient in media interview success – we want to see and hear from people who sound human and warm.
And one spokesperson produced a masterclass on how to do this, delivering an interview that was authentic, inclusive and packed with personality.
In this blog that has been converted to audio, we look at an interview one of our tutors described as a ‘masterclass’.
We also explore what made it so good and what other media spokespeople can learn from it.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
When the worst happens, you must respond quickly.
And that time frame for responding is constantly changing – the latest thinking suggests organisations have less than 15 minutes to respond to a crisis.
One of the keys to meeting this tight deadline is to have prepared holding statements you can easily adapt to cover the incident.
An effective holding statement will buy an organisation crucial time until it can get a better understanding of what has happened and issue more details. It will also help prevent the spread of rumour and speculation.
In this blog that has been converted to audio, we explore what a good holding statement should include and take you through an example.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
It’s probably a scenario familiar to many of you who work in comms or media.
Your pitch has gained a journalist’s attention. Great publicity and widespread coverage are only an interview away.
The only problem is the spokesperson has got cold feet and doesn’t want to be interviewed. Or they’ve stopped returning your calls.
It is a situation many of us in comms, media and PR have experienced. And is one that always leaves us with our heads in our hands.
In this blog that has been converted to audio, we explore how you can persuade reluctant media spokespeople.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
On our media training courses, we regularly talk about the power and importance of examples in media interviews.
And there is little doubt they enhance interviews, regardless of whether they are for television, radio or print.
Not only do they add credibility to proceedings, but they also bring messages to life, help influence the direction of the conversation and enable the spokesperson to connect with the audience.
But not just any examples.
In this blog that has been converted to audio, we explore the value of personal stories. And discuss why it is crucial spokespeople and comms teams agree on how much of themselves they are prepared to share in interviews.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
It’s everyone’s worst nightmare. You’re in the middle of a presentation or coming to a critical point in a media interview, and suddenly your mind goes blank.
What on earth were you going to say? Where are you going with this? What the heck comes next?
During our media and presentations training courses, delegates often ask: “What do I do if my mind goes blank?”
In this blog that has been converted to audio, we look at why our brains can sometimes switch off at vital moments.
And we explore how you can overcome this common problem and get your media interview and presentation back on track.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
We talk about bridging a lot during our Media First training courses.
It is a way a spokesperson can respond to a challenging question they may not want to answer by using a form of words to move the conversation back to the topic they want to talk about.
When used well, it sounds natural and can be difficult for most people to detect.
But when the technique is used without the necessary subtlety, it is obvious to the journalist and the audience that the bridging technique is being used clumsily.
In this blog that has been converted to audio, we look at what makes a good bridging phrase, how to use the technique successfully and 14 bridging phrases you can use to get started.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Personality is a crucial component of a good presentation, whether it takes place face-to-face or remotely.
It can be the decisive factor delivering something that compels, persuades and hooks your audience.
“Let your personality shine through” is advice often given about presentations.
But it is not as easy as that, particularly when many of us find being asked to give a presentation daunting.
In this blog that has been converted to audio, we look at how you can stop leaving your personality at home and make the stage your own – whether you are presenting face-to-face or remotely.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Presentations can be scary.
And one of the parts that frighten people the most is answering questions from the audience.
On our presentation skills training courses, we often find delegates are worried questions will blow their presentation off course and undo the good work that has gone before.
Or they will face a question they won’t know how to answer.
And that’s a shame because being asked questions should be embraced. It shows the audience is interested, engaged and keen to learn more about your subject.
In this blog that has been converted to audio, we explore how presenters should handle questions during a presentation.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Podcasts are going from strength to strength.
There are now more than a million active podcasts and 30 million podcast episodes. And in the UK, podcasts now reach an audience of 15.6 million people.
So, it is perhaps not surprising we are increasingly asked to provide media training for people about to appear on podcasts.
In this blog that has been converted to audio, we explore why appearing on a podcast is not the same as being asked to go into a radio studio and give a live interview. We also look at why it can still feel daunting despite appearing more relaxed.
And we give lots of tips to help ensure your spokespeople can be great podcast guests.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
If you don’t have anyone to tell your story, no one will hear it.
Spokespeople promote their organisation’s achievements and defend its reputation during crisis media management incidents.
But there is a big difference between talking to the media and getting your messages across to the audience you want to reach.
Each media situation is different, and every spokesperson will have their unique style.
But there are characteristics effective spokespeople have – and we outline them in this blog that has now been converted to audio.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Did you see the BBC interview with the Royal Mail boss about the postal workers' pay dispute?
Did you spot anything unusual about it?
Well, it seems he may have had an aide writing responses or crucial points for him on a whiteboard as he spoke.
And it distracted from the message he wanted to get across.
In this blog that has been converted to audio, we look at the fallout from the interview and why it was so damaging.
We also explore some similar disruptions in media interviews and whether comms professionals should sit in on media interviews.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
You’ve secured that high-profile interview, and the journalist is coming to meet you.
You’ve had recent media training and worked through the message you want to get across.
And you’ve pulled together some human examples.
It might seem that you’re well set. But hang on, have you considered the interview location?
In this blog that has been converted to audio, we look at an interview where the background took centre stage and resulted in ridicule.
We also explore why interview optics are crucial and how you can ensure you get them right for your next television interview.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
What are the social media trends you need to know about?
Which platforms should you expect to grow in popularity?
What content is performing the best?
And what will happen on social media in 2023?
These are just some of the questions we explored during a masterclass for members of The Media Team Academy.
And in this blog that has been converted to audio, we recap what it covered.
We also offer tips and advice on making content that grabs attention and results in action. And highlight tools that can improve your content and make life a bit easier.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
What did you make of comedian Joe Lycett ‘shredding £10,000’ after David Beckham failed to back out of this World Cup deal with Qatar?
The campaign generated huge media coverage.
And split opinion between those who believe it has damaged brand Beckham and others uncomfortable with money seemingly being destroyed when so many are struggling.
But it also raised questions about how organisations should manage reputation threats raised by activists.
In this blog that has been converted to audio, we look at the coverage generated by the campaign and explore why David Beckham’s response might work.
We also look at what other organisations can learn from the story.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
It’s been quite a year.
There’s the ongoing war in Ukraine, the death of Queen Elizabeth II, and we’ve had three different Prime Ministers.
And while global health scares appear to have taken something of a backseat, they’ve been replaced in the headlines by the cost-of-living crisis.
Delve a little deeper, and a year that has seen record temperatures has also brought warnings of a ‘climate catastrophe’.
Amid all this, there has also been a succession of brands and individuals that have found themselves in the media spotlight for all the wrong reasons.
In this blog that has been converted to audio, we look at the crises that stood out for us in 2022. And the lessons we can learn from them.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
Authenticity has become something of a buzzword in recent times.
It is a term applied to just about everything, from authentic leaders and marketing to, authentic furniture and clothing.
Although everyone seems to seek authenticity, few people can define what it is.
Look it up in the dictionary, and you will find terms like ‘genuine’, ‘accurate’, ‘reliable’ and ‘not a copy’.
When applied to people, it seems best defined as ‘being yourself’. But when it comes to media interviews it is not as simple as that.
In this blog that has been converted to audio, we look at what it means to be an authentic media spokesperson.
Media First are media and communications training specialists with more than 35 years of experience. We have a team of trainers, each with decades of experience working as journalists, presenters, communications coaches and media trainers.
We’ve already reached the final episode of the first series of The Media Landscape.
Please let us know what you thought about these past 10 episodes by emailing James and Julia at hello@thirtyseven.agency
To round up this series, Julia Belle looks at the latest developments surrounding the Royal Family, after a week in which Prince Andrew settled his sexual abuse lawsuit and police announced they were investigating Prince Charles’ charity.
She also looks at Big Jet TV – the channel that gripped the nation amid the Storm Eunice battering – and discusses the rise of wholesome, geeky content.
And she is joined by Adam Fisher for the ‘Journo on the go’ section to discuss Elon Musk’s latest self-induced social media storm.
Please check out our sponsor – Media First – who provide bespoke media and communications training. You can learn more about them at www.mediafirst.co.uk
The Media Landscape is produced by Thirty Seven – a journalist-led content marketing agency. Check them out at www.thirtyseven.agency
In this, the penultimate episode of Series 1 of The Media Landscape, Julia Belle looks at the resignation of Met Police commissioner Cressida Dick and the challenges the service faces in rebuilding public trust.
Julia also explores Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream receiving criticism from its owners Unilever about its latest political post and whether the brand will now stop discussing issues where it ‘lacks expertise’.
And she looks at whether the decision by the boss of the Co-op to take unpaid leave to help her sons through their exams could see the brand face some difficult questions.
Sports journalist Tom Clayton joins Julia Belle to discuss the story of footballer Kurt Zouma and the distressing viral video of him kicking a cat. Are there different rules for footballers than other members of the public?
Please check out our sponsor – Media First – who provide bespoke media and communications training. You can learn more about them at www.mediafirst.co.uk
The Media Landscape is produced by Thirty Seven – a journalist-led content marketing agency. Check them out at www.thirtyseven.agency
Welcome to the latest episode of The Media Landscape.
This week, Julia Belle looks at M&S and Aldi making peace over the cake war and what made the story grab so much attention.
Julia also discusses the Bank of England governor’s ‘don’t ask for a pay rise’ call.
And she explores whether rugby missed an opportunity to show it is an inclusive sport.
Julia is joined this week by TV and radio broadcaster Alex Morgan for the Journo on the Go segment to look at the Downing Street resignations, whether the Prime Minister is losing control and the mood around Westminster.
You can read more about the background to the cake conflict story in this blog https://www.mediafirst.co.uk/blog/caterpillar-conflict-what-can-we-learn-from-the-legal-battle-gripping-the-nation/
Please check out our sponsor – Media First – who provide bespoke media and communications training. You can learn more about them at www.mediafirst.co.uk
The Media Landscape is produced by Thirty Seven – a journalist-led content marketing agency. Check them out at www.thirtyseven.agency
Welcome to the latest episode of The Media Landscape.
This week Julia Belle looks at the trust issues surrounding the Met Police after it changed its mind over partygate and the surprising lack of awareness about major changes to the Highway Code.
She also discusses how a former government adviser boosted visitor numbers at a UK tourist attraction.
Julia is joined this week by Media First’s content editor Adam Fisher for the Journo on the Go segment. They discuss Spotify’s PR headache after Neil Young pulled his music from the streaming giant amid concerns about covid misinformation.
And they look at the phrase that saw a spokesperson go viral.
Please check out our sponsor – Media First – who provide bespoke media and communications training. You can learn more about them at www.mediafirst.co.uk
The Media Landscape is produced by Thirty Seven – a journalist-led content marketing agency. Check them out at www.thirtyseven.agency
Welcome to the latest episode of The Media Landscape.
Amid another turbulent week in Downing Steet, you won’t be surprised that Julia looks at the latest goings-on with ‘partygate’ and the Prime Minister’s battle to avoid accountability.
She also looks at how Nestle found itself in hot water and its jarring “we apologise if” response.
And she asks whether a bid to cull train ‘Tannoy’ spam will hit the buffers.
Julia is joined this week by Lawrence McGinty, the former Science and Medical Editor for ITV News, for a look at whether the easing of covid restrictions happened too soon and what stories are around the corner.
Please check out our sponsor – Media First – who provide bespoke media and communications training. You can learn more about them at www.mediafirst.co.uk
The Media Landscape is produced by Thirty Seven – a journalist-led content marketing agency. Check them out at www.thirtyseven.agency
Welcome to the latest episode of The Media Landscape.
This week, we are looking at Prince Andrew and his ongoing masterclass in how not to manage a crisis, why M&S decided to change the name of ‘Midget Gems’ and, following some high-profile apologies, how to say ‘sorry’.
And fresh from reporting from outside No10, we are joined by broadcast journalist Victoria Smith for our Journo on the Go segment, to discuss the latest government party revelations, how the Prime Minister is managing the scandal and the next crisis on the horizon.
Please check out our sponsor – Media First – who provide bespoke media and communications training. You can learn more about them at www.mediafirst.co.uk
The Media Landscape is produced by Thirty Seven – a journalist-led content marketing agency. Check them out at www.thirtyseven.agency
Welcome to the first episode of The Media Landscape for 2022.
This week we’re talking about tensions between Wales and Westminster, the growing beef between supermarket chain Asda and British beef farmers, and the perils that brands face when working with influencers.
As if that’s not enough we welcome sports journalist Tom Clayton to our regular Journo on the Go segment where we’ll be chatting about Djokovic and brand sponsorship deals.
Please check out our sponsor – Media First – who provide bespoke media and communications training. You can learn more about them at www.mediafirst.co.uk
The media landscape is produced by Thirty Seven – a journalist-led content marketing agency. Check them out at www.thirtyseven.agency
Welcome to the third episode of The Media Landscape podcast.
In this episode, host Julia Belle, discusses why Pret are in hot water and their media response.
She looks at how trying to raise awareness of sustainability can backfire on a brand.
And no episode of the pod would be complete without a discussion around covid and government parties.
In our ‘Journo on the go’ segment we are joined by Keme Nzerem - Channel 4 News and ITV journalist and (of course) Media First trainer.
This podcast is produced by Thirty Seven and sponsored by Media First.
Please support both businesses and visit their websites as this allows us to bring you this podcast for free.
www.mediafirst.co.uk
www.thirtyseven.agency
Welcome to the second episode of The Media Landscape podcast.
In the episode, host Julia Belle, discusses how to apologise after a crisis, why public trust in politicians is dwindling, and an example of using humour to respond to a PR and media crisis.
In our ‘Journo on the go’ segment we are joined by author, journalist and internet psychologist Graham Jones who helps us unpack some of the key stories of the week.
This podcast is produced by Thirty Seven and sponsored by Media First.
Please support them and visit their websites as this allows us to bring you this podcast for free.
www.mediafirst.co.uk
www.thirtyseven.agency
Welcome to the first ever episode of The Media Landscape podcast.
In the episode we discuss what happens when you fire 900 people over Zoom, how the government are responding to rumours of illegal parties and what’s happening with covid.
And in our ‘Journo on the go’ segment we catch up with Lawrence McGinty - former Science and Medical Editor for ITV News.
This podcast is produced by Thirty Seven and sponsored by Media First. Please do support them and visit their websites as this allows us to keep bringing you this podcast for free.
www.mediafirst.co.uk
www.thirtyseven.agency
Welcome to the new podcast from Media First and Thirty Seven. Listen to the podcast trailer here…