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In media relations, mastering the art of the interview is crucial for subject matter experts. It provides the necessary skills and confidence to communicate their message effectively, especially in high-stakes situations. Interview prep is vital given there are many factors to consider, ranging from understanding the story angle and media outlet to perfecting verbal and non-verbal cues that convey a friendly and confident demeanor.

What are the key aspects of media training?

Media training involves preparing spokespeople to communicate effectively, stay on message, and handle challenging questions with confidence. It’s not about scripting or controlling every word; rather, it equips individuals with techniques to stay calm, clear, and authentic, no matter the situation. Good media training ensures that key messages are conveyed clearly while avoiding common pitfalls such as oversharing or going off-topic.

It can be overwhelming to remember every interview tip while trying to convey your message effectively. That’s where the greatest hits come in: remembering song lyrics—they often stick in your head effortlessly.

So, let’s use a few 80s and 90s songs to help us recall the key aspects of media training:

“Don’t Stop Believin” by Journey – Believe in your message and stay confident during interviews. You are the expert, and while there are some – hopefully few – instances where some reporters will try and trip you up, most are just trying to gather the best and most interesting story possible.

“Under Pressure” by Queen and David Bowie – Handling tough questions with grace and always tying back to your top three messages is key to staying composed. Remember: If you don’t know something, don’t speculate. It’s fine to let a reporter know that you will get back to them later with the needed details.

“Express Yourself” by Madonna – Be clear and articulate when communicating your message. Keep in mind that some reporters might need more explanation than others on various topics.

“Take On Me” by A-ha – Be ready to tackle any question, even the tough ones. This is part of interview preparation. This can be in the form of a detailed briefing document or a mock QA that includes some tough potential questions.

“Rhythm Nation” by Janet Jackson – If you get off message, take a pause. Give yourself a moment to get back on a steady rhythm.

In the end, media training is about thorough preparation and understanding that you are there to tell a story. By channeling the timeless “lessons” from these iconic songs, you can turn every media interaction into a top-tier performance.

If you need media training, please reach out – “We will, we will, rock you!” (Queen, 1977)