A word about media training

Media training is routinely offered to leaders, and it can be especially helpful if done well. I recommend it. I enjoy helping CEO’s and key staffers work with the media. And over the years, I’ve watched other people do media training – and usually it about kills me. Why? 

When it comes to “media relations”, most media trainers teach some sort of “cat and mouse” game – how the corporate spokespeople (the mouse) can outsmart the media (the cat).

Such strategy ultimately will not work. It is really important that spokespeople and reporters find common ground so that both offer viewers/readers the best insight humanly possible.

Media relationships aren’t any different than any other relationships. They should be built on trust – mutual understanding and respect – not how to out slick another.