Top 5 Reasons Why Media Training Matters
Recently, Inspire PR Group unveiled its new training center, equipped with the quality space and AV needs to host a variety of comprehensive and interactive media, social media, personal branding and crisis communication trainings. Our new ability to host these in-house trainings got us thinking about their immense value for companies and organizations.
Far too often, as professional development opportunities are explored by leadership teams, this type of training can be overlooked. However, in today’s 24/7 media landscape and the public’s endless social media obsession, it could not be more important.
Below are the top 5 reasons that media training matters.
- Understand the Media
In order to effectively engage with reporters, you need to understand them and what they are doing on a daily basis. From the uncovering of latest news trends to understanding the shrinking resources in America’s newsrooms and the role of social media, training is a valuable way to prepare any spokesperson or company executive for interviews.
- It’s Easy to Jump into Hot Water and Hard to Get Out of It
When the camera turns on, its far too easy for your mind to go blank, especially if you haven’t properly prepared. Difficult questions can turn disastrous without knowing the techniques (ex. blocking and bridging) that will help you stay on message. It is far better to get it right the first time and build valuable media relationships that benefit your company/organization than it is to try to repair the damage after the fact.
- A Communications Crisis Could Strike
Whether it’s a fire, product recall, undercover video, or criminal allegations, a crisis can happen when you least expect it. Being well prepared for a crisis allows you to protect your company’s reputation by engaging and responding in a manner that is swift and effective, while ensuring you retain the trust of customers, members and stakeholders.
From developing a communications strategy to preparing spokespeople, drafting holding statements and talking points, monitoring media and social media coverage, and more – a thoughtful crisis communications plan and crisis training can go a long way.
- Know Your Key Messages
Training is a great opportunity to identify what those key messages are that accurately reflect your company’s/organization’s values. Speaking with one, consistent voice is critical. Knowing, practicing, and delivering these messages effectively to your audiences will ensure successful communications.
- You Want People to Buy Your Brand
When you post on social media or attend a networking event, are you considering your personal brand? What do you want people to say about you when you are not in the room? Understanding how to best utilize social media and cultivate your brand not only benefits your company, it can have positive effects on your personal life as well. From leaders seeking to enhance their professional image to employees who need a lesson in the pitfalls of Facebook, training is a valuable tool to make sure you put your best foot forward.