This workshop provided an insiders’ look at a media encounter from the moment of first contact to the end of the interview. Particpants were better able to understand how the media operates, how reporters think, and how to best answer their questions — even the tough negative ones. We worked with videotaped examples and case studies from a variety of media news sources to give you a clear understanding of what works effectively. The workshop included successful interview strategies, media etiquette and videotaped practice interview sessions to help you improve content, style, body language and delivery. Individual on-camera mock interviews prepared particpants to be at ease and effective in a variety of media settings.
The ideal participants for this workshop included senior leaders, spokespersons, or communications staff who wish to strengthen their media interview skills.
Particular areas of learning included:
• How to navigate a media interview with confidence
• The differences between interviews done for print or broadcast.
• The unwritten rules of journalism
• What to do when reporter calls
• A step by step guide for preparing for an interview
• The common tricks reporters use
• Proven techniques for handling difficult questions
• How to get the interview on to subjects you wish to be covered.
• How to avoid sounding like a canned ‘talking points’ machine
• How to be an effective storyteller
All Media Savvy workshops:
• Are videotaped by professional news camera personnel
• Are credible – every mock interview uses a realistic scenario
• Every participant has their own customized mock interview and evaluation
Facilitation:
This workshop was facilitated by Margot Cronis.
Margot is the founder of Media Savvy, and has successfully prepared hundreds of media spokespersons in both the private and public sectors. Her clients have included Raising the Roof, the Child Development Institute, AIMTRIMARK, The Law Society of Upper Canada, London Health Sciences Centre, and the Ontario Hospital Association. Media Savvy serves clients who deal with print and broadcast media in a variety of areas including healthcare, government, agriculture, charities, NGO’s and trade associations.
A veteran broadcast journalist, Margot has more than fifteen years of experience in Canadian radio and television news and current affairs. She brings this first-hand media experience to every training session. Margot’s credits include CBC News, Market Place, Morningside, and Newsworld, as well as TV Ontario. Her work for Contact with Hana Gartner earned her a Gemini award nomination, while her Market Place stories set a record number of media impressions in print and radio.
OCIC offers this workshop periodically, throughout the year. Stay current on dates for this and other workshops through our monthly e-Bulletin.
