How to prepare for media interviews and reply to journalists’ questions cooly, clearly and concisely.
Terrified of doing media interviews? You’re not alone.
Journalists can be intimidating, questions can be awkward, and cameras, bright-lights and studios can be off-putting — even for the most experienced media players.
And this challenge is even more acute if the interview is not in your native language or if you have little or no experience working with journalists. Want to know how to nail interviews?
What you'll learn
In this workshop we’ll make sure you’re ready for the toughest media interviews.
Our approach is to provide you with insider tips on how journalists think and operate, how to prepare thoroughly for interviews, how to answer questions clearly and concisely and how to stay cool when the grilling starts.
But most importantly, we want you to learn by doing. From our experience, interview training really is a case of ‘practice makes perfect’. So, we want you in front of the mic, or camera, as quickly as possible, answering real questions from real journalists – and getting instant feedback from peers and professionals.
Programme
Media Training
1
Making the news
- Understanding what journalists want in media interviews
- Knowing what makes news – and what doesn’t
- Crafting quotable quotes
2
Preparing for media interviews
- Conveying key messages concisely and convincingly, using data to earn trust and stories to connect with audiences
- Tailoring messages for different media and audiences
- Rehearsing for media interviews
3
Delivering media interviews
- Keeping answers short, positive and engaging
- Using clear language rather than complicated jargon, acronyms and technocratic terms
- Crafting soundbites that get picked up by the press
4
Distinguishing between media interviews
- Learning tips and tricks about how to do successful interviews for written media, radio/podcasts and TV
- Differentiating between live and recorded, sit-down and stand-up and studio vs. down-the-line TV interviews
5
Coping with tough questions
- Dealing with nerves and staying calm under pressure
- Bridging from difficult questions to main messages
- Reframing questions to steer interviews
6
Following up on media interviews
- What to do if you’re misquoted
What's included?
- 100% practical training with interviews based on real case scenarios
- Delivered in-person or online - whichever suits you
- Delivered by experienced journalists
- Flexible duration: One day, multiple days? You decide
- Course handouts and supporting materials
Potential add-ons:
- Use of our beautiful Brussels training facilities
- Attendance certificates
- Follow-up sessions
- One-on-one coaching before interviews
Is this course for you?
This course is designed for anyone who needs to give interviews to the media.
Whether you’re a press officer, media spokesperson, policy expert or senior leader, this course will equip you with the skills needed to answer journalists’ questions confidently.
It can be adapted to all levels of experience depending on your organisation’s needs.
Meet our trainers
Our trainers have decades of experience as journalists and media trainers.
For this course, your trainer will be either Solenn Honorine, John Holland or Brandon Mitchener – all ex-journalists who have worked for some of the world’s top media outlets.
The Clear Europe team, alongside your trainer, will collaborate closely with you to customise the training, offer ongoing support and ensure you gain actionable skills to confidently handle any interview.
Testimonials
What our clients say
FAQs
Curious about how we work?
Check our FAQ to find out everything you need to know about organising a training with us.
Panel body text.
I am text block. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
I am text block. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
I am text block. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
I am text block. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
We're here to help — get in touch
Are you ready to face the media?
Contact - Media Training
"*" indicates required fields
