Finance
Media training and consultancy for the financial sector
Media training and consultancy for the financial sector
Public Sector
Media training and consultancy for health and public sector
Media training and consultancy for health and public sector
Law
Media training and consultancy for the Legal sector
Media training and consultancy for the Legal sector
Resources
Useful media and PR websites
Useful media and PR websites
Excellent. The tutoring was outstanding and the written materials we have taken away are already being used to inform our communication methods. All five of us found it very interesting, of great use and we have all developed our skills considerably. One of the team said it was the best training they have ever had and I would second that. It had an added bonus of being a team building exercise. Truly top class. Hugo House, Communications Manager, Good Energy.
BEFORE YOU TALK
- Never talk off the cuff. Always buy time to prepare.
- Are you the right person? Only agree to talk about what you know about. If you can't help (i.e. if you are not the right person) offer to get someone who can. Offer to phone them back and then check with your PR manager or other.
- Ask for information on the scope of the enquiry. What information is required precisely? Is comment required as well?
- Always appear helpful, and be positive. An interview is an invaluable opportunity. See it as a transaction - you give them something they can print or broadcast, they give you free (and often positive) publicity.
- Be prepared. Make sure you have all the information you need to give. If a comment is required, find out what the approved line is.
- There is no such thing as off the record.
- If you have agreed to give information, stick to giving that information. If you haven't prepared a comment, don't give one - just say you are unauthorised to do so.
- Never talk about anything you haven't prepared. Never say anything you wouldn't happily see on the front page of The Times.
- Stick to the point/message. Do not get led down another path. Do not allow the journalist to put words in your mouth.
- Don't be afraid to repeat your prepared message.
- Language: Use simple, positive and everyday language - avoid jargon if you possibly can. Make clear points.
- Keep facts and figures to the essentials.
- Deliver with enthusiasm and energy.
- Warmth, friendliness and reasonableness are good too. Make the journalist feel positive about you (even if the story is negative this time).
- News is rarely just information. What journalists want is a good story.
Contact Claire Harrington for a free quote and proposal.
Tel. 0117 9237933 or email office@mentorltd.co.uk