In today’s fast-paced media landscape, delivering a clear and compelling message isn’t just a skill—it’s a necessity. At REED, we specialize in equipping our clients to face interviews confidently, communicate their key messages and maximize every media opportunity to highlight their brand.
Recently, we had the privilege of hosting a media training session for Holladay Ventures, a leader in developing affordable and mixed-income housing solutions that are not only intentionally designed but also make a positive difference in the lives of residents and the environment.
Our customized media training sessions are designed to provide hands-on experience, actionable feedback and valuable insights. Here’s a glimpse into the session we had with the Holladay Ventures team:
Breaking the Ice
We kicked things off with the Holladay Ventures—how we do with our own REED team members every Monday morning staff meeting—with an icebreaker. This is a fun and relaxed way to make people comfortable speaking in front of one another about something they did over the weekend or their favorite hobby!
We then transitioned into an elevator pitch exercise, encouraging participants to speak passionately about topics they love. This helped the team loosen up and revealed natural presentation habits for the REED team to pick up on.
Key Messages, Best Practices and Breakout Sessions
After breaking the ice, REED moved into a bigger part of the session, discussing key messages and best practices. We introduced Holladay Ventures’ core brand messages to ensure the full team was aligned on what they would say about their company, future projects or upcoming grand openings. REED then shared tips on tone, body language and word choice to ensure these messages resonate in interviews.
The best way to ensure these key messages and best practices are engrained in each member is to actually practice! Participants split into breakout groups with a REED member in each group. They rehearsed responses to real-world media questions, refining their delivery and aligning their answers with key talking points.
After plenty of practice, the group reconvened to showcase what they had rehearsed with their smaller groups. This portion of the training was an on-camera experience. Each team member showcased their responses in front of the full team, receiving detailed feedback and encouragement to boost their confidence, as well as a video for the individual to look back on to study for future media opportunities.
Takeaways for Media Success
Whether you’re a seasoned executive or new to media interactions, there are several universal principles that ensure you lead a successful media interview.
- Preparation is Key: Familiarize yourself with your brand’s key messages and practice concise responses that align with them.
- Focus on the Audience: Remember, it’s not about impressing the reporter—it’s about connecting with your own audience.
- Be Aware of Body Language: Non-verbal cues can be just as impactful as the words you say. Avoid distractions like hands in pockets or chewing gum.
- Own Your Expertise: It’s okay to say, “I’ll follow up with that information.” Confidence and authenticity go a long way.
- Stay on Message: Use bridging phrases to steer the conversation back to your key points, ensuring the narrative remains aligned with your goals.
It’s not just about preparing for interviews—it’s about instilling the confidence to tell your story, represent your brand authentically and make every media moment count. The REED team is here to help you and your team feel fully equipped for your next big announcement, event or scheduled media appearance.