Mastering Media Communication: Gain Credibility and Control During Crises
Join Ann Baldwin in this essential media training session designed for professionals seeking to develop effective communication strategies. Learn the importance of credibility through attitude, behavior, and candor. Discover how to prepare for successful media interactions, manage crisis communications, and master key messages. Understand the impact of social media and develop responses to foster trust and prevent panic. Equip yourself with the tools needed to navigate interviews and unexpected media visits confidently.
Mastering Media Communication: Gain Credibility and Control During Crises
E N D
Presentation Transcript
Media Training Session for: Presented by: Ann Baldwin 115 Fenn Road Newington, CT 06111 P (860) 408-1580 F (860) 408-1582 www.baldwinmedia.net
The Media has its agenda… What’s yours?
Attitude + Behavior + Candor = CREDIBILITY • Credibility is defined as a “source of honor” • Credibility is personal • Having credibility means that you are believable, trustworthy & reliable
Attitude + Behavior + Candor = CREDIBILITY • Trust is nontransferable • Trust speaks to your integrity • When others have confidence in you they are open to your influence
Communications Preparation Keys to Successful Messages • Form a communications team • Organize & maintain a complete file system with updated information • Create a media plan • Effective communication begins with YOU
Communications Preparation Keys to Successful Messages • Keep your team informed • Watch for changes in the message • How will this new information be communicated ?
Got the Message - Get the Message! What is your key message? Focus on your organization’s key messages What is the background and historyof that message?
Strategies for Crisis Communications Take Control • Be aggressive… take control • Use the media as a tool to dispel any rumors • Never speculate on the cause, cost, or future ramifications of a crisis
Strategies for Crisis Communications Take Control • Firmly establish the spokesperson during a crisis • The most effective and decisive thing you can do is respond immediately
Strategies for Crisis Communications Prevent Panic • Understanding human nature is important • Panic increases exponentially the longer people must deal with uncertainty • Respond immediately • Gear your statements to the most basic human needs first
The Impact of Social Media During a Crisis • Local News “Blogs”
Be Prepared Pre-Interview Check List
Pre-Interview Checklist Preparing for Media Interviews • Request Interview Particulars: • Topic? • Location? • Name of Interviewer? • Will there be other guests?
Top Ten List Characteristics of a Good Answer
Top 10 Characteristics of A GOOD ANSWER: • A good answer is Honest • is Stated Positively • is Expressed in Layman’s Terms • is Specific • is Concise
Top 10 Characteristics of A GOOD ANSWER: • Has the main point “up front” • Does not include more information than is necessary • Does not repeat loaded or slanted words
Top 10 Characteristics of A GOOD ANSWER: • Uses the opportunity to state the school district’s point of view • Does not sound antagonistic, evasive, or defensive
The Surprise Media Visit ALWAYS • Have a trusted member of your company act as a “traffic cop” to help you field questions or prevent media from speaking to employees at random • Have a specific and central prearranged space available for a “crisis” press availability
The Surprise Media Visit Never, Never, NEVER • Face a group of reporters alone • Allow yourself to get pinned in a hallway, office, or work area • Allow your emotions to affect your statement to the media • Turn the media away without a response or a statement
The Surprise Media Visit Never, Never, NEVER • Lie to a reporter “just to get them off your back” • Allow yourself to engage with a pushy reporter • Release names of people involved in a crisis until after their families have been notified
Personal Style
Personal Communications Non-Verbal Communications • Body language • Gestures • Eye Contact • Be your own best critic • Volume, Pitch, Rate • Pronunciation & Diction • Slang and worse
Presented by: Ann Baldwin Baldwin Media Marketing 115 Fenn Road Newington, CT 06111 (860) 408-1580 www.baldwinmedia.net