I’m so looking forward to presenting “Media Training: How to Deliver Compelling Messages” on Monday, Oct. 15 from 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m. At last year’s Conference, this session attracted a standing-room only crowd that generated stimulating questions and dynamic interactions. I hope you’ll plan to attend this year’s workshop and join the fast-paced, engaging program designed to guide you through spokesperson preparation, message development, delivery and control techniques, and personal presence.

Spokespersons—and PR practitioners who provide behind-the-scene counsel and support—know successful communications skills are honed by media training and practice. The most effective are strategic and follow a simple five-step process to drive message development and interview preparation. 

Continue reading " Media Training: A 5 Step Process to Drive Message Development and Interview Preparation "

I can’t wait to address “Media Training: Develop & Deliver Compelling Messages,” on Monday, Oct. 17, from 11:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m., at the PRSA 2011 International Conference. Here’s a sneak peek at what I’ll present during an engaging session designed to guide you through spokesperson preparation, message development, delivery and control techniques, and personal presence.

Session Highlights

Spokespersons — and public relations practitioners who provide behind-the-scene counsel and support — know successful communications skills are honed by media training and practice. The most effective are strategic and follow a simple five-step process to drive message development and interview preparation. 

Continue reading " Media Training: Develop & Deliver Compelling Messages "

The final film in the blockbuster Harry Potter series, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2,” opened in U.S. theaters on July 15. I must admit some sadness as the saga drew to a close.

From the book series’ birth 14 years ago, my family and I were enchanted with the protagonist Harry, his friends and enemies, and their remarkable adventures. My kids were 12 and 10 back then, and have grown into young adulthood following the unfolding dramas at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and beyond.

We shared author J.K. Rowling’s books, went to the movies, bought the DVDs and impatiently awaited the next installments in the film series. Seeing the end in sight leaves me a little melancholy, though we’re sure to re-read the books and re-watch the movies as time goes by.

As an executive communications coach, I can’t help but think about Harry Potter in terms of my work. Here are the 10 lessons that Harry has taught me

Continue reading " 10 Communications Lessons That You Can Learn From Harry Potter "

Media trainers often tell their clients to prepare simple three-part messages before going in front of a TV camera for media interviews. (I give the same advice.) In part, this is good advice for any media interview, whether it is TV, radio or print. But it is especially good advice for TV because there are so many nerve-racking things that can go on at a TV station or television network to make you lose your concentration. And if you can’t concentrate, you can’t think clearly. Hence, dumb things can come out of your mouth when the camera starts rolling.

A couple of years ago I was asked to be a guest expert on “Fox & Friends” on the Fox News Channel to critique then President Bush’s body language during his meetings with French President Chirac. I’ve been in many a green room so I knew to expect the unexpected.

Continue reading " Interviewing With The Media? Prepare Your TV Comments in Advance "

[Part I of II]

As individuals move higher in an organization, two phenomena occur. The first is the belief that they are pretty good communicators. The top person in an organization usually assumes that he or she is the best communicator of all (that’s why he or she is at the top). The second is that their skin gets thinner; meaning, of course, that fools are less readily suffered the more senior an individual tends to get. Avoid using the word training with senior people. They don’t believe they need any. Always use the word coaching. Senior people know they can always use some coaching.This advice also goes for senior staff people.

There are two techniques I use to get to the busy boss:

Catch Him or Her Doing Something Right or Wrong

Routinely begin videotaping and audio taping presentations by very senior people. It doesn’t matter what the presentation is about; you need the videotape. Analyze the presentations for things the executive or manager did that you like and things that he or she could improve on. Then assemble clips of video or audio with examples of something he or she did that you really like and something that you can make one or two constructive suggestions about to improve.

Continue reading " No Time for Coaching — How Can I Still Help My Busy Boss Get Ready for the Media? (Part I) "