President & Founder of Mekky Media Relations, a boutique PR agency based in Chicago with clients nationwide, delivering powerful publicity.
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As a former TV news producer, I am passionate about helping others communicate clearly and effectively—with confidence—and put their best face forward. In my company, we call it media training, but it's not only for those who are preparing to give a TV or newspaper interview. In fact, media training gets to the heart of how you present yourself in all aspects of your life, from personal to professional—no matter the platform.
What impression do you give when you walk into a room (or pop up on a Zoom screen)? How do you explain what you're all about when introducing yourself? Can you spontaneously give an elevator pitch about your company, your role or a cause that's important to you? What does your body language communicate to others when you're in a presentation or meeting?
These are among the questions that are addressed in a quality media training session conducted by experts. Since launching my PR agency seven years ago, I've found that demand for this kind of expertise has grown. We now provide media training as an added service for many of our PR clients, and we have a lot of others who sign on specifically for media and public speaking training. The demand is coming from a wide range of individuals and organizations—from C-suite leaders to those who are newer in their careers, and from global businesses to small startups.
Why are so many leaders and their teams addressing their media training and public speaking needs? I believe it's because they see the very broad applications of this kind of preparation, partly due to the realities of our post-pandemic world. People are emerging from their work-from-home lives and returning to in-person presentations, meetings and gatherings. It's never been more apparent that everyone can benefit from improving their communication skills and style.
Media training can enhance your ability to deliver a speech, close a deal and even give a toast at your next party. It gives you tools to polish your personal brand, which will make you feel more comfortable and confident and put you on the road to achieving greater success.
An in-depth media training session can last anywhere from one to three days—it typically covers a lot of ground and includes ample time for role-playing and feedback. But for those who want a quick introduction or refresher, here are a few essential tips and things to think about.
Develop Key Messaging
The first step is to consider what you want to say about yourself and/or your organization or cause. When my company starts working with a new client, the first thing we do is take a deep dive into every aspect of the person or organization. Then we write clear, compelling messaging that tells their complete story. This ensures that we're consistently communicating what we want to put out into the world. The process should be similar for an individual. Identify the most essential and powerful elements of your story, write them down and practice that messaging. Be succinct and tighten up any unnecessary language. You generally don't need pages of messaging—just a two-to-three-sentence elevator pitch will often do the trick. Once you're comfortable with what you want to say (or not say), you'll do a better job when called upon to speak, even if you're caught off guard.
Pay Attention To Body Language
Everything from your face to your hands to your feet plays a role in what you're communicating about yourself, even if you don't realize it. Practice speaking in front of a mirror and notice whether your eyes look alert and engaged, and whether your arms are folded (don't do it). The most important thing is to let your actions project confidence, even if you might not be feeling that way. The more you practice and the more you tell your story, the more comfortable you will feel.
Be Personable And Relaxed
We've all seen a presentation, or even an introduction, given by someone who is nervous or unprepared. It can be painful to watch. This is why it's important to identify your skills and weaknesses, and then practice and prepare with those things in mind. When do you feel confident? When do you get nervous? For example, if you worry about remembering a lot of information, identify three main talking points that you want to convey, and then practice them. But don't memorize the messaging, as that can sound inauthentic. Speak in a conversational manner. Also, if you have a planned speaking opportunity, do your research and try to anticipate what you'll be expected to convey and/or the questions that you'll be asked. If you are well prepared, you'll be able to relax and let your knowledge and natural personality shine through, which will put your audience at ease as well.
As you work on refining the way you present yourself to the world, don't try to address everything at once. Take small steps, and practice your approach any chance you get—even a quick conversation with a friend can be an opportunity to put your lessons into action. Before you know it, you'll be more confident and effective and reap the personal and professional benefits whenever you have the chance to tell your story.
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