Broadcast interview rehearsals
The request was for a half- or possibly a full-day media training course, but when we our briefing call with the client, it emerged that what they really needed was a series of broadcast interview rehearsals. A public sector client was allowing the BBC cameras and mics in for a day, which meant the multiple […]
Why podcast training is your shortcut to success
With podcasting becoming an increasingly part of the broadcast landscape, here is some more information about the podcast training we offer, from our trainer Paul Curran. Starting a podcast sounds simple, right? Just grab a mic, hit record, and start talking. But producing a podcast that actually ‘sounds’ professional and gets found by the right […]
How to shine in podcast interviews
Joe Rogan, the Obamas, Rob Loe Meghan, Peter Crouch, Ed Balls, Alistair and Rory, even our very own Rob Curling – it seems everyone has a podcast nowadays. There’s one to suit every interest. As they become increasingly popular, the demand for guests has increased, so more and more of our delegates are being asked […]
How to create impact in presentations and media interviews
Whether you are giving a presentation, putting your case in a meeting, sharing your elevator pitch, conducting a media interview or participating in a panel, most people want to communicate a message – to get their point across effectively so people understand it, remember it, and potentially, act on it. One way to do that […]
Archbishop Tutu’s lesson in interview preparation
Find out what our trainer Paul Curran, discovered about interview preparation when he was sent to interview a global figure as a “cub” reporter. It’s Spring 1990 and I’m a relatively novice reporter on a mission. I have my ‘trusty’ Uher (it’s a reel to reel tape recorder – which was less than trusty) slung […]
The state of the media
This year’s Cision State of the Media report had some fascinating insights into trends in journalists, how the media operate, and what journalists need from public relations professionals to do their job. Cision, the global leader in consumer and media intelligence, engagement, and communication solutions, had produced an annual survey for the past 15 years. […]
What is your role in this media interview?
Before any media interview, it is important to know where you fit in the story – what is your role? A journalist will “cast” their stories, and where you fit into this will have an impact on the type of interview you will be expected to do, and the questions you might be asked. Broadly, […]
How to avoid a disastrous doorstep interview
Doorstep interviews are one of the most stressful types to deal with: you normally give them when you’re under negative scrutiny, you’re caught on the hop & you may be surrounded by a media scrum ready to pounce – and if you don’t know how to handle a doorstep interview, the results could make a […]
What journalists want from interviewees
“What do journalists want?” That’s one of the first questions we ask when we’re running media training courses. Answers are varied, but often include: “A story”, “A good quote”, and, very often, “To catch you out”. All of these are true. And all of them are important. In truth, though, most of the time, it won’t […]
Seven top tips for handling a crisis
Barely a day goes by without a business or organisation hitting the headlines for the wrong reasons. And nine times out of 10, they don’t handle the exposure well. Here are seven top tips on how to handle a crisis, from PR & Marketing strategist, Rhian Williams of the PR company Be Better Known. Here […]
Creating quotes: tips from an expert
Creating quotes for journalists is very often the responsibility of the PR team and here is some very wise advice about how to go about it from Brussels-based media trainer Laura Shields of Red Thread. It resonated with us when we saw it on Linked In, and we are delighted that she’s allowed us to […]
Happy Christmas 2023
Ann WrightAnn Wright is a communications and media training specialist at Rough House Media, helping organisations and professionals communicate with confidence, clarity and impact. She writes about media training, communications, PR and effective messaging. Ann is a crisis media training expert. roughhousemedia.co.uk
Five steps to help you present with impact
Do you want to present with impact? Do you want people to remember what you have to say – and take action as a result of it? The best and most effective presenters use a whole range of techniques to capture the attention of their audience and to make their points, many of which can […]
Nine writing tools to sharpen up your copy
A few weeks ago, my son was completing his GCSE history coursework about the New Deal. He insisted he’d run it through an online grammar tool, so there was no need for me to read through and check for typos. I picked it up as it came off the printer and spotted that “new deal” […]
Radio interviews: how to improve delivery
It may sound obvious, but when you do a radio or podcast interview, the listener can’t see you. They can’t see your expressions, your body language, your smile or frown, so all they have to judge you on is your voice. And generally, the listener is doing something else. Only part of their brain is […]