Media
Training
You will learn to:
- Understand and negotiate the ground rules with journalists before the interview.
- Develop compelling narratives and key messages that resonate with audiences.
- Explain complex issues in simple language.
- Master interview techniques and retain control.
- Be more comfortable and confident in interviews.
After our training course, participants are able to:
- Prepare effectively for interviews and press conferences.
- Craft soundbites and messages that are short, convincing, and memorable.
- Anticipate tough questions and know how to respond to them.
- Feel more confident and comfortable in interviews.
Meet the Trainer
In more than 20 years as head of communications, senior spokesperson and media trainer, Christian Koenig has prepared executives and clients for well over 1,600 interviews with top news networks across the globe, including Bloomberg, Reuters, The Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, National Public Radio, ABC, The Financial Times, Car and Driver, Automotive News, AFP, ARD German Television, Chinese Xinhua News Agency and Japanese daily Yomiuri Shimbun.
Christian coaches CEOs and CFOs, R&D heads, spokespeople, PR and marketing teams, diplomats and trade group leaders, providing them with new skills — and the confidence to use them.
He works as an expert consultant for the nation’s premier military education institution for the development of national security leaders in Washington, D.C. where he teaches senior military officers and government officials how to effectively engage with the media.
Customized Trainings
We offer customized trainings for optimal learning and information retention. Our expert trainer-led classes are interactive by design. They include interview analysis, message development breakout sessions, on-camera rehearsal and coaching. After each training, you’ll receive a personalized media skills assessment.
We offer half- and full-day small-group workshops, either in person or online, and individual coaching sessions for executives, subject matter experts and others who speak with the media on a regular basis.
Customized Trainings
We offer customized trainings for optimal learning and information retention. Our expert trainer-led classes are interactive by design. They include interview analysis, message development breakout sessions, on-camera rehearsal and coaching. After each training, you’ll receive a personalized media skills assessment.
We offer half- and full-day small-group workshops, either in person or online, and individual coaching sessions for executives, subject matter experts and others who speak with the media on a regular basis.
“Think of an interview as a conversation,
not an interrogation.”
The Changing U.S. Media Landscape
- Fragmentation and changing media consumption
- The rise of “news influencers”
- More content, less journalism, and their consequences
- Declining subject matter expertise
Preparing for Interviews
- Understanding the ground rules: On the Record, Off the Record, On Background and Not for Attribution
- Pitching effectively
- Agreeing to embargoes and exclusives
- Avoiding inaccuracies and misquotes
Retaining Control
- Staying on message
- Difficult questions and how to handle them
- Key interview techniques
- The “ambush” on the street or the unexpected call
Developing Your Message
- Creating compelling narratives and sound bites
- How to craft key messages
- Identifying your key audiences
TV, Radio and Podcast Interviews
- Standing vs. sitting
- Posture, eye contact, and what to wear
- The use of makeup and jewelry
After the Interview
- The post-interview follow-up
- Providing supporting information and visuals
- How to handle inaccuracies and misquotes
“Think of an interview as a conversation,
not an interrogation.”
The Changing U.S. Media Landscape
- Fragmentation and changing media consumption
- The rise of “news influencers”
- More content, less journalism, and their consequences
- Declining subject matter expertise
Preparing for Interviews
- Understanding the ground rules: On the Record, Off the Record, On Background and Not for Attribution
- Pitching effectively
- Agreeing to embargoes and exclusives
- Avoiding inaccuracies and misquotes
Retaining Control
- Staying on message
- Difficult questions and how to handle them
- Key interview techniques
- The “ambush” on the street or the unexpected call
Developing Your Message
- Creating compelling narratives and sound bites
- How to craft key messages
- Identifying your key audiences
TV, Radio and Podcast Interviews
- Standing vs. sitting
- Posture, eye contact, and what to wear
- The use of makeup and jewelry
After the Interview
- The post-interview follow-up
- Providing supporting information and visuals
- How to handle inaccuracies and misquotes