Media Training Home

Who Needs Media Training

The Training

  • Working with the Media
  • 6 Media Principles
  • 10 Tips to Remember
  • Correcting Errors
  • Media Query Policy
  • Handling a Call
  • Questions You Ask
  • Interview Ground Rules
  • Using Quotes and Bites
  • Avoiding a Disaster
  • Handling Tough Questions
  • Verbal Communication
  • It's Your Attitude
  • Body Language
  • Dress and Appearance
  • Media Opportunities
  • Put the Castle Forward
  • Parting Tips

Questions?

What Your Body is Telling the Audience

People develop opinions and attitudes about others and the agency they represent from visual body ques. For newspaper and radio interviews your body language is not a concern. For live and taped television interviews it can be have a big impact on the credibility of you and the Corps.

Posture

Communicate non-verbally that you are open, relaxed and comfortable. The key is to look relaxed. Make every attempt to NOT have your hands stiff at your sides, cupped together in front of you at your waistline, or clasped behind your back. Using your hands to express yourself exhibits a human, accessible, likable quality. Just be sure to keep your hands from going in front of your face or make so many hand movements that you could be juggling bowling pins.
 
Your Facial Expression
 
An animated face connects your feelings with the words. Raise your eyebrows, open up your face. Communicate warmth through facial expression and open body language. Smile when appropriate. Don't be afraid to look sad if appropriate.
 
Don’t distract with needless gestures. Project a balance between low-key thoughtfulness and energy. Maintain direct eye contact with the interviewer, but don’t stare with a fixed gaze.
 
IMPORTANT: Look directly at the reporter and never into the camera or the microphone. You will only look at the camera if the reporter asks you to, this is rare and is normally reserved for remote interviews (like those done on Good Morning America, the TODAY show, etc.)