Media Training
We provide specialist media training for senior leaders, executives and corporate spokespeople who need to communicate with clarity and authority under pressure. Whether preparing for broadcast interviews or responding to difficult questions, our training helps you stay composed, focused and in control of your message.
Dark Star Director, Andy Hitchcock traces the journey of how we've redefined the techniques to sharpen your message and enhance engagement using adaptive techniques redefined for the digital age.
What We Focus On
Our media training is practical and scenario-based, covering:
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TV, radio, online interview techniques
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Message development and clarity
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Handling challenging or hostile questions
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Staying on message under pressure
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Voice, tone and body language
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Managing reputational risk
Who It's For
We work with:
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CEOs and senior executives
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Corporate and public sector spokespeople
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Leadership teams
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Subject-matter experts representing their organisation
Sessions are tailored to the individual and grounded in real-world media experience. Through realistic interview scenarios and detailed feedback, we help clients refine their delivery, sharpen their messaging and build the confidence to perform when it matters most.
We deliver media training across the UK, both in person and online, adapting sessions to suit your organisation and objectives.
What It Can Do
Contemporary Media Coaching from Dark Star can also produce huge spin offs for other business communication with clients, customers and stakeholders.
Our techniques reveal how to focus your thoughts, offer clarity and make an impact in any situation where time is limited.
Through a blend of theory and hands-on practice, we empower you to master the art of communication in the media with confidence and impact.
Typical Training Programme
Introductions, outcomes and objectives
We start by looking at delegates’ individual experiences, gaining insight into their personal perspective. From there, we establish clear objectives, and look at how we can use the techniques we'll learn to expand our communication skills in other business arenas.
The Digital Media landscape
We explore how social media, blogs, podcasts, and digital publications have reshaped media, demanding real-time responses. We also examine how the gathering and delivery of news content has changed over the years - driven by the concept of 'Digital First'.
Core Communications Skills
We walk delegates through a clear framework with a unique preparation and delivery technique for simplifying complex information to ensure that messages resonate with diverse audiences. We show how this can help sharpen your messaging skills in meetings, with stakeholders, clients and customers. There's also guidance on handling tricky questions and making sure your message cuts through.
Being Interviewed on mic and on camera
Participants begin testing their skills in a series of hands-on practice through simulated interviews which take up the bulk of the sessions. These are replayed for detailed analysis. Trainers provide constructive feedback on content and how delegates are coming across, highlighting body language, strategy, performance as well as other non-verbal aspects of their delivery.
Multiple Practical Exercises
In a typical day's training, participants can expect to complete four distinct interviews - on camera, online, and in person. The session begins with a live radio interview, followed by a recorded TV interview, a live ‘News Channel’ online interview, and concludes with either a live TV interview or an online/print interview.
Conclusions
The training ends with a review of the day's key learnings, encouraging participants to reflect on their progress. After the session interviews are uploaded for future viewing and review - and delegates receive a comprehensive online course notes package to support their learning.
If you’re preparing for media exposure or want to strengthen your organisation’s communication capability, get in touch to discuss a tailored programme.
