How to Become a Media Expert
Have you ever watched a great TV segment and you’re left wondering, ‘Wow! How did they do that?’ Some people just have it, and when they speak, the media listens. It all comes down to how they package their knowledge, thoughts, skills, abilities, and experiences to make them media-worthy.
Why does it matter so much? Well, the endorsement of media coverage always goes a long way. It could launch a person’s career or positively influence their target audience. It doesn’t happen overnight. So, how can you become the media darling that interviewers always enjoy talking to? Here are the top three tips to get you closer to your dream.
Guide to Becoming a Repeat Media Expert
Build Your Brand Image
Build Your Confidence
Maintain your composure and get your point across regardless of the type of person you’re talking to or the circumstance. Strong interviewers are masters at sensing the ideal moment to jump in and ask questions that will make newsworthy or compelling answers. It’s their job to research you and/or your company, and it’s your job to be prepared. They’re not necessarily trying to trap you or make you feel ill at ease, in many cases they’re looking for a fresh response. When you’re in an interview and get a surprise question, be ready to answer with confidence.
In today’s world, you cannot ignore the influence of a magnetic and confident brand. You need a compelling personal brand to become memorable within a targeted community and create a lasting impression in your audience’s mind. However, creating a personal brand can be challenging as there’s always so much pressure to be bigger than ourselves.
In the effort to become a media darling, everyone wants to be everything to everyone. But true power lies deep within ourselves, discovering what sets us apart. So, find that special thing that is you and make your brand all about that. As Oscar Wilde says, be yourself; after all, everyone else is already taken!
Stay Centered – Know Your Goals Beforehand
Becoming a media darling can be challenging. It needs constant work. When I media train clients we go through plenty of role-play scenarios. Nobody wants to look foolish on camera or say something they’ll regret which is why media training and on-camera coaching offer essential help. We start with breathing techniques and shaking off any anxious body language. Then we discuss how they can serve their audience. Try these two questions to guide you: What is my audience interested to know, and how can I give them exactly that? The first step is making sure that your message resonates with your audience.
And as much as you want to serve your audience, try to relax and enjoy yourself when those cameras roll. If a mistake happens, either go with it or make a joke about it. If you feel pushed off center, bring yourself back by pausing and directing the conversation how you’d like it to go. It takes a bit of practice, but you’ll eventually hack it!
It takes practice to be relaxed and in control when you’re the center of attention on camera, on stage, or in the conference room. So, start by setting your goals and evaluating your progress at every step. On top of that, consider media training and on-camera coaching as it will provide deep insights into what to expect and how to interact with journalists, colleagues, and audiences.
For more media training tips check out these articles: Tips for Appearing Professional in Videos and Soundbites that Stick: Key Strategies for Media Success.
Alison Deyette, CEO of AlisonDeyetteMedia is a seasoned media trainer and brand strategist with 20 years of experience on camera and behind the scenes. Her expertise lies in equipping a diverse clientele from executives to entrepreneurs and athletes to actors with the necessary skills and techniques to effectively navigate media interactions, enhance communication strategies, and uphold a positive public image. She’s held prominent roles in television, journalism, production, directing, and contributing to numerous successful series, segments, and brand-focused projects for TV, digital and print for companies like Amazon, TJ Maxx and The Home Depot. She appears on camera regularly for TV shows including EXTRA, The Kelly Clarkson Show, and KTLA and contributes to various publications including The Wall Street Journal, Real Simple, The New York Times and USA Today.