Questions to Ask

Key questions you should ask when selecting a media firm. Compare us!

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE MEDIA TRAINING BUSINESS?
Experience counts in coaching. A company that has been in business for 10 years hasn’t had as much exposure to as many different clients and spokespeople as a company that has specialized in media training and presentation for over 30 years.

WILL YOU INCLUDE BOTH A QUESTIONER AND A COACH?
For media training to be really effective and realistic, you need a “bad cop” to confront and a “good cop” to encourage.

WILL I RECEIVE A FOLLOW-UP E-MAIL WITH REVISED MESSAGES IN SOUND BITES?
An email of the revised messages crafted in concise soundbites after the session offers our clients an opportunity to review the important points and practice them.

WHAT ­CLIENTS HAVE YOU HAD IN MY OR MY CLIENT’S INDUSTRY?
This is very important. For perspective, you need a media coach who is not only familiar with your company or client, but also the industry.

WHAT MEDIA BACKGROUNDS DO YOUR FORMER JOURNALISTS HAVE?
You should choose a company with journalists experienced in BOTH print and broadcast media.

WHAT’S THE BIGGEST MISTAKE CLIENTS MAKE BEFORE THEY GET YOUR MEDIA TRAINING?
Clients often say “we,” “us,” “here,” “our company.” READY FOR MEDIA teaches the technique of “branding” or naming the company, products, book title etc., in conversation.

WHAT DO I GET FOR THE PRICE?
In addition to the experience, what will the session/sessions include?
Is a camera person included with camera and sound for playback and critique? Do you offer video tools for review? A workbook? A follow-up e-mail of revised messages in concise, well-branded phrases?

READY FOR MEDIA’s In Person and/or Zoom coaching includes both an interviewer and a coach plus a Hollywood videographer for on-the-spot record/playback and constructive critique, a followup password-protected link to a web page with every mock interview and speech, a workbook with Media Mistakes Not to Make. And a follow-up e-mail of revised messages in sound bites.

At READY FOR MEDIA: Is the location provided? Is a working lunch included? What about parking? Is there a take-home DVD of the interviews. A workbook with Media Mistakes Not to Make. And a follow-up e-mail of revised messages in sound bites.

WHAT IF I OR MY CLIENT NEEDS ADDITIONAL SERVICES?
A full-service communications firm offers media refreshers, speech, writing/presentations skills coaching and an objective, journalistic filter in creating video that tells your story online.

WHY SHOULDN’T THE PR FIRM OR THE COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR DO EXECUTIVE MEDIA TRAINING?
To avoid criticizing your boss or your clients and keeping your relationships intact!

WHY SET ASIDE THE TIME?
To test the messages through a journalistic filter and hone them into concise phrases or soundbites. To make sure that practice happens!

WHAT MEDIA SKILLS WILL MY CLIENT OR I LEARN?
Interview techniques of bridging, flagging, and addressing the questions are key skills in meeting the media.

Back to Top