Executive Media Training – Eliminating the Fear, and More

It’s fairly common knowledge that public speaking is at or near the top of most people’s list of fears. Some even say they fear it more than death itself. Interestingly enough, many people who fear public speaking are high-level corporate executives. For these individuals, some form of public speaking is a critical element of what they do.

How do you suppose they handle that?

Well, a quote I heard some years ago (I don’t recall who or where) answers the question perfectly; “Feel the fear and take action anyway.” That’s all well and good, but wouldn’t it be better, and a lot more comfortable, to go into public speaking situations without the fear? Of course it would. And that’s what executive media training can do.

Here are three ways executive media training can help you and your company:

Build Confidence

A big part of what causes people to be fearful of public speaking is they don’t feel confident. This phenomenon can be found at all levels of a company, including executives.

Someone might know the company and its products backward, forward, inside and out, but when they get in front of a prospective customer, or a group, they freeze. It’s akin to a computer freezing-up. The information is in there – it just won’t come out. A big reason for this is inadequate experience in public speaking. Executive media training provides some non-threatening ways to gain this experience and develop confidence.

Improved Relationships

Human relationships are at the center of every business. Notice that I didn’t limit that statement to just successful businesses. That’s because relationships are at the center of all businesses. If business is bad, it’s undoubtedly due, in part at least, to poor relationships. If business is good, it can be largely attributed to good relationships.

If people in the company are comfortable being themselves as they talk about the company and its products, they’ll be better able to create and maintain lasting business relationships. Executive media training will help them do that.

Speak Extemporaneously

A vital part of public speaking of any kind is the ability to effectively extemporize. It’s one thing to just babble on about something and hope your listener knows little enough about the subject that what you’re saying sounds plausible. But that’s a gamble you shouldn’t be willing to take. The ability to speak off the cuff and have your presentation actually make sense is clearly more desirable. Executive media training helps develop this skill.

Some business owners and executives balk at the idea of making this kind of indirect expenditure. However, communications training in general, and executive media training in particular are more appropriately viewed as wise investments that will pay dividends for years to come.

If you’d like results-oriented help with your marketing and communications strategies, contact us online, or call 702-434-0173.

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Executive Media Training Lends Confidence in High-Pressure Media Situations

Businesses face multiple challenges on a daily basis. You may find it necessary to speak to the public via the press concerning corporate decisions and aspects of operations. These situations can sometimes place a great deal of pressure on the company spokesperson. Difficult questions come at a moment’s notice. You will need to deliver expert answers based on the knowledge you have gained. TwoGirlsConsulting executive media training prepares business executives to speak effectively in any media situation.

Sometimes Things Go Wrong

A great example of the stress media can cause for a company is the current situation Apple, Inc. is facing in its Chinese market. According to RTT News, the Chinese media has been highly critical of the company’s customer service and warranty policy for its iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S.  Apple CEO Tom Cook posted this letter of apology (in Chinese text) to the Chinese consumers that states in part, “we recognize that some people may have viewed our lack of communication as arrogant, or as a sign that we didn’t care about or value their feedback.” He goes on to say, “Chinese consumers have always been our priority among priorities.” Executive media training teaches brands to respond quickly, honestly, and to apologize sincerely when i t fails to fulfill its duties to its customers, in this case Apple. Cook’s response reduces any further damage to the company’s reputation.

You Can Fix It, We Can Help

If you find your company in a negative light with media, being prepared will help you respond under pressure. Executive media training focuses on teaching spokespeople multiple ways to respond to difficult situations and how to manage media interaction, like a press conference or interview. Gain the skills to speak as an expert in your industry and successfully release news on new products and corporate innovation. Focusing on your corporate message and always presenting the company in the best light (whether through appearance, non-verbal cues, or actual words) keeps your organization in the good graces of media.

TwoGirlsConsulting understands the importance of communication skills and the impact the media can have on an organization’s image. Contact us to help you prepare and successfully meet communication goals.