Media Training Birmingham

We’ll start by exploring how modern media works in today’s digital world – from the role of social media in news gathering for major organisations to the ways the digital landscape has transformed newsrooms, and how these changes shape your relationship with reporters. Next, we’ll move into the interview process itself, focusing on how to handle questions from journalists. You’ll learn how to respond effectively to a variety of interview styles, navigate challenging moments, and make the most of every opportunity to share your story. Finally, we’ll cover performance techniques – helping you feel confident, stay positive, and channel your nerves so you can deliver your message clearly and in a way that truly reflects what you want to say.

We begin with preparation – sharing our specialist theory on high-quality, effective communication techniques that help you craft a strategic, audience focused story. This stage is all about what to say. You need a clear understanding of the message you want your audience to take away so you can truly engage with them. Remember, doing an interview with a reporter is a media appearance – it’s not the same as genuine audience engagement, and knowing the difference is crucial.

Our training is built around real life stories you want to share and the issues that matter most to you. In every bespoke session, you’ll be interviewed on topics that are genuinely relevant to your work. Just like a journalist, we’ll research your story in advance – giving you the perfect opportunity to shape your narrative and plan for a successful media interview.

This is where the practical work begins. We’ll simulate a live, ‘on-air’ radio interview, recreating a real conversation with a presenter about your story. The session will be ‘broadcast’ and recorded, ready for playback and analysis. When we listen back, we’ll explore whether you stayed on message and connected with your audience, or if the presenter steered you onto other topics. Throughout, we’ll guide you with constructive, inclusive, and practical feedback to help you strengthen your skills and grow in confidence.

Next, we move on to delivering a strong ‘soundbite’. We’ll show you how to respond effectively when your audience isn’t listening live, and you’re asked to provide a quote. You’ll learn insider journalism tips, techniques, and guidance to help you master the discipline of crafting a soundbite or quote that’s clear, impactful, and delivers exactly the message you want.

Now, we’ll ask you to deliver a sound bite to camera. Interviews take place, one at a time, on camera. This will be the opportunity to deliver the quote you are confident will illustrate your position. We’ll also show you some techniques for television appearances so you feel confident you know what to expect.

We’ll watch and listen back to the interviews together, asking: were you able to stay on message and convey your vision to the audience in a concise soundbite?

We’re here to answer any questions you have and provide thoughtful, constructive feedback. At Coherent Comms, we see training delivery as just the beginning of our relationship with you. After your session, we’ll upload all your interview recordings so you can review them anytime, and we’ll send you bespoke course notes along with access to our library of ‘how-to’ videos. And if you ever want a refresher or extra practice before a media interview, just give us a call on 0121 682 6223 – we’re always happy to help.