Media Training
When it comes to media training and digital storytelling, one size doesn't fit all.
The Story Co. offers media training conducted by Belinda Innes, a journalist with an extensive background in the New Zealand and international media environment. We will prepare clients for successful interactions with journalists, giving them the tools required to manage and maximize these opportunities confidently.
The explosion in social media has increased the opportunities for exposure but it has also increased the risks. We can help you become aware of the pitfalls, the best ways to avoid these and how to create a positive working relationship between you/your company and the media.
The same skills can be adapted and utilised for any presentation or public speaking opportunities, be it addressing your own staff, at a conference or pitching for new business.
Media training and digital storytelling to educate, entertain, inspire and inform.
We offer:
Insights into the inner workings of major newsrooms and how journalists think
Strategic storytelling
Communicating your brand/message in a concise, clear and powerful way
Confidence for key spokespeople
Strategy to deal with a cold call or tough question lines
Proactive – seeking out and maximising opportunities, how to get YOUR stories pitched and published
Reactive – dealing with approaches from journalists
Practical real-life experiences in dealing with interview situations in different environments
How to avoid situations that may derail your interview
Ways to handle the media when a crisis strikes
How to best seek out and capture the audiences and markets you want to connect with
The Program
Media Training sessions can be tailored to suit the client’s requirements, budgets and availability. It can be offered for an individual or for a larger group. The session will be broken into two parts:
Costs: Costs include all research and preparation before the session, an experienced camera operator filming the practical exercises, a copy of the footage for review purposes and a ‘de-brief’ document following the session. Quotes are available on request.
Session 1
The first part of the session is spent giving the client an insight into the mind of a working journalist and the workings of a modern newsroom. How to better understand what the media wants and how to make it a productive and beneficial relationship. We will also cover off the different types of media and how to meet their different requirements. We will also work on refining you/your company’s brand ‘voice’ and help structure key messages.
Session 2
In the practical part of the session, we will cover skills and techniques in front of a camera or other interview situations, followed by ‘real life’ interviews covering off a variety of scenarios. These will be filmed by an experienced camera operator before being played back for assessment.
What People Are Saying
“I have worked with Belinda in a number of capacities over the past 10 years, most recently completing her media training course to assist in my role as a spokesperson of the festival.”
— Hamish Pinkham, Founder, Rhythm & Vines
“Belinda provided me with professional media training when I became Hastings’ Acting Mayor. Her skill, ability and expertise enabled me to grasp media techniques, identify my personal style and build my confidence very quickly. Belinda is an expert in her profession, her caring style helped me relax and achieve the best results.”
— Sandra Hazlehurst, Hastings Mayor
“Belinda’s passion knowledge and understanding of people and how they tick is brilliant. This ability is unique and allows her to train people to deliver their ideas in a more persuasive and structured way. She really helped our sales team lift their presentation skills to the next level.”