Meet the Media

This is a "hands-on" workshop designed to help professionals (both public and private) deal effectively with the media. The class will be half discussion and half workshop in which participants are asked tough questions by mock "reporters." Maximum class size is 12.

Specific areas to be covered include:

• Preparing for an interview

• Anticipating questions to be asked

• Why TV is different/making it work for you

• How to keep your "main point" from being edited out

• How to be "quotable"

• Your rights as interviewee

• Mechanics of a good news conference

• Maintaining ongoing media relations

Benefits of This Program

This program aids participants in many ways. Participants will:

• learn to mentally prepare for press interviews and press conferences, with special emphasis on television interviews. Teaches participants to "think visual" and be aware of time limitations in preparation.

• develop respect for the reporter's job; learn how both interviewer and interviewee can meet their goals

• learn to anticipate questions and how to re-route questions to get at important points

• develop ability to "be quotable" when responding, using comparisons, concise summaries, etc.

• "defuse" apprehension about the media, be more relaxed and confident in the interview

• become more professional in dealing with the media, which reflects positively on the organization

• learn techniques to insure being accurately quoted

• learn to redress grievances with the media and actually improve relations

Who Should Attend?

If you are in upper management or headed that way, chances are you will be asked to be in a television or newspaper interview. The question is when.

Since you can't predict which events might prompt a reporter to call, your best advice is to be prepared and trained to handle the interview credibly and in a manner that enhances the image of the organization.

Those who have no experience dealing with the media are excellent candidates for this program. Seasoned veterans can also learn from the program, which includes a mock interview to test the skills you have learned.

Because the program is a laboratory/training program, registration is limited.

About The Speaker

Jerry Hancock has 30 years of experience in the field of communication. His expertise includes interpersonal communication, group dynamics, team skills, presentations, mass media, marketing, and public relations.

His background includes managing production, operations, and start-up projects at commercial broadcasting firms. Prior to that, as Community Development manager of the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Hancock dealt directly with the news media on business issues. He owned and operated his own advertising and public relations firm in which he coached clients in handling media contacts. His seminar on this subject has been presented to both public and private agencies, including dozens of city and county managers, department heads, and corporate CEOs.

His credits include being a guest commentator on NPR's "All Things Considered" and the publishing of numerous journal articles. Currently he hosts programs on public television. Jerry is well known in Charlotte as the host of FINAL EDITION on WTVI, a weekly roundtable discussion of current news topics with local reporters, a program he has hosted for 22 years.

He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and the Institutes for Organization Management, University of Georgia. He is a member of the American Society for Training and Development and serves on the boards of local business/community organizations.

About AlexanderHancock Associates

We are one of the leading providers of custom training and development based in the Southeast. The partners have over 30 years experience working with clients in twenty states. Along with a group of talented professional associates, the partners offer clients a wide range of expertise. We are especially noted for learning our clients' products and services, culture, people, and practices, and customizing training to fit these unique features.

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