My mission is all about authors. I help authors and business owners/entrepreneurs to get the media coverage and visibility that they want and need. Most want readers and to build their authority for a variety of purposes, whether that is to build a following, get more speaking gigs, build credibility, or build a business. Media coverage helps do all of these things. I have countless examples of author clients who have done just this and more.
It’s vital to be ready when the media opportunities present themselves. However, authors and public figures often express concerns about media training, which is aimed at helping them communicate effectively with media outlets and the public.
I have discovered several beliefs that hold them back. Here are five myths from authors about getting media trained, and what to do instead.
Hesitation Around the Scope of Media Training: Authors might feel unclear about the essence and advantages of undergoing media training. The good news is that training encompasses mastering the art of delivering messages from your book with clarity, navigating through complex inquiries, and upholding an admirable public persona throughout media engagements.
The Celebrity Training Myth: A prevalent belief is that media training is reserved solely for the stars. In truth, media training is indispensable for anyone, authors included, who might find themselves in the spotlight, teaching them the finesse of managing interviews and effectively broadcasting their narratives.
Worries About Losing Authenticity: The concern that media training could strip responses of their genuineness, rendering them mechanical, is common among authors. Contrarily, high-quality media training is designed not to evade difficult questions but to encourage authentic and goal-aligned responses, thus preserving the interviewee’s authenticity.
Anxiety About Miscommunication: The fear of being misunderstood or having one’s words distorted, potentially resulting in unfavorable attention, looms large. Through media training, authors learn to articulate their ideas succinctly and redirect discussions toward their primary messages when necessary. This is essential and training actually makes it so that you can do this clearly and elegantly.
Nervousness in Facing Difficult Questions: Confronting sensitive questions or contentious subjects can be daunting. Media training offers strategies to approach these scenarios with ease, allowing authors to keep the dialogue on track and centered around their essential points. Imagine what it will be like when you can do this with ease.
Bottom line
While you may have concerns about media training, its benefits in terms of risk management, message control, and improved communication skills can significantly outweigh these apprehensions. The goal is to prepare authors not only for media interactions but also to enhance their overall communication strategy on various channels and in different settings. This helps with speaking, building a following, credibility, and selling more books.
I have a media training course coming up through the Nonfiction Authors Association. I do this once, and maybe twice per year, so I hope you’ll join me as we get you prepared for doing exceptionally well in front of the media. Learn more about it here and join me beginning this next week. (You’ll also get the replays.)
To your success!
Joanne
P.S. New technology is always on the horizon. We’ll keep up!
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