Media training: it's as easy as 1,2,3...

Our Head of Content & PR, Jane, has spent years refining this method. The beauty of it? It's completely scalable. Some clients need all three stages, others just need the foundations. Here's how it works.

Stage 1: Media 101 (the scene-setter)

What it is: A 1-2 hour session that demystifies the entire world of media engagement.

Who it's for: Anyone who might encounter media in their role, from rising stars to support staff who answer the phones.

The aim here is to ensure sure your whole team understands how media actually works. Because when a journalist calls reception asking for a comment on breaking news, you want that receptionist to know what to do.

We cover the essentials: how interviews are set up, the speed at which media operates (spoiler: much faster than you think), and the critical techniques like bridging and blocking. We bust myths (no, there's no such thing as "off the record") and explain why "no comment" should never cross your lips.

The session uses real examples from your industry. If you're in agriculture, we'll talk about product withdrawals and regulatory challenges. In education? We'll cover the scenarios you actually face, not generic textbook examples.

What you'll walk away with: A clear understanding of media protocols, basic techniques everyone should know, and the confidence to handle that unexpected journalist call appropriately.

Stage 2: Workshop practice (the hands-on bit)

What it is: A 1-2 hour interactive session with 4-5 participants.

Who it's for: People who've completed Stage 1 and are likely to actually speak to media.

This is where theory meets practice. We use real press releases as the basis for mock interviews, usually conducted via Teams or Zoom to replicate how many modern interviews happen.

Each person gets about 15 minutes of practice time, but here's the clever part: you learn just as much from watching your colleagues. Someone will answer a tricky question brilliantly and you'll think "I should remember that approach." Or they'll stumble over something and you'll mentally note to avoid that pitfall.

The peer feedback is invaluable. Your colleagues will spot habits you didn't know you had and offer perspectives that resonate because they understand your work context.

What you'll walk away with: Practical experience in a safe environment, constructive feedback from people who get your industry, and a much better sense of what works (and what doesn't) when you're in the spotlight.

Stage 3: The real deal (mock interviews with actual journalists)

What it is: Individual sessions with ex-journalists who conduct realistic interviews.

Who it's for: Senior leaders or anyone facing high-stakes, potentially contentious media situations.

Not everyone needs this stage, but when you do need it, nothing else compares. We work with former journalists (all under NDA) who conduct interviews exactly as they would have done in their reporting days.

You'll get background on the "journalist," know the publication and general topic, and receive likely questions. But just like real life, there will be curve balls. The point is to create appropriate nervousness in a controlled setting.

The feedback afterwards is gold. You get the journalist's professional perspective plus our team's strategic input. It's intensive, it's slightly uncomfortable, and it's the best preparation you can get before facing the real thing.

What you'll walk away with: Genuine confidence born from realistic practice, the ability to handle unexpected questions under pressure, and professional insights on your performance.

Bonus: Monthly or quarterly drop-in sessions
For clients who want ongoing support, we run regular hour-long sessions where anyone who's completed the training can drop in with questions. Facing a tricky interview next week? Bring the scenario and we'll help you practice. Need advice on a specific challenge in your sector? That's what these sessions are for.

Why this approach works
Media training shouldn't be a one-size-fits-all day where everyone gets the same generic advice regardless of their role or likelihood of speaking to press. Our staged approach means you can:

• Give foundational knowledge to everyone who needs awareness
• Focus intensive training on people who'll actually use it
• Build skills progressively rather than overwhelming participants
• Identify natural spokespeople through their engagement and questions
• Create a consistent understanding of media protocols across your organisation

Most importantly, it transforms media from something intimidating into something manageable. We teach your team to see journalists as potential partners rather than adversaries, and to understand that with the right preparation and support, media engagement can be a powerful tool for your organisation.

Ready to get your team media-ready?

Whether you need the full three-stage programme or just want to give your team those essential foundations, we'd love to help. Get in touch and we'll chat through what would work best for your organisation.