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Crisis Media Training

This crisis media training course covers how to speak with journalists and media following a negative news event. You will practice realistic on-camera interviews with positive and supportive coaching. Topics include crisis media dynamics, performing under pressure and strategies for handling difficult questions.  

This course is available both live online and face-to-face. 

  • Face to face (London) | One day | £675 +VAT
  • Face to face (Dubai) | One day | Media One Hotel | $795 +VAT
  • Live online (Zoom) | Two half-days | 10:00-14:00 London time | $795

Also available on request in US / Asia timezones.

This course runs in English. It is also available on request in Arabic or Dutch.

Course outline

Preparation and confidence

This module covers the core concepts of media training theory, including practical examples in video clips.

  • Developing and using messages in interviews
  • Using soft and hard proof points to make messages credible and memorable
  • Understanding news values and how these will affect the interview
  • Body language and physical appearance
  • Structured preparation using a step-by-step model

On-camera simulation

In this module, you will prepare systematically for an imaginary scenario and then take part in a simulated media interview, followed by individual feedback. The purpose is familiarisation, self-awareness and confidence building.

  • Evaluating the journalist, media and news environment
  • Preparing messages and proof points
  • Anticipating and preparing answers for likely questions
  • Simulated interview on camera with a training journalist
  • Video replay with individual performance coaching

Interview dynamics

In this module, you will learn to understand the underlying dynamics of media interviews, in order to take control of the agenda. This is followed by another simulation exercise.

  • Interviewer tactics to watch out for
  • Power dynamics
  • Managing aggressive or pushy questioning
  • Guiding the agenda: proactive messaging

Difficult questions

In this module, you will learn techniques for answering difficult questions, including universally effective approaches. This is followed by another simulation exercise.

  • Seven categories of question that do not need to be answered
  • The classic “”blocking and bridging” approach and its shortcomings
  • The flexible “dig for gold” strategy
  • The universal “zoom in, zoom out” technique
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Reviews

Meet your trainers

Following are some of the ISOC trainers who regularly lead this course, depending whether you join us in London, Dubai or live online. 

Trainer profile: Will Hardie

Will is a communication strategist, advisor and coach with more than 20 years’ experience working in more than 50 countries. He studied Experimental Psychology for a Master’s at Oxford and later journalism and politics in the U.S. Will joined Reuters news agency as a graduate trainee reporter and took a series of postings in Brussels, Stockholm and Belgrade. As a foreign correspondent he specialised in financial and economic news and reported on a wide range of high-profile breaking news stories. He covered major international summits, interviewed ministers, heads of state, CEOs and other senior executives, and managed regional teams of journalists. Back in London Will co-founded Pinnacle PR, a global communications consultancy, and the International School of Communication, a specialist professional training company. Will is one of the world’s leading communications advisors. He has executed large projects to create communication strategies and systems for national governments and major corporations. For six years, he was the chief advisor to the head of communications in the office of a well-known Prime Minister. He has counselled hundreds of cabinet ministers, senior politicians, CEOs and other senior executives across Europe, North America, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. He specialises in executive coaching, media training, crisis communication, strategic messaging and communication strategy development. He has led long-term projects to develop top-level communication strategies for Federal and National governments and written crisis plans and positioning for global top-500 companies. Will is currently based in Dubai where he divides his time between managing ISOC and delivering consulting and training projects worldwide.

Trainer profile: Sarah Cocker

Sarah is a dynamic communicator with over 20 years’ experience in media, finance and business. Her international experience in banking, and as one of CNBC’s key anchors, makes her at ease dealing with leaders and experts from industry, government and academia. A skilled listener and coach, Sarah enjoys working with clients to help them define and achieve their objectives. Her coaching experience includes training blue-chip executives in public speaking and techniques for challenging television interviews. Her international career has given her an understanding of the cultural and working practices in the Europe, Asia, the Middle East, North and South America.

Trainer profile: Adam Kirtley

Adam is a veteran presenter and reporter with more than 30 years' experience as a BBC journalist. He presents on BBC local and national and radio, including  Five Live business show Wake Up to Money and Radio Four's flagship consumer show You and Yours. He still reports for the BBC World Service, where he began his career. Adam has interviewed numerous bankers, finance ministers and CEOs during his BBC career, and for the last 15 years has used that experience to train executives in media interviews, crisis communication, public speaking, presentation skills and messaging. He is also an accomplished conference facilitator and workshop leader. Adam has worked across Europe, the Middle East, North America and Africa for organisations of all sizes, from multinational finance and pharmaceutical companies to governments and NGOs.

What you will learn

After this course you will be able to:

  • Perform confidently and effectively in crisis media interviews

  • Prepare crisis-appropriate positioning and messages

  • Handle difficult questions and turn them to your advantage

  • Predict and navigate crisis media dynamics

  • Understand journalists and how they think and behave in a crisis

  • Anticipate and prepare for challenging topics

  • Stay calm and dignified under persistent questioning

Who should attend?

This is an advanced-level course designed for executives and communicators who are likely to be required to face the media on behalf of their organisation in a crisis or other reputationally sensitive environment. 

"Crisis Media Training" is an advanced course focusing specifically on crisis interviews. If you are interested in training covering all kinds of interviews, you might also consider the intermediate-level course "Media Training": isoc.com/media-training-course.