Media Training for Authors
The Program
Trainer Steve Bennett will provide you with the strategies and tactics you need to carry out successful television, radio, and print interviews. And he won't serve you boilerplate media training fare; he’ll tailor his advice to your specific book and personal style, offering you both instruction and opportunities to engage in dry runs through mock interviews featuring various styles ranging from supportive and empathetic to challenging and aggressive.

Steve typically divides the training into three components: message lab, baseline communication assessment, and delivery techniques/practice.

1. The message lab entails using a proven process that Steve has developed for articulating effective messages and support points, and then packaging the messages into meaningful and memorable sound bites.
2. Once your message “ladder” is in place, Steve will assess your communication style on the basis of several practice interviews. He’ll then offer you suggestions that you can use throughout the rest of the training.
3. The third phase focuses on technique—how to effectively communicate your messages on the air—during in-person interviews or via phone-ins. You’ll not only get the opportunity to rehearse (and make mistakes) in a safe environment, but you’ll learn how to:
 
•
Steer the interview in the direction in which YOU want it to go
•
Seamlessly integrate your book title into the dialogue
•
Transform nervous energy into a radiant, confident presence
•
Avoid common pitfalls that can derail even the best interview and sabotage your credibility
•
Anticipate tough questions and devise winning answers that put the interview back into your hands
•
Handle callers with aplomb
•
Maintain your equilibrium and succeed in the face of unprepared or indifferent hosts
•
Use verbal ju-jitsu techniques to deal with aggressive or combative hosts looking to get a rise out of you or to start a fire-fight amongst panelists
•
Deal with off-the-wall or hostile callers
•
Turn around an interview that's moving slowly or heading south
•
Wrap up an interview by reinforcing your media messages
•
Increase your chances of being invited back for a return engagement

Whatever your level of experience and communication skills, AuthorBytes media training can help. If you’re a novice, Steve will show you the ropes. If you’re already a great communicator with media experience, Steve will take you to the next level. You’ll learn to enjoy interviews instead of dreading them…and you’ll deliver your messages with confidence and ease every time you have a media opportunity, whether it’s with Oprah, Associated Press, or your local community newspaper.