Media Training A-Z (Paperback)

~ T. J. Walker and Jess Todtfeld (Author) "All of my media training clients want the same things when it comes to dealing with the media..." (more)
Key Phrases: media training clients, three main message points, three message points, Product Code, Media Training Worldwide, Bill Clinton (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

New edition includes up-to-date tips and strategies for speaking and dealing with NEW Media, including: blogs, podcasts, webcasts, and ezines.

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Learn to get the quotes you want, look good on camera, and sound confident and comfortable during your next media interview.

In the book, TJ Walker & Jess Todtfeld explain:
-A systematic approach to developing and delivering a memorable message
-Strategies to help reduce nervousness
-Tips and guidelines for looking your best on camera
-A successful approach to answering tough questions
-Tips on dealing with ANY interview situation
-Memorable examples from key media figures
-A proven, step-by-step system to create sound bites and get the quotes you want!
- Strategies for speaking to new media

From the Author

"Everybody I work with wants the same things when it comes to dealing with the media: They want to come across as comfortable, confident and relaxed to audiences (and they’d like to actually feel comfortable, confident and relaxed too). Next, they’d like to be able come up with a clear-cut simple message, be able to deliver that message, answer questions in a thoughtful manner, and, finally, get the exact quotes or sound bites they want into the story. This book is a compilation of insights I’ve learned over the last 20 years of trying to help clients accomplish these goals." TJ Walker

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Product Details

• Paperback: 165 pages
• Publisher: Media Training Worldwide; 5 edition (February 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1932642366
• ISBN-13: 978-1932642360
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #270,414 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Something for everyone, September 11, 2005

By	Nathan Schock (Sioux Falls, SD United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

When it comes to talking to the press, people are largely divided into two camps. The first doesn't think it's anything to worry about and the second is terrified of the prospect. Media Training A-Z from TJ Walker has a little something for both groups.

I've worked with a few people who fall into the first camp. The CEO who doesn't think he needs to "waste" any time preparing for the interview ends up having a rambling, hour-long conversation, during which no message is communicated. The reporter is left with little that's usable and often takes their pick from the dozens of messages they heard. Once the interview is published or aired, the CEO complains about being misquoted or "taken out of context."

To them, Walker communicates the importance of preparing for the interview. He advises that you not enter an interview "without knowing in advance precisely the exact quotes you want to see in tomorrow's newspaper or tonight's newscast." He includes examples from the political world of how communicating can make your career (think Ronald Reagan) or break it (Howard Dean).

For the novice about to face an interview, Walker dissects it into its various parts and lays out a systematic plan of attack. The book is also loaded with tips and tricks that Walker has drawn from more than 20 years of media training experience. From what to say, wear and even drink, Walker conveys it all.

The book is not flawless. Some people may find them helpful, but the acronyms Walker uses for memorization reminded me of high school and were so long that the acronym was almost as difficult to remember as the concept to which it was related. I also could have gone to Walker's web site to find his other products and thus have done without the 30 pages he devotes to them at the end of Media Training A-Z. But those minor detractions are more than made up for by the balance of the book.

A final note for leaders (of non-profits, companies, churches, etc.): speaking to the media will most likely be unavoidable at some point in your tenure. Because what you say to the media could eventually be seen/read/heard by thousands of people, you should do your best to make sure you say it well. Media Training A-Z made me a better communicator and helped me teach my clients to do the same. Whether you're a public relations pro or prepping for your first TV interview, this book is a valuable resource.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars To The Point, July 16, 2005

By	A. Gibson "Angel" (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews

TJ Walker is a clear and concise in his Media Training A-Z book. this is a very user-friendly book that is a perfect handbook for anyone who needs or wants to work with the media.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Read TJ's Book Before your next media interview!, June 16, 2005

By	Dayanna (New York, New York) - See all my reviews

This book is amazing! The information you learn in this book is very valuable coming from an experienced News radio/TV host and media/presenation coach. Not only you will learn to be confident in front of cameras and journalists, but you will be able to make your messages memorable and so impacting that it will get your interview quoted on the News! Print or Media this book will teach you how to look good, sound good, and get what you want out of that interview! Its not about the journalist it's about you!