Kann Advisory Group : MEDIA TRAINING: The Power of the Interview

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

MEDIA TRAINING: The Power of the Interview - Tiger and Rory

   Boy oh boy.... we all watched the Masters. And it sure didn't take long for folks who were "fist-pumping" along with Tiger Woods on the first nine Sunday ... to throw absolute hay-makers at him after he was finished with his second nine!
   I was on a flight from Augusta, GA on Sunday afternoon - work complete for Golf Channel - bound for Orlando. People all over the plane had their phones on while we were at the gate. Everyone checking the scores and noticing that Tiger was on a roll. "He's 10 feet for eagle on 8!" someone said. One comment after another... leading to "Tiger's gonna win this thing!"
   In the end, the second nine was nothing like the first nine and Tiger shot 67. My Twitter account blew up twice. And the comments after his exit interview with CBS and Bill Macatee weren't even rated "PG."

I'm not singling out Tiger ... apparently he did a great job of that himself. His talents are enormous and his impact on the game is bigger. I root for him to be in the mix, I respect his talents and am amazed at his record. The roars come with good reason. The interviews - at times - defy logic.

Lost Masters - Won Fans

   But Rory McIlroy is proof that it doesn't have to go that way. He'd blown a four-shot lead and shot 80 on Sunday. He went from probable winner to pitiful performance. But he handled it with class and grace and took sportsmanship to its highest level.
   My question is this. Why is it that some athletes think interviews are an "obligation" and some are able to treat it like its an "opportunity?"
   If you're mad... or you don't like the question... fine. Then twist it in your favor. Smile and deliver your own message. Promote yourself or your cause. Sell yourself to the people each time.

Last year, I founded HTK Media. ( www.HTKnow.com ) We work to help people - athletes and corporate executives alike - become better in front of an audience. How to become more dynamic. How to become a better public speaker. How to make a lasting image and how to brand yourself at each opportunity.
Why is important for athletes and others? Gee.... let me think. The bottom line is that today... people notice EVERYTHING.... and bad body language can shorten a victory receiving line in very short order. That is.... if you care. I hope more athletes "get it." And I'd love to get your thoughts. As always, thanks for reading.

3 comments:

JustinApril 12, 2011 at 9:43 PM
Very good points Kraig , and you are still being delicate with Tiger , which I understand . He had an amazing front 9 and a disappointing back 9 , but he showed zero class with his exit interview . I asked "Is he trying to be unlikeable?"

Rory was the complete opposite , in spite of blowing up . Look at Phil's response at Winged Foot when he HAD his US Open win and then blew it on the last hole . Jean VDV also showed nothing but class when he lost in at the British Open , as did Watson in 2009 .

Tiger's talent is amazing but his personality and the way he treats people/media is terrible when he doesn't win . Show some class there big guy ! :)

Justin
Chilliwack ,bc
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AnonymousApril 12, 2011 at 9:49 PM
Maybe its time to rethink whats important here, people will always remember us for how we handled things, be it good or bad, Thats our legacy..As we remember all the greats of the game, its the class that we often reflect on when we discuss there successes, I venture to say that Tiger will be disscussed in a much different light..He has NO class and as a professional and someone who spent six years out there, I resent what the tour has allowed him to do too it...we have kissed his ass long enough...Lets get our house in order..and do it soon...
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Finding Success in Business - My Tip of the Week

In starting HTK MEDIA, joining LPGA as its Chief Communications Officer, and now leading Kann Advisory Group, I've learned more about daily organization and the importance of networking and business relationships than I had in all my years of working in television. Most people just go to work, do their job and head for home with little structure to their day. The good people come to work, create ideas and spend the day trying to make a difference - bringing others up in the process.

Tip - Be a "Difference-Maker." Business relationships that last are formed through using personal experiences to help build the brand of others. The key to keeping them? Confidence and delivering on the ideas you're selling. With all that, your brand sells itself.

The "Why" Behind This Blog

Sitting in the Golf Channel television studio back in 2010 during a lengthy rain delay, I decided that idle time needs a purpose. What could I do to put my experiences in front of an audience and help others become better? And thus ... a blog was born in between hosting a pre-game and post-game show.

First of all, these thoughts are my own.

I've spent twenty-five years in front of the camera as an anchor and network host at Golf Channel/NBC.

So aside from talking on TV, you might ask ..."what does this guy really know beyond teleprompters and make-up and what has he really done?" Good question ... here's the list:

* Leadership and Team Building
* Strategic Communications and Marketing
* Brand Management and Elevation
* Message and Content Development
* Traditional, Social and Digital Media Expansion
* Media Coaching and Presentation Skills Training
* Broadcast Talent, Spokesperson and Brand Ambassador

I was blessed to spend an equally rewarding five-plus as Chief Communications Officer at the LPGA. I've seen plenty in the world of professional and collegiate sports, media, broadcast television and corporate communications. I've elevated the brands of blue chip corporations and senior executives through strategic messaging and delivering for them on stages in front of big audiences that matter to them.

In November 2016, I officially formed Kann Advisory Group with designs on using my experience to elevate people, brands and events through strategic media and marketing communications. For years, I've built and delivered creative messages and worked to lift the brand images of others. So... this is the place where I'll share my thoughts on what I've experienced traveling around the world building brands and delivering messages over the years.

"I get tremendous satisfaction from the creation and development of ideas that get results, strategic concepts that get people and brands noticed, and I will always push people to be better." Kraig Kann

I post about Media Messaging, Media Coaching, Individual Branding, Public Speaking, and other professional tips and personal stories that have helped me along my career path.

I'ts my belief that it's not just about finding a platform - its about building one and then using what you've built to do something special that adds value to others. I hope you enjoy and I always welcome your feedback.

Enjoy!

Kraig