MEDIA TRAINING: Don't Veer Off YOUR Speaking Path

Stay in YOUR Speaking Lane

     How many times have you spent key moments of a speech, or a part of an interview away from the focus of your intended message points?  In other words, you had intentions of delivering "x" ... and instead, found yourself discussing "y" ... only to lose track of what it was you were asked, or had rehearsed, and couldn't bang home the key points of "x."

     It happens.  And when you're done with your talk or the interview and you haven't

What is YOURS?

delivered what you'd hoped, it can be frustrating.  Did you deliver your true "expertise?"
 
     Here's another example.  You're in charge of marketing, but instead find yourself answering questions about financial issues or veering off into the world of technology that you really don't have a true knowledge of.

     During the off-season months of the LPGA schedule, we invited media consultant Brad Phillips to visit with our team.   And I'm going to give him full credit here as this topic has stuck with me and is something I now use when talking one-on-one with people about how best to deliver in media situations or speaking engagements.

    

I haven't written a book yet... but Phillips has.  And his "Media Training Bible" is a good one for anyone who wants quick tips on media delivery, crisis management or pubic relations.  His background is solid ... reporting and producing news, delivering under the gun and countless sessions helping folks to make the most of key moments when you absolutely have to.

    Here are my thoughts on "staying in your lane." And the most important thing I can get across is that it applies to everyone.


   * Everyone has a role or title.

   * Everyone has an expertise of some sort within your job description.

   * Everyone wants to be known for something. 

   * Everyone should focus on building on their individual talents.

   * So speak to your strengths.

   * And don't try to become (or sound like) and expert where they are not.

    Each of us has a job to do.  Each of us should be able to speak comfortably on that particular role.  Nobody asks an engineer to comment on a company's accounting software program.  And nobody would ask the defensive coordinator to comment on the team's running game.

   When it comes to standing in front of a reporter, answering questions... think about the question that was asked and comment fully on the topic requested.  If it's not in your wheelhouse, steer toward a part of the question that applies to your skill set and professional expertise.  Become an expert in your field, don't try to sound like one in fields where you don't possess great knowledge.

   I tell athletes looking to be better with the media that its ok to focus on key items you want people to know about you - the athlete and the person.  I tell speakers to keep it simple, and deliver with energy on the key message points. 

Be Quotable on the RIGHT THINGS

   At the end of every media or speaking opportunity, make sure that the quotes being used or the takeaway from your audience is on the things you care and know the most about.  And I think it goes without saying that it sure wouldn't be good to be remembered for comments made about things you don't know much about or didn't care much to research in the first place.  Don't veer off YOUR path ... stay in YOUR lane and deliver YOUR message.

   You can follow me on Twitter @KraigKann .... and as always, thanks for sharing ideas and this blog with those around you!

    Thought for the Day:  Everybody has something worthy to share. Make sure that's your focus and work to make an impression on things you have the greatest passion for.