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Media training is something I wish I knew more about.
I’ve read that public figures of all sorts were traditionally taught how to speak to the media early on in their careers. As in, shortly before they were signed to a record label, decided to run for office, chosen as a new player for a sports team, had their book approved for publication, or experienced something similarly life changing, they were given lessons on how to talk to reporters and how to steer a conversation away from matters they’d rather not discuss.
(Modern social media stars unfortunately don’t seem to receive this same training in many cases).
I promise I am not trying to make this a political post in any way! I’m simply fascinated by how people can so smoothly steer a conversation in the way they want it to go even when they’re asked about possibly painful topics by a reporter who has been trained to get a straight answer.
One of the things I’ve read about media training is that public figures are told to answer the question they wish they were asked instead of the one they were actually asked.
So, for example, if so-and-so is asked why their latest album didn’t sell as many copies as was expected, they might pivot to talk about the incredible writers and producers who worked on that project with them or maybe they’ll tell a story about a fan who approached them and said that a certain song was life changing instead.
This can be used for much more serious topics as well, of course.
I’m fascinated by how well this can work, why it still sometimes fails, and want to learn more. It’s not how I approach conversations at all either as the person asking questions or the person answering them.
If anyone has any personal insight into how this type of communication plays out, I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Lydia this is such a good answer! It certainly seems to be a skill some have developed more than others. So many people can’t give a straight answer to simple questions. I enjoyed reading this!
Thank you. I’m glad you also find it interesting.
I’ve often wished to know more about the Greek practice of rhetoric, which is kin to this — the art of crafting an argument that can be convincing if not to your interlocutor, then then the audience.
That does sound interesting!
We can have media training as real estate agents, especially those rising in leadership. I truly would love to have it regularly to deal with those uncomfortable silences. You’re trained to speak and then be quiet. Great choice, Lydia.