Exact Talks to Marcy McGinnis about Media Training
Exact Communication’s own Marcy McGinnis relies on her decades of experience in broadcast news, higher education, and as a communications expert to help folks become top-notch performers in media interviews or when making presentations to small, medium, or large groups. https://www.exactcommunication.org/team/marcy-mcginnis/
We spoke with Marcy about her media training:
Exact: Who might come to you for media training?
Marcy: Anyone who’s been asked for an interview by a media outlet or anyone who wants to pitch themselves for a media interview – and we’re talking television, radio, print, online, or podcasts. Or anyone who’s going to “perform” before small, medium, or large groups.
Exact: Where do you start with your clients?
Marcy: Since any kind of public speaking can be nerve-racking, I first calm them down a bit. I explain that doing a media interview is to their advantage. It’s a way to get their message out to a larger audience. I explain the role of a reporter is to conduct an interesting interview that will help their audience understand the topic and want to learn more. I help them speak in short, clear sentences, learn how to pivot from certain questions, and how to speak with authority, authenticity, and enthusiasm. We practice a lot with mock interviews followed by peer feedback (if there’s more than one in the training) and feedback from me and my Exact colleagues.
Exact: Do you encourage your clients to say “yes” to requests for interviews?
Marcy: I encourage my clients to do their homework and ask a lot of questions before they say “yes” or “no” to an interview request. It’s up to them to decide if it’s to their advantage to agree. Questions might include: What is the outlet? Who is your audience and how big is your audience? (national? local?) Will the interview be live? When and what time will it air? What is the subject of your story or segment? Why do you want me? Who will interview me and what is their expertise on the subject? Will you interview anyone else in the segment? The point is they should get as much information as possible to decide whether to use that outlet to get their message across to that particular audience. And if they do say “yes” I encourage them to practice with me first!
Exact: Who are some clients who’ve benefited from your training?
Marcy: I’m excited that so many of the people I’ve trained have shared their messages with television audiences, specialty magazines, on-line publications, and podcasts. I’ve helped doctors, nurses and other health care providers get the word out about specific programs that benefit the public. I train scientists working to fight climate change or save endangered species to hone their messages and share their successes. Non-profit organizations use me to train their spokespeople. The list is long. So many people are doing interesting and important work that the public needs to know about. Media interviews are just one way to spread information far and wide. The experience doesn’t have to be as daunting or scary as you think. It can even be fun. Call me!