The Media Training Bible by Brad Phillips - Book review

The Media Training Bible

101 Things You Absolutely, Positively Need To Know Before Your Next Interview

By: Brad Phillips

Published: November 29, 2012
Format: Paperback, 254 pages
ISBN-10: 0988322005
ISBN-13: 978-0988322004
Publisher: SpeakGood Press












"Media training requires that spokespersons are equipped for traditional and new media", writes blogger at Mr. Media Training Blog and president of Phillips Media Relations, Brad Phillips, in his comprehensive and very hands on book The Media Training Bible: 101 Things You Absolutely, Positively Need To Know Before Your Next Interview. The author describes how media spokespeople can prepare for today's complex media world where old and new media are entwined, and how to present your message the right way for both traditional and social media audiences.

Brad Phillips recognizes that media spokespeople must understand the fundamental differences, as well as the similarities, of presenting their message to the various types of media. The author provides the background to working with different types of journalists, including those who work in traditional media, and those who report through blogs and other forms of social media. At the same time, Brad Phillips shares proven techniques for crafting and delivering a positive media message in print, on television, and on radio. The author also demonstrates the importance of the unspoken message given through body language, voice tone, gestures, clothing choices, and a sense of confidence when responding to very difficult and challenging questions.

Brad Phillips (photo left) understands that there is much more to a media appearance than the words spoken by the media representative. The author shares proven techniques for mastering the non-verbal messages carried in the speaker's body language, clothing, and tone of voice. Brad Philips points out that while these cues are very important in any media interviews, they are absolutely critical during a crisis when even the slightest error in message delivery could spell disaster for the media spokesperson and the organization.

Brad Phillips guides media spokespeople through the following main areas of media presentation to ensure a successful interview. Those topics include:

* Eight ground rules for working with the media
* Messages and message supports
* The interview
* Answering the tough questions
* Body language and attire guide
* The different media formats
* Crisis communications: The ten truths of a crisis
* Final interview preparation

For me, the power of the book is how Brad Phillips combines a comprehensive overview of all aspects of media presentations, with the practical strategies and techniques to achieve success in all interview situations. The author demonstrates clearly and concisely how media spokespeople can present their message in a positive and well accepted manner across both traditional and new media. Brad Phillips offers proven advice for ensuring that the interview is handled properly whether on television, radio, print, blogs, or other internet based media format.

The key is that Brad Phillips understands that what is the best form of presentation for one type of media may not be effective with another. This recognition of differences is especially important during times of crisis when the questions become more challenging and the responses are very often incomplete at the time of interview. The author provides real value for the readership by offering a complete assessment and series of recommendations for those crucial interviews given during a crisis. The author enhances the concepts and best practices shared in the book through a series of case studies that illustrate the techniques being used effectively.

I highly recommend the very complete and extremely useful book
The Media Training Bible: 101 Things You Absolutely, Positively Need To Know Before Your Next Interview by Brad Phillips, to any business or organizational leaders, managers, executives, entrepreneurs, or anyone who may be called upon to provide an interview in any format of media. This book will ensure that you share your message positively and accurately regardless of the media or the circumstances surrounding the interview.