Does Everyone Need Media Training?
I recently attended an event of a local politician running for office in my town. The buzz of the upcoming mid-term election is already palpable as there is so much weighing on it—especially in the face of redistricting efforts like the recent change in Texas.
Politicians are constantly under microscopic scrutiny, with voters ready to react to a single stumble, a poorly worded sentence, or even a momentary hesitation. Celebrities and politicians—who are celebrities in their own right—no longer have room for error. Which is exactly why media training isn't just helpful anymore; it's a critical part of anyone’s career.
Executive Directors of nonprofits need to articulate their mission clearly to donors, funders, and media. A founder pitching investors needs to communicate trust and urgency in under five minutes. Even someone graduating from college benefits from being able to clearly answer, “So what do you do — and why?” in a way that actually opens a door.
So what exactly is media training?
At its core, media training prepares you to communicate clearly, confidently, and intentionally in high-stakes or even unexpected moments. It helps you tighten how you talk about your work. Media training helps you:
develop strong positioning and messaging
master short sound bites when time is limited
tell your story with clarity and purpose
anticipate and stay steady during unexpected or tough questions
stay composed when the situation — or audience — shifts
While politicians and celebrities might be the most obvious candidates, media training is no longer just for people “in the spotlight.”
In today’s world, public speaking includes meetings. introductions, panels., podcasts. job interviews, community forums, Instagram lives. Every moment is technically media—and every moment presents an opportunity to either build credibility or lose it.
If you want to start strengthening your media muscle today, here are four things you can do right now:
Write a 30-second answer to “So what do you do?” — and then try saying it out loud without over-explaining.
Think about your non-verbal communication. How do you stand, do you use your hands, do you know when to smile? These elements matter much more than people think.
Record yourself answering one tough or uncomfortable question — watch your tone, not just your words. Do you sound defensive? Prepared? Calm? Use tools like Yoodli, which is an AI tool that give you feedback on your presentation skills.
Think about the point you’re trying to make, not just how to answer a question. Often, questions are opportunities to tell a story, express a value, and do far more than give a simple answer. Practice some of the questions you’re asked most often, and think about how to weave in a story that gets your audience thinking, inspired, or even laughing.
And if you or your team want real-time practice, coaching, and feedback—The Good Word offers private media training intensives designed to sharpen your message and build confidence and clarity under pressure.