As a veteran media trainer and media coach, I’ve heard every excuse in the book for why someone thinks they don’t need media training.
The truth is, these excuses are often just a cover for fear, resistance to change, or reluctance to receive honest, critical feedback.
So, let’s debunk the top 5 bad excuses for avoiding media training and reveal why they’re all wrong.
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“I’m an expert in my field.”
Congratulations, you’re an expert in your field! But does that automatically make you a pro on camera or during high-stakes media interviews? Not at all.
Being an expert in your subject matter is essential, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle.
Media training teaches you how to communicate your expertise in a clear, concise, and engaging manner that resonates with your audience. Trust me, there’s always room for improvement in how you present yourself and your ideas to the media.
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“I’m already doing TV and media.”
That’s great! But let me ask you this: Can you honestly say you’ve reached your full potential as an on-air expert or a media spokesperson for your brand?
Everyone can improve, and media training provides the tools and insights to help you refine your skills and elevate your media presence.
Even the most seasoned professionals can benefit from ongoing training to stay sharp and adapt to the ever-changing media landscape. When I worked at CNBC, we were all required to have media training – and we were on-air reporters and anchors who were on TV daily.
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“I’ll just wing it.”
Oh, dear. Winging it is a recipe for disaster in the high-stakes world of media interviews, where one appearance can go viral (sometimes for the wrong reasons).
You don’t want an interview to turn into a crash-and-burn experience that damages your credibility and harms your professional reputation.
Media training ensures that you’re well-prepared to handle any situation, from difficult questions to technical glitches. Remember, preparation is crucial for all media interviews, whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro.
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“It costs too much money.”
Sure, media training might seem like a significant expense, but let’s reframe it as an investment that will pay off handsomely in the long run.
High-quality media training equips you with the skills and strategies needed to secure high-profile media opportunities, boost your visibility, and enhance your professional image.
In the end, the ROI from media training far outweighs the cost.
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“I don’t have the time.”
We’re all busy; I get it. But let me be blunt: That’s a lousy excuse.
If you’re serious about elevating your media presence and reaping the rewards of high-level media interviews, you need to make time for media training. Schedule two to four hours for a session and make it a priority. You’ll find that the time invested in honing your media skills is well worth it.
Eliminate Those Excuses and Stop Procrastinating
So, there you have it: the top 5 bad excuses for avoiding media training, and why they’re all wrong.
If you’ve been using any of these excuses to put off getting media coaching, or if an executive in your business who needs coaching has offered these rationales, it’s time to end the procrastination and simply address the matter head-on.
As a seasoned media trainer and media coach, I’ve heard it all before, but trust me when I say that media training is a crucial investment in your professional success.
Whether you’re an expert in your field, already doing TV and media, or think you can wing it, remember that there’s always room for improvement.
Stop making excuses and take the first step toward becoming a polished and more confident individual who can handle any interview that comes your way.
