Episode #74: Media Training 101 with Joni Sweet
“So many times I'll be on an interview with somebody and they'll give me like something really interesting. And then immediately after they'll say, but that's off the record. Yeah, it happens all the time. So I think sources need to understand that when they're speaking to a journalist, everything is on the record unless both you and the journalist agree before you say something that it is off the record.”
-Joni Sweet, on “being off the record”
Today’s episode is all about media training. Our guest is a freelance writer (a repeat guest!) who has interviewed all sorts of experts and has a LOT of great insight into how we can all do better during this important part of the media relations process. Listen to this episode and walk away with new-found confidence and actionable tips needed to turn your good media training skills into great ones.
In this episode, you'll learn…
Actionable tips to turn any expert into a great interviewer
Common mistakes made by experts (& publicists!) during interviews
How publicists can be better collaborators throughout the interview process
Our guest:
Joni Sweet is a freelance writer who focuses on travel, health, and wellness. Her work has been published by TIME, National Geographic, Forbes, SELF, Health magazine, Lonely Planet, TripSavvy, Real Simple,Yoga Journal, Frommer’s, and dozens of other publications.
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Summary:
In this episode, Joni discusses her new service of media training and shares her expertise on conducting interviews. She emphasizes the importance of being present and focused during interviews and avoiding distractions. Joni also addresses the common question of whether journalists share interview questions in advance and explains why it's unlikely. She provides tips for PR professionals and sources to prepare for interviews and make the most of the opportunity. The episode concludes with funny stories and closing remarks. In this conversation, Jonny Sweet shares insights and tips on various aspects of journalism and media training. The conversation covers topics such as giving feedback, tips for on-camera interviews, using the right tools for interviews, methods for taking interviews, editing quotes in journalism, what makes a good quote, in-person interviews, media training from a journalist's perspective, and the importance of off-the-record agreements. Jonny Sweet also provides information on where to find her online.
Show Notes:
00:00— Introduction and Background
03:06— Offering Media Training as a Service
07:47— Questions in Advance and Interview Preparation
09:49— PRs Sitting in on Interviews
16:11— Common Mistakes in Interviews
20:26— The Challenge of Giving Feedback
21:45— Tips for On-Camera Interviews
23:21— Using the Right Tools for Interviews
24:36— Methods for Taking Interviews
25:42— Editing Quotes in Journalism
26:11— What Makes a Good Quote
27:28— In-Person Interviews
29:34— Media Training from a Journalist's Perspective
35:33— The Importance of Off-the-Record Agreements
37:05— Where to Find Joni Online
Connect with Joni Sweet
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