10 Jul 2023

One of the most common questions that I get in my media training programs, is "can't we just say 'no comment' if we don't want to answer"? It's an understandable approach, given how often we all see the phrase get used on the news. An annoyed politician in trouble: "No comment." A sports star behaving badly: "No comment." A CEO approached for analysis on falling stock prices:...
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05 Apr 2023

Do you ever find yourself using filler words like "um", "ah", or "like" when you're speaking? These words can detract from the clarity and effectiveness of your message, and may even make you come across as less confident or knowledgeable. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can use to eliminate filler words and improve the impact of your speech. Before we dive into strateg...
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20 Mar 2023

So much of our communication when giving a speech or presentation is actually non-verbal. Our body, facial expressions, gestures, posture and eye contact all make an enormous difference to the way we are perceived. Getting it right means making a positive impact. But getting it wrong can mean being forgotten. So what are the body language mistakes to avoid if you want to be remembe...
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20 Mar 2023

Whether it's a natural disaster, a corporate scandal, or a public health emergency, the way we communicate during a crisis can make all the difference to the duration and severity of the crisis, the human effects and the longevity of damage to a brand. Over the years, I have spent a great deal of time helping businesses, organisations, and individuals prepare to handle the media durin...
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17 Mar 2023

I'm pretty firmly of the view that the best people to conduct media training are journalists who have actually worked in the field that your industry is trying to target. When it comes to media training, there are many types of trainers to choose from, including public relations professionals, communication consultants, and of course, former journalists like me. While each of these trai...
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13 Mar 2023

Chris Urquhart's first book "Making News: The Ultimate Guide to Handling the Media" has proven to be a popular seller for anyone interested in how the media works and how to handle interviews.  Copies of the paperback have been sold all over the English speaking world, with the title available through international distributors globally. But now you don't have to wait for the print...
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20 Feb 2023

The importance of proper media training cannot be understated, particularly for those in the public eye. As a media trainer, I've had the opportunity to help individuals navigate the delicate process of engaging with the media, ensuring they communicate their message effectively and professionally. A prominent example of a media engagement gone awry is the 2019 interview of Prince An...
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13 Feb 2023

In today's fast-paced media landscape, getting your message out quickly and effectively is essential. One way to do this is through a video news release (VNR). A VNR is a pre-packaged video that can be used by journalists and newsrooms to incorporate into their coverage. Newsrooms are often limited in resources and providing a Video News Release may mean that they do not have to allocat...
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13 Mar 2022

Public speaking can be a nerve-wracking experience for many people, but with the right techniques and preparation, it can also be a rewarding and empowering experience.  We cover public speaking, in-depth in our confidenceedge course, but there are some handy tips that anyone can use to improve their performance. Whether you're speaking in front of a large audience or simply presen...
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