Professionals do media interviews for a variety of reasons.  For physicians and attorneys it could be to bring more attention to their practices.  But some appear in the media solely to share their expertise as a way to help the public.  When there's a natural disaster or a man-made tragedy, legal and medical experts can help journalists tell the story in a more complete manner. If a story runs for days, the media will be looking for these experts throughout as live TV guests and for side-bar pieces (companion stories) across all media platforms.

If you want to become a media go-to expert, make sure you are ready. The last thing you want to do is to blow an interview and guarantee you won't be invited back.  That's why media training is important for doctors, nurses, pharmacists, lawyers and paralegals. As smart and accomplished as these professionals are, I have found that too often they need to break some bad communications habits before sitting for media interviews.  What kind of bad habits?

• Talking over the heads of their audience
• Including too much jargon in their responses
• Not speaking in sound bites (short, on-target sentences) in broadcast interviews.  Instead they try to jam in every thought.
• And like anyone who does a media interview; their tone, speaking rate, body language or even how they dress may be off.  Anything that draws attention away from their massaging diminishes the interview.

The good news is that all of these things can be addressed in a media training session.  Through on-camera mock interview you will learn how to express yourself in a media-friendly way.  And with a personal assessment by a media consultant, you can correct any bad habits you may have. 

There are countless media opportunities for those in the medical and legal fields.  So many stories that  journalists cover, have legal or medical aspects to them.  Just a few examples...

• The Taylor Swift/Travis Kelce nuptials offered an opportunity for lawyers to discuss the ins and outs of prenups.
• When a celebrity gets a divorce, reporters turn to divorce attorneys for input.  The Nicole Kidman/Keith Urban split was not just fodder for tabloids, but mainstream media reported on it as well.
• High profile hearings and trials call for media-friendly lawyers to add to the discussion.  When accused CEO killer Luigi Mangione heads to state and federal trail, lawyers will be lining up to discuss the case.
• A sports physician would be a good media get when a sports star is injuried.  Look at how much coverage Serena Williams' injury at Wimbledon garnered.
• Doctors and nurses can help explain public health threats, like the recent parasite outbreak in Michigan and beyond.  
• GLP weight loss drugs are a hot media topic.  A doctor or pharmacist could be a part of the story.

The experts that journalists rely on are not typically involved in the actual cases.  But because of their expertise they can help the public better understand the story.  That's why journalists need and want their input.  

For information about Women Media Pros' media training, email or call us.

Pros@womenmediapros.com

323-899-3883