The Media Coach 15th March 2023

Speaking Tip of the week - My friend Mic

Most in-person speeches are delivered via microphones. They are nothing to fear, but simply a device to amplify your voice. Alas, many speakers are afraid of the mic, and don't know how to use it. Here's a guide to using different types of mic.

1) Podium mic If you have a choice, avoid this type. It fixes you to the spot, usually behind a lectern, and prevents you from looking to the side, or behind you at a screen, since your voice will disappear. If you have to use one, stand tall and let the technician adjust the sound. Never lean into the mic, and never, ever tap it and say 'Is this on?"

2) Handheld mic This may seem a restriction, since one of your hands is occupied, but that can be an advantage, especially for a nervous speaker. You do need to practice holding it at the right distance from your mouth, so you need to rehearse. At the rehearsal, make sure you know where the on and off switch is since it may be handed to you in the "off" position.

3) Lapel mic Also known as lavalier mics, these can be very useful if you want to wander around, and incredibly good if you use props. There is still the danger of losing the sound if you turn your head, so some practice is required. If you wear a lapel mic for a long time, have the batteries checked every so often - they won't last for a full day.

4) Over the ear mic These are increasingly common. They are superb for dancers, since the mic is always close to your mouth. Some speakers carry their own modified over-ear mics so they become used to wearing them. They can be a little uncomfortable with prolonged use, so try them out for a while before you wear them for a speech.

Whatever type of mic you choose, practice with it first. Never use a mic for the first time in front of a live audience.?????

Media Tip of the week - Five ways to get media attention

The holy grail of PR is to get on radio or TV. Here are a few pointers that may help you in your quest.

1) The News Hook You need to earn the interest of broadcast media by providing the news hook that shows; You understand the interests and values of their audience; You have linked the story to a current issue; You have listened or watched their output, and understand how it will fit in. Sell what they already buy.

2) Look for trends Listen to the news buzz, and pick up trends early. Linking your story to a "new" issue will pay dividends.

3) Getting on the radio To get on radio shows you need; a lively, personable voice; an enticing pitch; persistence. When pitching, call the station if at all possible (it is a voice medium), and follow up immediately with an email. Ideally, arrange to talk to the producer.

4) Getting on TV Similar advice as for radio, with the additional requirement that you must be engaging on camera. This requires practice and training. Don't turn down appearances on low-viewed digital channels - they are excellent practice. Approach channels that have plenty of "live time" (e.g. Sky News, Talk TV). They are voracious for guests, particularly at early or late hours. Offer them "in the studio" rather than "down the line" - they will appreciate it more.

5) Build relationships Most importantly, develop a good relationship with researchers, producers and reporters. Let them know that you've seen their work in the past, without being sycophantic or patronising. Try to offer them something at every meeting, whether it is a story, a lead or a contact. If you are seen as a "value-added" guest, they will call you.

Social Media Tip of the week - Write, think, edit, think, post.

It's as easy as anything to get onto social media, type your thoughts and post the message. It takes a matter of seconds.

But hold on a moment (and I mean that literally). Did you really mean to post what you wrote? Or were you just typing something out of frustration or annoyance that could be gone in a few minutes?

Yes, you can edit a post, or even delete it. But it's possible that even in the time you take to reconsider, someone may have taken a screenshot of your comment. It's now become permanent, and as some people have found to their cost, potentially very damaging.

So here's a little mantra to help you avoid posting in haste. Write, Think, Edit, Think, Post.

• Write - simply put down what's in your head, without trying to filter it
• Think whether it is what you want to post
• Edit - spelling, grammar, use of words, any personal comments about opponents etc.
• Think about your edited post - do you want to revise it again, or delete it?
• Post - only when you are totally happy with it, commit it to posterity

That process could save you an awful lot of bother in the future.?