The Media Coach 28th May 2024

Speaking Tip of the week - Stay comfortable

You probably saw Rishi Sunak standing in a downpour outside Number 10 Downing Street calling a General Election. He didn't look very comfortable.

I doubt if you'd ever stand in the pouring rain to speak, but there are still some things to consider to make sure you are comfortable when you deliver.

Firstly, make sure that you liaise with the organiser well in advance about issues like microphones, slides (if you use them), and the layout of the venue.

Secondly, arrive well in advance - the day before is ideal - and check out the room where you will be speaking. Look at the sight lines, test the audio and and projection of slides, and run through the first and last sections of your speech.

Rehearse your movement on and off the stage, especially if there are steps to negotiate. Check the room temperature in order to decide what to wear. Ask for room temperature water too - no ice. Don't wear anything new, especially shoes, as that could make you very uncomfortable indeed.

And don't ever stand in the rain without an umbrella - but you know that already.

Media Tip of the week - Keep egg off your face

Over the next five weeks, UK politicians will be avoiding eggs, whether literally dodging thrown ones, or metaphorically avoiding embarrassment.

Similarly, it's important for you to be confident in media interviews, and to make sure that you aren't embarrassed whatever question is asked of you. The unexpected question can throw you completely off your stride, making you look uninformed and ridiculous. You can prepare tor anything that is thrown at you if you get into the right frame of mind.

Here are a few things to remember:

• You are the expert on the topic under discussion
• The reporter will want you to explain, in simple terms, what is happening
• You don't have to answer every question in detail
• You can't be expected to know everything
• Your message should be simple
• You should repeat your message several times
• You should stay calm throughout
• You are allowed to pause before answering

As ever, it's about preparation. Have a run-through with a colleague, and ask them to deliver the toughest questions they can think of. Having gone through that, the real interview will be easy, and there will never be egg on your face.?I can't guarantee that for electioneering politicians though.

Social Media Tip of the week - Playing small

I was at the Little Green Dragon Alehouse in Enfield a few days ago.

Despite being a tiny venue with room for only a couple of dozen customers, they've won awards year after year.

That's because they offer an exceptional experience, regardless of the number of visitors.

That's a great example to follow on social media. Some people don't bother to provide great or consistent content if they have only a few connections or followers.

But that's the time when you should be providing as high a level of service as possible, so that the word goes round about how good you are. Playing small is not about doing less, it's about doing more, and provided that unexpected level of quality that gets you noticed.