The "Murder Board" and Why You Need One
High-stakes media appearances require more than just message discipline—they demand real-world preparation for the toughest scenarios. That’s why we incorporate murder boards as a crucial element of our comprehensive media training program.
Originally coined by military strategists in the 1970s, murder boards are rigorous, no-holds-barred review sessions designed to test a spokesperson’s ability to navigate hostile environments. Today, CMT leverages this proven method to prepare clients for highly charged debates, aggressive interviews, and crisis response situations.
Our process begins with a strategic collaboration. We work closely with our clients' teams to develop a customized murder board session that reflects the most challenging questions and scenarios they may encounter. This includes analyzing public sentiment, opposition arguments, and media tendencies to craft a session that is as tough—if not tougher—than the real thing.
Once the murder board is assembled, we take clients into a professional studio environment to simulate high-pressure, real-world conditions. Our expert trainers, many of whom are seasoned journalists, political strategists, and media professionals, act as adversarial interviewers. They press hard, challenge assumptions, and push the spokesperson to refine their responses under "live fire" interview conditions.
Through multiple rounds of practice and constructive feedback, clients learn to:
- Stay composed under pressure—remaining calm and confident even in confrontational settings.
- Control the narrative—bridging back to key messages despite aggressive questioning.
- Anticipate and neutralize tough questions—preparing responses that are direct, persuasive, and strategic.
- Respond effectively to crises—delivering clear, reassuring messages in the heat of a controversy.
At CMT, we don’t just throw clients into the deep end—we equip them with the tools and techniques needed to excel in today’s unforgiving media landscape. Whether facing a political debate, a contentious press conference, or a high-stakes television interview, our murder board training ensures clients are battle-tested and ready to succeed.
In an era where a single misstep can go viral in seconds, preparation is everything. With CMT’s murder boards, you won’t just survive tough interviews—you’ll own them.