Grab your espresso, PSL or matcha, and let’s dive in.
The Elephant in the News
As the fashion world celebrates new leadership i.e. Sarah Burton at Givenchy and Haider Ackermann at Tom Ford, the rest of the world is eagerly awaiting updates on America’s leadership change. It’s a high stakes moment for the country and for business.
Election news is hard to miss either from TV, TikTok, or calls from family who saw something on Facebook. (And if you haven’t seen SNL’s campaign sketch for their 50th anniversary, it’s worth a few minutes of distraction by Maya Rudolph and Andy Samberg.) Whether you prefer watching spoofs or the debates themselves, it’s hard to ignore the elephant in the news. Media training! The national debates are reminders that media training isn’t just for politicians — it’s for anyone in a position of influence.
While we can pretend not to judge a book by its cover, the reality is that we do. We practically make it a sport to pick apart anyone on our screens, and that same attitude is often brought over into our professional lives. Jittery pinstripes on camera are hard to ignore and a bulldozing speech seldom goes unnoticed.
From boardrooms to broadcast studios, how you present yourself has a tangible impact. First impressions, body language, and tone of voice can enhance or even undermine your message. These details might seem insignificant, but they’re critical in shaping how leaders and brands are perceived.
Bottom line? When you lead a meeting, speak to investors, or engage with key stakeholders, learning how to communicate is just as important as what you are saying.
Five Tips for Speaking with Purpose:
1. Boost your energy before speaking—whether it’s a 30-second power pose or a quick exercise.
2. Maintain poise. Sit still, plant your feet, and drop your shoulders to project confidence. Don’t sway, rock back and forth or hunch.
3. Craft concise, memorable sound bites that align with your key points.
4. Engage the room. Pause to invite questions or reactions—dialogue fosters connection.
5. Make strategic eye contact. Start and end a point by looking at the same person, then move your gaze to another part of the room for your next point. Switching focus between individuals keeps your audience engaged vs. panning the room.
Mastering In-Person Networking:
With the rise of in-person conferences and events, it’s time to fine-tune your networking skills. A well-timed introduction can open doors and leave a lasting impression. Here are a few tips:
1. Wear your nametag on your right shoulder. This small detail makes it easier for others to see your name when shaking hands, creating a smoother introduction.
2. Say the person’s name three times when first introduced. Repeating their name—once when greeting, once during the conversation, and once when saying goodbye—helps you remember it and makes the person feel acknowledged and valued.
3. Be present in the moment. Put your phone away and give the person your full attention. Genuine interest makes a powerful impression in professional settings.
4. Use the free Popl app to share your digital business card. Popl makes it fast and easy to exchange contact information by allowing others to scan your digital business card with a tap, streamlining the follow-up process.
5. Prepare a brief introduction. Have a concise opener ready to share who you are and what you do, but focus on listening more than speaking. People appreciate when you engage with their story, rather than leading with your own. People also like to help each other. To that end, your intro should describe the type of customers you serve and the problem you solve for them. Most likely, the person you’re speaking with will know someone in that category.
6. Follow up meaningfully. Within 24-48 hours, send a personalized follow-up note to solidify the connection and keep the conversation going. (Popl will remind you to do this.)
Elevate Your Brand’s Communication Strategy
At RED PR, we specialize in equipping executives with the presentation skills they need to succeed—from high-stakes media presentations to investor meetings and beyond. To learn how we can help, reach out at RED@RED-PR.com.
TL;DR: Media training is not just for public figures. It’s an essential tool for any executive aiming to lead effectively and make an impact in today’s complex, media-driven world. A good PR team will teach these skills along with providing concise talking points or areas of distinction for media, investors or buyers.
