The Media Training Bible: 101 Things You Absolutely, Positively Need To Know Before Your Next Interview

This is a terrific book—an ambitious and practical solution to the problem of coming across well when you’re facing a tough situation or audience. From “Ground Rules” to “Go Out There and Get ‘Em!,” you’ll learn all the essential skills you need to look and sound good, stay on point, say things that are memorable, and perform some handy Jiu-jitsu when the going gets rough.Although the author discusses media appearances, there are some great lessons throughout the book for whatever type of speaking you do. And even as a media trainer myself for the past decade and a half, I learned things about messaging and speaking successfully that were eye opening and useful in equal measure.Phillips has created a handbook that’s easy to digest even as it imparts some amazing lessons. The book's section of body language and voice is one that speakers of all stripes can benefit from, especially the lesson on energy and “sizzle.”For any organization facing potential crisis situations, the segment on crisis communications combines some tough love messages with practical advice. “How to Prepare for a Crisis,” and “How to Conduct a Real-Time Crisis Drill,” offer the best advice I’ve run across on preparing for crises that represent a combination of the most damaging and most likely scenarios to occur. That’s a potentially devastating situation any organization should prepare for.I highly recommend this practical, informative, easy-to-use handbook for succeeding in challenging communication situations of all types.

Titled a “bible,” that’s what this book is – a compendium of tips, tricks and techniques for handling the media when you are called upon to be a spokesperson.The book is comprehensive and thoroughly covers the basics, which, because they are basic, often get overlooked.Because the book is sweeping, chapters are concise and tightly paced. While it is possible to walk away with some practical and essential insights, the biggest insight is that if you are a spokesperson, you need a trainer to get you into shape.In that respect, the book is a significant calling card for the author’s training programs. He doesn’t market his programs in an obnoxious way; however, we do get that the purpose of the book is to entice clients.Bottom-line: a solid intro to the field.

Absolutely the most complete media training book I’ve read! Packed with everything you need to know, learn and apply to dealing with the media. The Media Training Bible is a MUST read book if you are serious about understanding the news media, the dynamics of crafting a winning media strategy, and standing out as a leader in your field when the spotlight is shined upon you! Also included are valuable tips and nuggets of information. Buy this book, read it, read it again and keep on your desk as an indispensable reference guide!

Good read and interesting topics.

This is such a great book. Mr. Phillips explains all the different ways potential spokespersons can prepare for media interviews ahead of time, and to communicate their messages effectively.Highly suggest anyone in the PR/communications space check it out.

I had a much older reference on my desk for years and decided to upgrade to this book. I was a great refresher! I read it from cover to cover and made highlighted and ear marks for later reference. Great to have an updated reference on my desk.

I have recently been appointed CEO from COO and suddenly I have gone from a back-room product development engineer to being the 'face' of the company and expected to do TV, radio and public speaking events. All advice I've had tells me to do media training practice in front of TV cameras and in radio studios, but BEFORE you do that - buy this book - read it - be prepared. It will give you your best bang for buck from those very expensive practical sessions. Make sure you subscribe to Brad's RSS feed too. Cheers.

The Media Training Bible is a concise, easy-to-read guide and a great quick-reference tool. Not only were we able to use it for preparing to be interviewed, but we used it to prepare for conducting an interview for a video spotlight we are creating. Section Two is an absolute must for any organization to go through so the overall messaging is consistent across departments and levels.The guidelines presented throughout the book are relevant across multiple outward-facing communication channels and a great way to remind ourselves how to keep it all together. I highly recommend having a copy or two around the office for reference.

As a media trainer, I am always keen to draw from my colleagues' experience. I've been following Brad Phillips on Twitter @MrMediaTraining for a while now. Although I was initially slightly put off by his 'unassuming' Twitter handle (maybe it's just a UK-US cultural difference), I found out that he was down-to-earth, humorous, self-deprecating and, most importantly, very competent in our trade and eager to share his impressive expertise. Brad's book is well-structured, clearly written and full of good examples that include video clips you can watch on his website. The Media Training Bible is essential reading for anyone who has to face the media beast, from beginners to seasoned spokespeople. In my opinion, it's simply the best media self-help manual on the market. I would certainly recommend it to my clients.

This is aimed more at spokesmen and spokeswomen for larger companies. It deals with damage limitation following an oil spill or similar disaster. There are a few useful pieces of information for the smaller business (for example, someone running a museum) but it's of little use to the one man band. It's an American book so many of the examples are understandably from the US and wasted on a British reader.

Definitely recommend this book to anyone that has regular contact with the Press. For the price and the tips it contains, it is definitely a steal.

I read this cover to cover after my first ever live radio grilling and now feel fully equipped to review what I could have done better (lots!) and to prepare for future interviews. This excellent book is full of practical suggestions and was, for me, the perfect introduction to dealing with the media.

An excellent resource. Really well presented and organized in bite sized chunks.