Media Interview Training

This media interview training is run by experienced media trainer, Catriona Pollard. She a highly regarded expert and media commentator in PR and social media and her views on personal branding, social media and PR are internationally published across print, online and broadcast media.

She has first hand experience in dealing with the media . She doesn’t just understand the theory – she knows what it’s like to have to get messages across clearly as well as managing a difficult interview.

“The training was invaluable. The tips learned in the session can be applied to different scenarios – like speaking with third parties (which I do regularly), carrying out/preparing presentations etc. The tips about trying to remain in control of the line of questioning and being able to broaden the conversation topic was also extremely helpful. I would definitely recommend Catriona as a media trainer to others. She is both passionate and competent in what she delivers and has the ability to communicate the techniques in an easy to understand, common sense approach.” Brett Hayward, Essential Energy

In our hands-on media interview training, you’ll master:

• Message development: Crafting key messages and soundbites
• Interview techniques: Responding with clarity, not clichés
• Non-verbal communication: Making your message match your presence
• Crisis communication skills: Managing interviews during high-pressure moments
• Realistic practice: Simulated media interviews with feedback and coaching
• How to stay on message and keep interviews within safe boundaries
• Creating a “quotable quote”- what to say and how to say it
• Packaging key messages for media success
• Controlling a media interview – techniques that keep you on track
• Techniques for different media –TV, radio and print
• Interview planning – making sure you have the right messages

Media Interview Training – Why it matters:

Media appearances are powerful opportunities to shape public perception, build trust, and amplify your personal or corporate brand. But without the right skills, they can quickly go off track. Our expert-led media training sessions teach you how to:

• Deliver clear, concise, and quotable messages
• Stay calm under pressure and manage nerves
• Bridge back to key messages with confidence
• Avoid common traps and difficult questions
• Align your tone, body language, and words for maximum impact
• Gain a set of techniques they can apply in other situations, not just with journalists e.g. Board meetings, AGMs

Our highly tailored media interview training will assist spokespeople understand the different forms of media, how to engage journalists and how to control even the most difficult interview.

Media Training Delivery

The Media Training can be delivered as interactive half or full day workshops for corporate teams, tailored to your organisation. We also offer mentoring to manage specific media interview situations.

We offer:

• In-person or virtual training

• One-on-one executive coaching

• Team workshops

• Full-day intensives or shorter strategy sessions

Every session includes media interview practice and expert feedback, so you leave confident and interview-ready.

Depending on your needs, we will cover:

• how to prepare for a media interview
• media interview tips for CEOs
• executive spokesperson training Australia
• media coaching for corporate leaders
• how to stay on message in interviews
• build confidence for live interviews
• media interview skills for professionals
• interview training for television and radio

Tailored Media Interview Training For Every Level

Whether you’re preparing for a major media opportunity or want to build long-term media confidence, our training is fully customised to your role, industry, and goals. It’s suitable for anyone in a public facing role including the spokespeople for your organisation, employees and leaders, small business owners, or someone who simply has a message to share with the public.

We work with:

• CEOs and Executive Teams
• Marketing and PR Professionals
• Industry Spokespeople
• Thought Leaders and Entrepreneurs
• Government and Not-for-Profit Leaders

About Catriona Pollard – Media Interview Specialist

Catriona Pollard is one of Australia’s most dynamic and sought-after media interview trainers and communication experts. With over two decades of experience in public relations, personal branding and high-impact communication, she has trained thousands of professionals and executives across Australia and internationally.

Catriona has delivered powerful training sessions and keynotes for leading organisations including TEDx, DELL, CeBIT, Women on Boards, CEO Institute, Commonwealth Bank and Macquarie University, to name just a few.

A regular media commentator, Catriona is interviewed by the media every week. This gives her a rare and valuable edge: she doesn’t just teach the theory — she lives it. She knows what it takes to deliver a clear, confident message under pressure, and how to manage even the toughest interviews with grace and control.

As a recognised expert in media performance, strategic communication and personal brand presence, Catriona’s insights have been published across global print, broadcast, and digital media.

Renowned for her engaging and empowering training style, she combines lived experience with practical frameworks to help her clients build confidence, sharpen their messages, and make a memorable impact in every media opportunity.

In every session, Catriona delivers real-world strategies, practice, and personalised coaching — ensuring her clients walk away with the skills and mindset to succeed in high-stakes media interviews.

See Catriona present here.

.

“Catriona shared an incredible amount of information and uncovered many crucial tips and tools to managing the media. What I found most valuable was how she invested a lot of time delving into my business and made sure I had a confidence to managing media interviews. I left the workshop feeling truly inspired and capable to tackle media for the business.” Ivanka Ruvarac, Marketing Manager.

Read more about Catriona