How to determine if you need media training
Just because a spokesperson or public figure makes a controversial statement doesn’t mean he needs media training. Here’s how to decide whether it’s worth the investment.
That’s true in some cases, but people often reflexively want to send everyone who’s ever uttered a controversial or provocative comment to media training.
Media training isn’t about preventing people from ever expressing an unpopular or controversial view.
I occasionally work with someone who has a deep-seated belief about a controversial topic. We discuss the likely consequences of expressing that belief in the manner the person would like.
Sometimes the person will modify his approach to make the point in a less alienating way, but ultimately, once he understands the potential consequences, it’s his choice whether to proceed.
It’s important that spokespeople understand the potential consequences of saying something unpopular.
From a strategic perspective, expressing an unpopular thought isn’t always wrong. It can differentiate someone from his more traditional peers.
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