Public Relations

Spokesperson and Media Interview Training

A spokesperson’s performance in an interview can strengthen or damage an organisation’s reputation in minutes. This course prepares spokespeople for print, radio, TV and online interviews: key messages, bridging techniques, handling difficult questions, body language, live and recorded formats and post-interview review.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

Download course PDF

Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Unprepared spokespeople give away headlines they never intended. You will learn to stay on message under pressure.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

On-camera mock interviews, playback and feedback, message development and hostile interview practice.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Prepare key messages and proof points
Understand different interview formats
Use bridging and blocking techniques
Handle hostile and tricky questions
Manage voice and body language on camera
Review interviews and improve

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Executives and senior managers
Official spokespeople
PR and communication managers
Subject matter experts
Government officials

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Message discipline
Bridging
Composure
On-camera presence
Interview preparation

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1The Interview Landscape

09:00–10:08Journalist objectives
10:08–11:00Formats
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Formats (continued)
11:45–12:53Risks
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 2Messages

09:00–10:08Key messages
10:08–11:00Proof points
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Proof points (continued)
11:45–12:53Sound bites
12:53–14:00Workshop

Day 3Techniques

09:00–10:08Bridging
10:08–11:00Flagging
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Flagging (continued)
11:45–12:53Staying on message
12:53–14:00Mock interview

Day 4Difficult Interviews

09:00–10:08Hostile questions
10:08–11:00Crisis interviews
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Crisis interviews (continued)
11:45–12:53Live TV
12:53–14:00Recorded practice

Day 5Presence and Review

09:00–10:08Body language
10:08–11:00Voice
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Voice (continued)
11:45–12:53Feedback review
12:53–14:00Action plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

Keep exploring

Your next horizon awaits.

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The full course agenda and dates are available above. Use the session links in Dates & venues to choose a session. Registration and quotation forms require JavaScript; you can also contact our learning team directly.