Interview with a speaker - Tom Maddocks, Media Training Associates
Tom Maddocks, former BBC Money Programme reporter and course director at Media Training Associates will be hosting a media training masterclass at Aesthetic Medicine Live. This interactive session will help you understand the media mindset, and how to take advantage of media opportunities.
In our Q & A we find our more about Tom's experience in the media sector, as well as what you can expect from his business workshop session! See Tom at 3pm on Saturday 4 February at the Business Workshops at AM Live. Register here for your FREE* exhibition ticket and use discount code TOM50 to save 50% on your Business Workshop booking.
- What is the background of Media Training Associates and what services do you offer?
I set up Media Training Associates after a 20-year career as a radio and television reporter, at both local and national level. I saw how uncomfortable many people found themselves when under the media spotlight, so decided to start the business to help people understand how to get it right. We now offer a range of media and presentation coaching to help people get their message across effectively in interviews, in presentations and in online video.
- What do you feel is the role of the mainstream media and how can it impact on business?
The output of the established media is massively important in influencing the public debate, despite the rise of social media. For example, more people hear about a Twitterstorm via ‘mainstream media’ than via Twitter itself. Whether people read articles in a printed newspaper or via a Facebook feed, there is much more credibility for somethingcoming from The Times or the BBC than than from a purely online source. The tabloids may not be taken too seriously but huge numbers of people read what they say! They can make or break a business.
- What advantages do your clients obtain from media training?
We help people understand the media mindset, what the journalist is looking for, and what are the big no-no’s. We give people plenty of individual interview practice, so they can learn how to promote their business, deal with difficult questions and get their points over clearly. We let them see how they come across in a TV interview, and how to improve their performance and keep cool under pressure. We can also help people to be the face of their own business more effectively in online videos, avoiding that ‘rabbit in the headlights’ look!
- If you could offer one piece of advice to a business owner who has little or no experience in dealing with the press what would it be?
Don’t hope for the best and try and wing it - a successful media interview requires a good bit of preparation, so you take best advantage of the opportunity.
Where can people find out more about the services you offer?
Our website is at mediatrainingassociates.co.uk and has lots of free media advice and tips, as well as details on our main courses. Anyone coming to my talk at Aesthetic Medicine Live will get the chance to take part in a special training session aimed specifically at those in the aesthetics industry.
- What can visitors expect to see from your media training masterclass?
I will be giving some top tips on media handling, as well as talking about the big mistakes to avoid if going on radio or TV. We will be doing a live media interview with a volunteer in front of the audience, analysing what went right, what went wrong, and the lessons to be learnt on how to do it better next time.
- What do you hope visitors will take away from your session?
More confidence that they understand how to take advantage of any media opportunities to raise their business profile.
- What are you looking forward to most about Aesthetic Medicine Live?
Meeting as many people as possible in an interesting and controversial sector!
*Excludes Business Workshops which are priced at £10 per session, or £40 for a day rate. Workshops are free to attend for Conference and Masterclass Delegates.
