• Matter Launches Comprehensive Media Training Offering

    Matter Launches Comprehensive Media Training Offering

    New offering expands Matter’s expertise in empowering executives to navigate the changing media landscape

    BOSTON, Aug. 20, 2024 – Matter Communications – a Brand Elevation Agency integrating PR, marketing and creative services – today announced the launch of its media training offering. Building on years of experience successfully equipping executive spokespeople with the skills and confidence needed to effectively communicate their messages, this comprehensive program addresses the complexities of today’s media environment and is applicable to any industry and media format.

    “The media landscape has undergone significant transformation in recent years,” said Anne Lines, General Manager of PR at Matter. “Our new media training offering is specifically designed for business leaders, spokespeople and industry experts, providing hands-on training with experienced media professionals. It offers practical, real-world experience to help participants not only prepare but excel in any media interaction, whether it’s a live interview, podcast, or crisis situation. In an era where media engagements can greatly impact a company’s reputation, we equip clients with the skills and confidence needed to succeed.”

    From virtual to multi-day in-person sessions, Matter can build a bespoke media training program to fit the needs of each client in any industry including B2B tech, healthcare and consumer. The media training offering provides:

    • Customized Training Sessions: Tailored to meet the unique needs and goals of each participant, whether they are seasoned professionals or new to media interactions.
    • Real-world Practice: Simulated interviews with former journalists to provide an authentic, hands-on experience.
    • Crisis Communication: Specialized training to handle tough questions and high-pressure situations with poise and confidence.
    • Message Development: Guidance on crafting clear, concise, and compelling messages that resonate with target audiences.
    • On-Camera Training: Techniques for appearing polished and professional on camera, including body language, voice modulation, and visual presentation.
    • Feedback and Improvement: Detailed feedback and constructive critique to continuously refine and improve media interaction skills.

    “Axis thought leaders have gained invaluable knowledge, experience, and counsel from the media training tools and resources provided by Matter,” said Chris Shanelaris, Public Relations Manager, Americas, at Axis Communications. “The customized, in-person media trainings and on-camera mock interviews that Matter has facilitated throughout our relationship have given Axis spokespeople the confidence and skills needed to proficiently engage with the media and articulate their expertise in a strategic, compelling manner on behalf of the company.”

    Led by a team of seasoned media professionals with decades of experience in journalism, public relations and corporate communications, the team’s diverse expertise ensures a well-rounded training experience that addresses all facets of media engagement.

    To learn more about Matter’s media training offering, please visit the Media Training page on Matter’s website.

    Companies looking to explore a potential partnership are encouraged to contact Matter  to receive a custom program quote.

    About Matter Communications

    Matter is a Brand Elevation Agency that integrates PR, marketing and creative services into campaigns that inspire action and build value. Founded in 2003, with offices spanning North America, Matter works with the world’s most innovative companies across healthcare, high-technology, consumer technology and consumer markets. For more information, visit https://www.matternow.com.

    Contact

    Matter

    Greg Amaral

    [email protected]

    www.matternow.com

    Matter

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  • Effective Media Relations Begins Before You Pitch

    Effective Media Relations Begins Before You Pitch

    Almost any brand can benefit from great PR, but not every brand is ready for media relations. Earned media is part of a much larger PR picture, and a solid, strategic foundation can make all the difference when it’s time to step into the public eye especially for early-stage companies. Here’s a few effective media relations strategies to deploy before the first pitch goes out the door:

    Messaging

    Each brand has its own fingerprint, its own differentiators – what makes them different. It’s about how your brand benefits customers in ways that set you apart from your competitors. Relevant, targeted messaging is at the core of successful PR, and developing consensus on brand messages not only arms you with critical storytelling tools, but also sheds light on audience targeting and positioning.

    Elements of a messaging program may include:

    •    Live messaging workshops
    •    Stakeholder interviews
    •    Competitive landscape analysis
    •    Audience positioning exercises
    •    “Elevator pitches”
    •    Brand messaging hierarchies

    It’s a soul-searching process that takes time, but it’s well worth it when the day arrives for you to tell your story to the media.

    Asset library

    High-pressure, high-impact, short-lead media can be a boon in an ideal situation, or unavoidable in a bad one. Preparing high-quality PR assets ahead of time can mitigate the last-minute scramble that comes with timely issues-response PR, and create consistency and ease with longer-lead stories.

    PR assets needed before media engagement may include:

    •    Press release templates
    •    Headshots
    •    Photo and video libraries
    •    Digital media kits
    •    Speaker/spokesperson bios

    Media training

    Every brand builds success by leveraging the strengths of their top players, but while they are vital to the organization, those individuals aren’t always savvy communicators.

    To round out deep technical insight and thought leadership with media savvy, a PR team would conduct comprehensive media training workshops. Media training that can include:

    •    Mock interviews
    •    Dos and Don’ts for interviews
    •    Examples of good and bad interviews
    •    Overview of the media landscape
    •    Talking point drills

    Media landscape

    The press release just isn’t what it used to be. In a crowded media landscape, today’s journalists expect thoughtful, relevant correspondence, and frequently ignore outreach that takes the “copy/paste” approach.

    To create the building blocks of an in-depth media database, a customized “Top 25” lineup of journalists for your organization will help you target appropriately when the time is right. This valuable research may include publication information, sample articles, biographical information, reference photos, contact information, and suggested brand messaging.

    Tackling these areas before pitching the media will be essential to your brand’s PR success and pave the way for increased brand awareness down the road.

    Emily Quirk

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