MAJ Tawnya Horton says:
I appreciated the Advanced Media Training experience in its entirety. The best thing about the training was the chance to conduct three different interviews in three different settings. The first session was a face-to-face interview, the second was a remote interview where you were in a room by yourself talking to a camera, and the third was a reporter briefing/interview with a group of reporters. Though each was challenging in its own right, it gave me a chance to realize the different pros and cons associated with each type. They all had different challenges and things to focus on while I was speaking.
Another thing I enjoyed about the training was the chance to improve my public speaking skills. The video they provided at the end of the training helped me by being able to see myself and gain self-awareness. I was able to watch the interview and pick up on body language mistakes that one rarely gets to see. I’ve always been told that I need to “watch my body language.” I’ve tried to improve over the years but always wondered exactly how others see me. The video gave me a chance to see it from a third-party point of view.
I would recommend this training to others. I’m certain there is something beneficial in the training for everyone.
MAJ Tawnya Horton, 12-01, Staff Group 20E
One Comment on "Different challenges in different interview settings"
I wholeheartedly agree with MAJ Horton– the advanced media training was an awesome experience. The three different types of interviews were very unique, and presented different challenges. The face-to-face interview was the one I was most familiar with, but was still a challenge. The addition of a TV camera and the interview conducted by the instructors added a new level of difficulty. During my second interview the reporter briefing/interview really made me think on my feet. In addition to the reporters firing questions, the stage and blinding spotlight added to the pressure. Finally, the remote interview was my final interview and the most challenging. The small room had a camera facing directly at me, and only I could hear the reporter’s questions through the headphones. Without seeing, the reporter’s body language or their reaction to my answers added a new level of complexity. I learned that I must be very self-aware during this type of interview and ensure that I do not say anything I may regret.
Overall, the best aspect about the advanced media training was how realistic the experience was. The instructors and the facilities are great. The instructors are true professionals and provided me the skills required to be a successful public communicator. Additionally, the facilities are realistic which helped me conceptualize how these interviews would really take place. Finally, the video they provided at the end of the training allowed me to see myself from a third person point of view. I would highly recommend this training to all ILE students.
MAJ Vance Brunner