What Brian Clough Could Teach Today’s TV Performers

June 21, 2009 in Press by admin | No comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

What Brian Clough Could Teach Today’s TV Performers… 7 Insider Tips from Famous Media Masters

The late Brian Clough had great advice about sound bites. “If you think of a killer phrase that sums up your story, the media will swoop on it like vultures. Keep them fed and you’ll keep them at arm’s length with you in control.” If only media interviewees today knew that.

In a new book, MediaMasters, Alan Stevens and Jeremy Nicholas have interviewed many of the top media performers in the UK, to find out top tips that anyone can use. Here’s a collection of six more of them:

Former paralympic athlete Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson says “You are usually asked the same old questions, time and time again.” Her recommendation? “Practise your answers and make sure you get better over time”

George Galloway MP agrees. He doesn’t believe in being diverted by inconveniences like interviewer’s questions. He says “You should say what you want to say. If it’s a good point, repeat it.” Exactly. You should say what you want to say.

Comedy performer Phill Jupitus urges caution when making comments in jest, advising “They may not look good when printed in black and white and attributed to you. Always speak the truth, except in wedding speeches when diplomacy is more important.” How true that is.

The creators and writers of the “Alex” cartoons, Charles Peattie and Russell Taylor, also use humour, but emphasise brevity too. They say “We can create a story for Alex in just four frames of a cartoon, with a joke to end, so surely you can trim your message a bit?”

Turning to TV skills, Michael Parkinson tells you to befriend the camera. His best advice? “When you are talking on camera, imagine you are chatting to a family member or close friend”. It certainly worked for him with his relaxed interviewing style being much imitated.

Lastly, novelist Fay Weldon gives some great advice about writing articles. She says “I don’t believe in sitting staring at a blank page for ages. Write first, think afterwards and analyse later”

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Sounds simple, doesn’t it? That’s because it is. It’s all about preparation and confidence. There’s plenty more advice from the other MediaMasters in the book too (ISBN 1-905430-61-2), which is available from Amazon, or the authors’ websites at www.mediacoach.co.uk or www.jeremynicholas.co.uk.
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ENDS

WORDCOUNT 333

NOTES FOR EDITORS/JOURNALISTS

IMAGES

Jacket artwork and author photos below. For higher resolution images contact us at http://www.leanmarketingpress.com/contact

REVIEW COPY

Please Contact us at http://www.leanmarketingpress.com/contact to request a review copy of “MediaMasters: insider secrets from the big names of broadcast, print and social media”

COMPETITION PRIZE

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WEBSITE LINKS

Publisher’s Website:
http://www.leanmarketingpress.com

Author’s Websites:
www.mediacoach.co.uk
www.jeremynicholas.co.uk

Sales pages and book preview on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/1905430612
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1905430612/ref=nosim

PRAISE FOR THE BOOK

“An invaluable guide, full of insights.” – Martin Kelner, The Guardian

“This is an accessible and engaging read – giving real insight into some of the most interesting media operators around. Having interviewed one or two of them myself I can vouch for its authenticity.” – Jo Matthews – Senior Lecturer, The Centre for Broadcasting & Journalism, Nottingham Trent University

“If you have any interest at all in understanding how the media works from the inside – it’s all here… from near perfect MediaMasters to embarrassing faux pax to spectacular recoveries. This book strips away the nonsense and shows you how to really get the most from media moments… courtesy of those who know. Why was this book not around before?” – Paul du Toit, Certified Speaking Professional and former President of the Professional Speakers Association of South Africa

“Full of great advice on handling the media from those who’ve been there and done the soundbite.” – Pete May – Lecturer at the London College of Communication and author of “There’s a Hippo in My Cistern”

“My advice to all business owners is to forget what the many PR consultants tell you to do, MediaMasters has loads of practical gems on how to prepare for a media interview. These come from the real world trenches, not a weekend media course. I particularly liked the nonshowbiz approaches of Tim Brabants and Iain Dale.”- Rod Sloane, Small Business Marketing Expert and Best Business Speaker 2008, College of Public Speaking Awards

ARTICLES

Jeremy and Alan are both experts on the media and will be happy to provide free content in return for a “plug” for their book. For exclusive features or to secure either author as a regular columnist a fee may be required. Contact us at http://www.leanmarketingpress.com/contact for an introduction.

THE AUTHORS

JEREMY NICHOLAS is an award winning TV and radio broadcaster, after dinner speaker and compere. He’s presented radio shows for BBC World Service, BBC Radio 5 Live, Talk Sport and GLR. On television he’s best known for his ‘And Finally’ reporting for the BBC. He also presented ‘Live and Dangerous’, ‘Turnstyle’ and ‘Sick as a Parrot’ as well as live World Cup and Champions League football for Channel 5 and ITV. As Director of Talking Toolbox Jeremy teaches speaking skills for TV, radio and live audiences, as well as providing media training for firms and individuals. Learn more at www.talkingtoolbox.com

ALAN STEVENS has been both a TV presenter and expert interviewee notching up over 2,000 radio and TV interviews on BBC TV News, Sky News, Radio 4 and Radio 5 Live as well as in every ITV region. He is Vice-President of the International Federation for Professional Speakers and a Fellow (and Past President) of the Professional Speakers Association. As Director of MediaCoach Alan provides media coaching, crisis management and communication training. In 2006, The Independent listed him alongside Max Clifford as “one of the UK’s top ten media experts”. Learn more at www.mediacoach.co.uk