After the competition: speaking to the media

Have you been in a sports, corporate, club or other competition lately? What should you say when you speak to the media?

Kieran File, of Reactive Sports Media, did his PhD research on common patterns many players use in media interviews after games. He found that patterns did vary depending on whether it was a team sport or an individual one, such as running, and the actual sport involved. In general, his research showed that winners de-emphasized their victories. Losers, on the other hand, while acknowledging their loss, focused on what went well and how they plan to improve.  In other words, both sides focused on the positives.

Other media coaching firms teach players branding strategies, based on how various people perceive an athlete, the 7 second sound byte, staying positive, avoiding the use of filler words such as "like" and "uh", and mentioning a vivid moment or emotional moment (that was positive) in the game.

By the way, sports teams often receive training in social media skills as well. From a Twitter post to a picture on Facebook that has a poorly chosen outfit or activity, everything combines to build a player's brand.

When you watch  post-event interviews, remember most players have been carefully coached in how to present the best possible image for themselves and their team.  Media skills are vital to their success.

If you are a family member of a competitor , use the same techniques. Stay positive, even if your family member wasn't on the winning team. What did he do well, or better, than before? What are the positive parts of the experience for you as a family member, from the housing to the coaching to the weather?

How can you apply some of these techniques to your own career development? Even if you don't face banks of microphones and eager reporters, your daily image, including what you say and how you say it, is being noticed.

Business Speech Improvement provides intensive speech training. Both in-person coaching and e-books are available; check them out here! The e-book on Public Speaking:You Can Do It! is especially applicable. Learn how to write and deliver powerful presentations, from coping with many different types of stage fright to the final glorious applause!