Chris Murray, National Grid’s director of asset management, attended a media training course at Media Training Masterclasses.
Murray had taken part in several media training courses throughout his career, so his objective for this course was to practise and enhance his communication skills. More specifically, he wanted to refresh his technique for media interviews.
Murray’s session began with course director Warwick Partington highlighting the theory behind a media interview. Partington explained how to understand the needs of the audience and the journalist, and how to make complex issues simple and understandable. He also made clear the importance of posture, intonation and voice delivery.The course moved on to carrying out print, radio and television interviews. Each rehearsal was followed by a feedback session from Partington and his fellow trainers.
Murray’s refresher stood him in good stead for his recent Channel 4 News appearance. This was a live interview, on a contentious issue, with just a few hours’ notice. He delivered National Grid’s key messages with confidence and clarity – an impressive performance. Murray says: “One of the best things about this course is the fact that you’re in the hands of proper, working professionals, so even the practice interviews feel like the real thing.”