The M-factor: Media confidence for business leaders and managers

The ability to communicate a clear message, and deal with questions from the media, is now a vital skill for almost any Chief Executive or senior manager. Yet many in the business world fear the media; instead of seeing an opportunity they seem to be much more worried that they will be misquoted, and think reporters' only aim is to catch them out. This highly practical, down-to-earth book reveals the secrets of how to understand the media mindset, know what journalists are looking for, give a good press or broadcast interview, deal with a crisis, and understand the impact of social media.

Table of Contents:
Foreword Introduction Chapter 1 Business benefits from smart use of the media Chapter 2 Understanding the media mindset Chapter 3 Seven big mistakes companies make when dealing with the media Chapter 4 The art of the soundbite: making your interview memorable Chapter 5 Defining your key messages Chapter 6 Style and tone Chapter 7 Dealing with difficult questions Chapter 8 Preparing to be great on television and radio Chapter 9 Being great on television and radio Chapter 10 Social media and online video Chapter 11 Six golden rules for dealing with a media crisis Chapter 12 Five action steps to achieve the M-factor What they say about the M-factor About the Author

About the Author :
Tom Maddocks is the founder and Course Director of Media Training Associates, which works with spokespeople from a variety of organisations, helping them take advantage of media opportunities. Recognised as one of the UK’s leading media and presentation skills coaches, he has been quoted in the Independent, Sunday Times, Financial Times, PR Week and others. Tom has worked extensively for BBC Radio and Television and Channel Four, including a five-year stint as a reporter on BBC2’s The Money Programme. Tom is based in London.

Review :
This book is a goldmine of information for PR practitioners, as well as any business leader who wants to be able to work effectively with the media, in good times or bad. Tom has put many of my clients through training sessions over the years and really knows his stuff! In today’s fast moving 24/7 media world, being confident with the press is an essential business skill and something we all need to be good at. Tom Maddocks is a master of his art and this fabulous little book is full of great advice and life saving do’s and don’ts. The M-factor is essential reading for those at the beginning of their management career, equally it will prove an invaluable refresher for experienced business managers who need to pep up their media skills. The media can be a threat or an opportunity, depending on how you treat them. If you want to understand how to get the media on-side, in good times or bad, this book is a good place to start!