Media Relations with Joe Trahan

Before I begin I would like to say Joe Trahan is an amazing speaker. This was by far my favorite session not only because of the lessons but because of how he interacted with the crowd and how passionate he was about his topic.

Joe Trahan is President and CEO of Trahan and Associates. He is a media trainer. This basically means he trains people how to deal with the media in everyday situations and in crisis situations. If you are interested in this time of work read over this blog and remember the points he outlined for us.

3 C's of media relations

• Control- Never lose control with a reporter. That is what they want, don't give it to them.
• Competence- Stay in your own lane. In other words, stick with what you know, if you don't know anything about engineering don't talk about it as if you do.
  
• Concern- It must be on your face, in your actions, and in your words.

These 3 C's are words to live by when dealing with the media. How to master these is another task.

Preparation is yours

• Before you get on scene or begin the interviews prepare, prepare, prepare.
• Trahan's practice is 1 hour of preparation for every minute in front of the camera. Thirteen minutes on camera means thirteen hours of preparation ideally. (this will not always be possible but it is ideal.)

Before getting on scene you need to know some things.

• What is the format? (Live or taped)
• Who is the reporter/news agency?
• What are the deadlines if there is one. The world is quickly doing away with deadlines, everyone needs it now. Always ask.

Research the possible questions.

• Reporters questions are always negative. Do not repeat the negative parts of the questions. Be ready to turn the answer into something positive.
• The trainer should have their own questions to ask. Play the devil's advocate and ask the hard questions to the trainee.
  
• Focus on topical issues.

Joe Trahan's 5x5x5 rule
A trainer should always have 15 questions and answers ready to be talked over with the trainee.
5 questions that will allow the trainee to get something good out about their organization.
5 questions that will pull something bad out about the organization
5 questions that will pull something ugly out about the organization.
Mr. Trahan believes it is better to do a 10x10x10 model.
Anticipation is the key.

Finally, always tell the truth! Do not talk about anything but the facts.

For an easy way to know what to do refer to SAPP.
Security-What is restricted?
Accuracy-Don't release anything if it is not confirmed.
Propriety-Protect families. (Always make sure next of kin notification is used)
Policy-Agree with policy in public. Never disagree with policy when you are representing the corporation.

For more notes on this session (it was a long one full of great information) feel free to contact me at dani.brabaw@gmail.com

-Dani Brabaw