For Immediate Release
Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Contact:
Ed Barks
(540) 955-0600
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Sixth Edition of Guidebook Supports Learning Following Media Training Workshop

A single media training workshop does not create an effective spokesperson, argues Barks Communications President Ed Barks. That is why he just published the Sixth Edition of his lifelong learning guide for media relations, Face the Press with Confidence: The Media Interview Companion.

“Face the Press with Confidence supports lifelong learning in two ways,” Barks explains. “First, it reinforces the principles and lessons studied in the client’s media training workshop. Second, it serves as the go-to guide for a brush up immediately before an interview with a reporter.”

Barks reorganized the guide’s chapters for a more effective learning experience. Chapter One, “The Business Deal,” emphasizes his contention that every interview with a reporter must be treated as a business deal. He writes, “You are trading information as a commodity. You are the seller; the reporter is the buyer.”

The leadoff chapter breaks out separate sections that offer advice specific to television, telephone, radio, and satellite interviews. Each of those sections provides bulleted lists of tips for ready reference.

In Chapter Two, “Speaking Nonverbally,” Barks explains how to use what his clients recognize as their Video Tools—the way they look— and Audio Tools—the way they sound—to help drive home their message.

Chapter Three, “Developing Your Magnetic Message,” goes to the heart of any media interview—how to structure a message and how to deliver it consistently.

“Walk a Mile in the Reporter’s Shoes,” Chapter Four, features an essential perspective often ignored by media consultants. As Barks writes, “The more you understand the rigors of a reporter’s job, the better the chance your business deal will succeed.”

The revamped guide includes a new Chapter Five titled “Graduate Level Study” that zeroes in on techniques for more advanced learners. As Barks writes, “Return to this chapter after you have a bit of experience under your belt. That approach will create a more effective learning curve for you, and reduce possible frustration and disappointment.”

The revised edition of Face the Press with Confidence retains the popular Appendix containing some of Barks’ favorite practice methods, everything from how to prepare for a news conference to an editorial board visit to an ambush interview.

“The new Sixth Edition of Face the Press with Confidence,” Barks said, “is designed to raise the odds for success for our media training clients when they deal with reporters. Learning should be an ongoing—and fun—experience. Those principles form the foundation for this enhanced guide.”

Barks clients who participate in an executive media training workshop receive personal copies of the publication to help reinforce the learning from their session.

Face the Press with Confidence is available online for $19.95 from the Barks Learning Network. Arrangements for discounted group purchases may be made by calling Barks Communications at (540) 955-0600.

Ed Barks works with corporate and association executives who deal with reporters and members of Congress, and with public affairs experts who want a seat at the decision-making table. The former radio broadcaster is the author of The Truth About Public Speaking: The Three Keys to Great Presentations. As President of Barks Communications since 1997, he has taught more than 3000 business leaders, association executives, government officials, athletes, entertainers, non-profit executives, and public relations staff how to succeed when they deal with the media, deliver presentations, and testify before government officials.