For Immediate Release
May 3, 2001
Contact: Ed Barks
(540) 955-0600
ebarks@barkscomm.com

"Reporter's Roundup" Joins Barks Family of Media Training Solutions

Barks Communications has initiated a new, rapid response media training solution for its clients. It's called "Reporter's Roundup."

"Many individuals take part in interviews with reporters without considering how their words will appear in print," noted company President Edward J. Barks. "Reporter's Roundup solves that problem by showing our clients the end result of their exchange."

During the innovative Reporter's Roundup, a Barks trainer interviews the individual over the telephone, portraying a reporter. The trainer then writes a news article based on the conversation.

"Every Barks trainer that conducts our Reporter's Roundup has worked in the trenches as a reporter," Barks stressed. "We understand the rules of the newsroom. What's more, we know how reporters think. That means we are in position to enhance our clients' performance during the give and take of a media interview."

The Barks trainer completes the article within 90 minutes, then faxes or e-mails it to the interviewee. "We take the extra step by consulting with our clients once they have the article in hand," Barks pointed out. "We provide them with real world advice designed to raise their skill level immediately.

"Reporter's Roundup works for an organization's entire team," he said. "It's as valuable in the CEO's suite as it is in the manager's cubicle."

Reporter's Roundup can also be used as part of Barks' highly interactive half-day and full day media training workshops. It is no substitute for a comprehensive personal coaching session with its emphasis on message development and technique enhancement, but it does offer an interim solution.

More information about Reporter's Roundup is available from Barks Communications at (540) 955-0600. Details can also be found on the Products page of the company's Barkscomm.com web site at www.barkscomm.com.

Barks Communications specializes in media, presentation skills, and legislative and regulatory testimony training for business, association, government, and non-profit leaders. In addition, company President Ed Barks offers action-oriented presentations to groups seeking to sharpen their communications skills. The firm also operates Barkscomm.com, the Internet's Communications Training Resource, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week at www.barkscomm.com.