For Immediate Release
Wednesday, July 13, 2006

Contact:
Ed Barks
(540) 955-0600
Click here to send an e-mail.

One-stop Media Reference Guide Updated

Business author Ed Barks has released a new fourth edition of Face the Press with Confidence: The Media Interview Companion.

The revised guide “retains its emphasis on lifelong learning,” said Barks, who is also president of Barks Communications. The publication also adds a new section on media outreach methods his clients can use when broadcasting their messages to the public.

“The beefed up section on media outreach tools lists various options—from news releases to blogs—experts can use to help build long-term relationships with reporters,” he added.

Each Barks client participating in an executive media training workshop receives a personal copy of Face the Press with Confidence at the conclusion of their session. “This guide was developed to extend, to the best of our ability, the learning of our clients beyond the four walls of the training room,” Barks explained.

“The new fourth edition of Face the Press with Confidence reflects our pledge to stay one step ahead of the competition by shining the spotlight on lifelong learning,” he emphasized. “Reading a training guide or a book, or even participating in one of our executive media training workshops, is but one step along the path to lifelong learning. Face the Press with Confidence reinforces that often neglected notion with the turn of every page.”

Barks also expanded other discussions, including the section on developing a magnetic message. Importantly, the guide retains the hands-on appendices, which include some of his favorite practice exercises and key phrases media sources can use to avoid accusations of “spin.”

Barks Communications offers to co-brand the guides for its clients and public relations agency partners. “I strongly urge any public relations, public affairs, or medical education agency that wants to say top of mind with its clients to take advantage of our free co-branding plan,” Barks said.

Agency principals wishing to discuss co-branding opportunities should call Ed Barks directly at (540) 955-0600.

The guide, in addition to Barks’ book, The Truth About Public Speaking: The Three Keys to Great Presentations, is offered for sale to the public and is available online for $12.95 from the Barks Learning Network at www.barkscomm.com/products. Organizations wishing to make group purchases are invited to contact Celeste Heath at (540) 955-0600.

Ed Barks is a trainer, author, and speaker who teaches today’s leaders how to deliver dynamic, message-packed presentations and how to work with the media. He has served as President of Barks Communications since its inception in 1997, guiding more than 2700 business leaders, government officials, non-profit leaders, physicians, athletes, association executives, entertainers, and public relations staff toward a sharper message and enhanced communications skills.