Insight

Media Training: Maybe Practice Can Make Perfect

Sherrard Roe Blog

Amy Rao Mohan

Amy Rao Mohan

December 15, 2024 01:48 PM

Media Training: Maybe Practice Can Make Perfect

June 13, 2022 | Sherrard Roe Blog I Amy Rao Mohan

I spend a lot of time on the sidelines in a slightly uncomfortable bright green folding cloth chair as my boys practice soccer and any other sport we manage to fit into our schedule. Recently, that time has made me think about the value of practice. We are taught at an early age that practice makes perfect, and you need to practice your craft. Before every opening statement or oral argument, my colleagues and I always “moot” the argument or practice in front of each other before the real thing. Yet, when it comes to interviews with the press, clients are often hesitant or even resistant to spend time practicing in a media training session.

Speaking to a reporter isn’t natural, especially in a recorded or live television interview. It’s not something you are just born knowing how to do. So, why not practice before the real “game”? In fact, on the few occasions I have had to do media interviews as a lawyer, I always practice. Even with years of experience telling other people’s stories on television, I still feel slightly uncomfortable on the other side of the lens. Also, your audience is different—what you say in front of a judge or even on a conference call with your client may need to be worded differently for newspaper readers or a television audience.

One formerly hesitant client is now a big believer in media training and illustrates my point that practice is really valuable. He was a very smart, well-educated, experienced CEO of a non-profit who knew his business better than anyone. Since we knew he was preparing to do a series of interviews on a new initiative, he reluctantly agreed to sit down with me, a camera, and a big screen that plays back video. At first, he didn’t think he needed it. After all, why does a CEO need to practice talking about what he does every single day? So, I turned the camera on and asked him the first question, a real softball. His answer, “Uh, can we start over?” So, I thought I would just try to warm him up with something off-topic. Since we had just eaten lunch together, I asked him, “What kind of sandwich did you have?” His answer: “Um, turkey, I mean, ham. What?” So, I turned the camera off, we talked for a few more minutes, and the awkward guy speaking gibberish suddenly transformed into the eloquent CEO I knew well. A camera can do that to you.

During the session, we talked about techniques, practiced what we expected were real questions, and by the end of the session, this client was just as comfortable with a camera in front of him as without it. In fact, at the end, he told his communications person that he could do all the interviews from now on because he was really good at this. With some hard work and practice, he was a great interview, effectively communicated his message, and of course, had much more confidence. He realized that certain answers said a certain way communicated his message more effectively and that he did not want to say other things he felt detracted from his mission. All the rewording, outtakes, and discussion took place safely during practice without consequences, so he was more than game-ready when the time came.

While I love media training as the trainer because I love seeing quick, tangible results and clients gain confidence, the trainees are often resistant and uncomfortable. Yet, time after time, they say it was worth it. Perhaps, like athletes or even moms on the sideline, it’s valuable to start investing in practice time. Instead of trying to dodge it, embrace the opportunity for a dress rehearsal before the real thing.

Trending Articles

Introducing the 2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Australia, Japan, New Zealand and Singapore


by Jennifer Verta

This year’s awards reflect the strength of the Best Lawyers network and its role in elevating legal talent worldwide.

2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Australia, Japan, New Zealand and Singapore

Revealing the 2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Germany, France, Switzerland and Austria


by Jamilla Tabbara

These honors underscore the reach of the Best Lawyers network and its focus on top legal talent.

map of Germany, France, Switzerland and Austria

Effective Communication: A Conversation with Jefferson Fisher


by Jamilla Tabbara

The power of effective communication beyond the law.

 Image of Jefferson Fisher and Phillip Greer engaged in a conversation about effective communication

The 2025 Legal Outlook Survey Results Are In


by Jennifer Verta

Discover what Best Lawyers honorees see ahead for the legal industry.

Person standing at a crossroads with multiple intersecting paths and a signpost.

The Best Lawyers Network: Global Recognition with Long-term Value


by Jamilla Tabbara

Learn how Best Lawyers' peer-review process helps recognized lawyers attract more clients and referral opportunities.

Lawyers networking

Jefferson Fisher: The Secrets to Influential Legal Marketing


by Jennifer Verta

How lawyers can apply Jefferson Fisher’s communication and marketing strategies to build trust, attract clients and grow their practice.

Portrait of Jefferson Fisher a legal marketing expert

Is Your Law Firm’s Website Driving Clients Away?


by Jamilla Tabbara

Identify key website issues that may be affecting client engagement and retention.

Phone displaying 'This site cannot be reached' message

A Guide to Workers' Compensation Law for 2025 and Beyond


by Bryan Driscoll

A woman with a laptop screen reflected in her glasses

Medical Malpractice Reform Trends in Texas, Utah, Georgia and SC


by Bryan Driscoll

A fresh wave of medical malpractice reform is reshaping the law.

Medical Malpractice Reform Trends hed

Why Jack Dorsey and Elon Musk Want to 'Delete All IP Law'


by Bryan Driscoll

This Isn’t Just a Debate Over How to Pay Creators. It’s a Direct Challenge to Legal Infrastructure.

Elon Musk and Jack Dorsey standing together Infront of the X logo

Best Lawyers Launches CMO Advisory Board


by Jamilla Tabbara

Strategic counsel from legal marketing’s most experienced voices.

Group photo of Best Lawyers CMO Advisory Board members

Changes in California Employment Law for 2025


by Laurie Villanueva

What employers need to know to ensure compliance in the coming year and beyond

A pair of hands holding a checklist featuring a generic profile picture and the state of California

Common Law Firm Landing Page Problems to Address


by Jamilla Tabbara

Identify key issues on law firm landing pages to improve client engagement and conversion.

Laptop showing law firm landing page analytics

New Employment Law Recognizes Extraordinary Stress Is Everyday Reality for NY Lawyers


by Bryan Driscoll

A stressed woman has her head resting on her hands above a laptop

Best Lawyers Introduces Smithy AI


by Jamilla Tabbara

Transforming legal content creation for attorneys and firms.

Start using Smithy AI, a content tool by Best Lawyers

How to Create High-Converting Landing Pages for Your Law Firm


by Jamilla Tabbara

Learn how to create high-converting law firm landing pages that drive client engagement and lead generation.

Laptop screen displaying website tools to improve client conversion rates