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A famous architect once said, “God is in the details,” meaning the success of any project can depend on the smallest components. The Hampton Group puts this philosophy into practice.

Every reputable media trainer offers core services such as videotaped interview exercises, feedback, message development and “bridging” techniques, supported by research into the issues affecting your organization. But some trainers focus only on the basics, leaving many “details” to chance. Others are skilled in preparing people for specific publicity campaigns, but don’t offer the training and refresher courses needed for the long term, especially when your spokespeople start wandering off message or need to refine their message.

… And Results-Oriented

Our program goes well beyond the basics, and well beyond short-term circumstances. We train spokespeople to assume control not just of media interviews, but all communications situations, including speeches, presentations and meetings. We provide the confidence, poise and practical tools needed to ensure that your messages are effectively communicated, quoted and remembered.

The Hampton Message X system focuses spokespeople on the desired result of any communications opportunity – whether that result is to grow the business, diffuse a crisis, or enhance credibility. Using Message X, we refine clients’ messages for media consumption by ensuring they give reporters what reporters want (honest answers and quotable sound bites) without veering off track into uncharted, even dangerous, waters.

Because we work with you as long-term partners, not just vendors, we provide honest and straightforward advice, helping you tackle the toughest of situations – without ruffling the feathers of your relationships.

THG’s Media Training Program

Our program’s strength is in the details – step-by-step techniques that take the guesswork and fuzziness out of communications, reducing outcomes to near-scientific probabilities. Here are a few of the tools your spokespeople will learn:

• The ATM Formula (“Answer-Transition-Message) ensures that interviewees respond appropriately to the toughest questions. ATM prevents the “deer caught in the headlights” syndrome that occurs when executives panic over unexpected questions, and become “media roadkill.”
   
• The Message X system keeps spokespeople focused on achieving specific results from interviews, helping them stay on message, regardless of how tough the going gets.
   
• The Quotes and Sound Bites Matrix is designed to help spokespeople develop and deliver compelling messages, without making silly or sensational statements they’ll later regret. The matrix was developed after exhaustive research and analysis of literally hundreds of media stories – print and broadcast, trade and consumer.
   
• The Quote Handicapping and Rating System helps you choose the best spokespeople to use in different situations, and for different media outlets. It also increases the likelihood that quotes/sound bites will be used by reporters.
   
• WHAM! is a five-step process that reminds spokespeople to hammer home messages in a way that appeals to journalists and audiences – both of whom want to know, “What Here Applies to Me?”

Every media interview, speech or presentation is an opportunity to persuade, to better position your products and services, or to overcome negative publicity. But this will only happen if spokespeople receive enough training and preparation to confidently take control of any communications situation.

How up-to-date are your people’s skills?