Media Training for Executives & Spokespeople

Most spokespeople prepare for what they want to say. We prepare executives for what they'll actually be asked, and for what happens when the conversation doesn't go as planned.

Reporter holding a microphone toward an executive in a suit during an interview

Media training that doesn’t stop at one interview.

Most media training sessions consist of the spokesperson rehearsing their talking points for the expected interview topic and calling it done. We work differently.

We explore the motivations of interested journalists. Why they're asking, what’s the context, and what they're really after. We demonstrate how your spokespeople can execute your organisational media strategy while giving the journalist what they need. Then we build the capability to handle any interview, regardless of the media’s intentions.

Our programs use real media industry intelligence, real scenarios, and real-time feedback. Executives learn how to structure their key messages in an audience-friendly way, deflect off-topic or inflammatory questions, and deliver a confident interview in any format.

By the end, any question or interview angle will be transformed from a potential threat to an opportunity.

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290 years
Combined expertise
Decades of executive media training experience across our team.
3
Communication frameworks
Three proven frameworks designed to give executives a clear, consistent approach to every interview.
100%
Confidential
All briefing materials, conversations and preparation remain strictly private and confidential.

Built for leaders whose words carry organisational weight.

Your spokespeople are your reputation. They need to perform when your media audience is forming their judgement.

Senior executive answering questions from two reporters holding microphones
Public sector leaders seated at a table with microphones during a briefing
Communications colleagues applauding a team member in a modern office atrium
Leadership team working around a table with laptops and a whiteboard behind them
Man in a white lab coat writing on a whiteboard while a colleague looks on
Smiling team leader reaching across a table to greet colleagues in a meeting
Senior executive spokespeople
C-suite and senior leaders who face regular or high-stakes media exposure across broadcast, print, and digital.
Government and public sector leaders
Departmental executives and policy leads who represent their organisation across media, parliamentary and public forums.
Corporate Affairs and Communications professionals
Leaders who prepare and advise their organisation’s spokespeople across media, government and stakeholder environments.
Leaders facing a reputational issue
Organisations preparing to navigate an incident, investigation, or adverse event, who need a robust plan and confident spokespeople.
Technical and subject matter experts
Leaders with deep expertise who must communicate complex information to audiences, where clarity determines credibility.
Leaders moving into greater visibility
Emerging executives preparing for the communication demands of more senior roles. Capability built prior to exposure holds under pressure.

Every session is built around your actual risk environment.

We don't run generic programs. Session briefs, scenarios, and coaching are calibrated to your organisation, your industry, and your audience.

Message architecture under pressure

How to frame and deliver core messages when a journalist is actively working against them. Bridging and deflecting techniques that don't sound evasive to the audience.

Interview performance and delivery

Managing presence, pace and authority in front of the lens or at the microphone. Understanding what reads as confident and what reads as evasive.

Breaking news and issues-based scenarios

Preparing for the interview where the spokesperson doesn't have all the answers, can't rely on the communications team, and the stakes are high. Composure, clarity, and accountability under genuine pressure.

Hostile and difficult question handling

Recognising tactics such as hypotheticals, speculation, rapid-fire questioning or emotionally charged responses. Responding in ways that protect the organisation's position without escalating the confrontation.

Live interview simulation

Camera-recorded practice interviews with professional journalist facilitators across all forms of media. Real-time coaching, replay analysis, and targeted feedback to close the gap between preparation and performance.

Digital and social context

How a short clip, comment thread or bystander video can shape public perception of an organisation. Understanding that a brief moment taken out of context can create narratives and pull focus from official communications.

Built in the training room, proven in public.

Every engagement starts with a conversation, not a brochure. We build the program around your risk environment and your spokespeople.

Fantastic. So knowledgeable and engaging.

Senior Communications Consultant
Department of Transport WA

All very professional, knowledgeable and positive. Amazing attention to detail.

Senior Manager
James Cook University

It was clear to me that the facilitator did a lot of prep work to understand all aspects of the issues we deal with. Good practical tools blended with solid experience.

Deputy CEO
National Indigenous Australians Agency

The trainer was phenomenal, who clearly and effectively communicated concepts in a relevant and applicable format.

Mayor
Sutherland Shire Council

Sadly there are not many (if any) companies that train people to the quality that yours does. Your guidance and experience was valuable at all times and assisted us to get our message out and keep on track with organisational changes. Others would do well to invest into this area of senior roles.

Chief Executive Officer
Ambulance Victoria

Absolutely relevant to my needs and has helped me be much more prepared for what could come my way. Well organised and highly effective.

Principal
Ballarat Clarendon College

Very interactive, well tailored to my needs.

VP Investor Relations
BlueScope

The focus on stakeholders was exactly what we needed. Highly relevant and timely with excellent pace and content. The trainer’s style and knowledge was excellent and this assured a superior exercise and result for us.

CEO
Health Workforce Queensland

The trainer was excellent - very clear, very informative and had clearly done a lot of preparation for the day. I am surprised how much I got out of that. I will be recommending it for others.

Technical Director
AECOM

Well researched for our business, engaging and knowledgeable. I felt very comfortable engaging with the team.

CEO and Managing Director
CDK Stone

The training was completely tailored to what I needed. I’m keeping the trainer on my speed dial for future presentations.

Head of Design
Goodman

The sessions were very well tailored to my needs and the organisation. The practical and the information components blended perfectly together to significantly improve my confidence and readiness for media.

General Manager, Client Services
Dementia Australia

Communication & Media Manoeuvres is highly experienced and skilful and has assisted us in delivering challenging messages to all our stakeholders, in an extremely effective, professional manner. I recommend them to other schools seeking a tactical messaging, media training and/or consulting service.

Headmaster
The Hutchins School

Very useful to practise on a case that’s actually very realistic. Good mix of theory and practice.

CEO
Yarra Trams

Absolutely relevant and created a new skills space. Thanks for the insightful views and recommendations.

Client Manager
Munich Re

Extremely knowledgeable and proficient in this space; genuinely interested in equipping us with valuable skills and want us to gain the benefits in our leadership journey.

Director of Clinical Affairs
Cook Medical

Excellent. Concepts were very helpful and informative.

State General Manager
Westpac

Consummate professionals with a wealth of experience in the field of media training, for general media spokesperson work, subject-specific interviews and complex issues management work.

Communications Officer
Australia Post
1

Strategy conversation

We understand your audience landscape, likely interview topics, and the capability gaps that need closing before training begins.

2

Program design

Scenario briefs, journalist characters, and session structure are built specifically around your organisation and sector.

3

Immersive training

Camera-recorded simulations with professional facilitators. Real pressure, real feedback, real capability shift.

4

Debrief and roadmap

Clear and individualised plans for ongoing development as leaders move into more visible spokesperson roles.

Built in the training room, proven in public.

20+ years

Average years clients stay with us as their leaders evolve

100% custom

Every program is customised to your context, with no off-the-shelf delivery.

5 cities

In-person training available across five Australian cities, wherever you operate.
Dementia Australia logo
Dementia Australia logo

The sessions were very well tailored to my needs and the organisation. The practical and the information components blended perfectly together to significantly improve my confidence and readiness for media.

General Manager, Client Services
Dementia Australia

Designed to fit your team and the deadline.

Media training is most effective when it mirrors your actual context. We offer formats that match how your organisation works and what your spokespeople need.

Leadership Team Program

A comprehensive capability program delivered across your executive or senior leadership team. A shared framework, consistent message architecture and individual coaching embedded throughout.
Empty boardroom table with microphones and black leather chairs

Executive Program

A concentrated program addressing a single capability or preparing an individual leader, delivered with the same rigour as the comprehensive program.
Facilitator speaking to a small group of seated participants in a workshop

Half Day Targeted Session

Direct planning for a specific upcoming stakeholder engagement or issue. Rapid communications capability-building for one or two executives.
Colleagues applauding during a meeting around a table with a laptop

Executive One-to-One Coaching

Private coaching tailored to a leader preparing for a high-stakes engagement, moving into a more visible role, or building capability at their own pace. The focus adapts with the environment.
Executive seated alone at the end of a long boardroom table with a laptop

Pre-Event Intensive Session

Compressed and focused preparation and rehearsal for leaders who need to be ready quickly for an upcoming communication opportunity.
Speaker holding a microphone in front of a presentation screen

Online Delivery

The same rigour as in-person, adapted for executives who operate remotely. Fully facilitated sessions with real-time discussion, exercises and feedback.
Woman smiling at a desktop screen during a video session

Ready to prepare your spokespeople for the moments that matter?

A confidential conversation with our General Manager. No obligation. We'll listen, ask the right questions, and recommend a path forward only if there's a genuine fit.

Empty boardroom with a long wooden table, black leather chairs and shelves on a concrete wall