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Feature Articles   "Handling Crisis with Integrity & Professionalism" Kathleen Hessert's session at the 2000 American Football Coaches Association Convention Article based on the session INTERVIEW SPOTLIGHT Coach R.C. Slocum Head Football Coach Texas A&M Previous: Coach Ricky Hunley Associate Head Coach /Linebackers University of Missouri Coach Dan Hughes Head Basketball Coach The WNBA Cleveland Rockers   YOUR COMMUNICATION PLAYBOOK An ultimate communications guide for coaches at all levels. Check it out! POWER TRAINING: HOW TO WIN AT THE MEDIA GAME An Audio Tape Series       Bill Arnsparger Shares the "Pocket Guide To Media Success" in his book, Coaching Defensive Football Read Excerpt

Personal Playbook Winning at the Media Game Have you ever thought or said, "What I meant was…" all the while scrambling to salvage your image? At one time or another, everyone has stubbed a toe, fallen flat on their face, or even humiliated themselves when facing daunting media inquiries. You'll often find yourself on shaky ground when avoiding an insistent reporter. Some of their questions can be difficult or leading, others seemingly impossible to tackle. However, you can balance the media's power by developing and perpetuating an agenda of your own, then intentionally guiding the direction and tone of the interview. Subsequently, you'll guide the story itself. Make sure to accomplish the following with your answers: Illuminate favorable facts. Enhance your organization's position. Neutralize negatives. Correct misstatements or inaccurate characterizations. Redirect the focus when necessary. Make yourself quotable. The key to the media game plan is to expect to win, and then back yourself up with an offensive and defensive strategy that will help you accomplish your goals. Remember that it's your team's image on the line, and it takes media muscle to stay ahead of the game.   FAST TRACK GUIDE Media Crisis Speaking Image Case Studies Tools/Resource   Effective communication skills are a crucial element of the coaching profession. Considering the environment surrounding coaches today, the essential nature and value of communication is impossible to argue against. This Fast Track for Coaches section will give you, a coach, the most relevant communication strategies, tactics and resources.   STRATEGIES & CHECKLISTS   Public & 1-on-1   Communications   Media Relations Tips for D-Day (Speech Delivery Day) Speech Gut Check! 8 Most Common Speech Slip-ups 9 Steps to Working aCrowd So You're Receiving an Award...What Do You Say? Effective Presentation Preparation   Back to Top Expect This From the Media Media Dont's Media Do's 8 Most Common Interview Errors Making the Press Work for YOU! Media Relation Tips  Crisis Communications   Image Enhancement How to Insulate Athletes in Crisis The Aftermath of Littleton, Colorado Shooting Hessert Sports Crisis Report Back to Top Elements of Your Public Image Image Tips   Hot Topics College Football Coaches Under Pressure Practice Season Begins with Tragedies Maximize Media Exposure with Thorough Preparation 3 Impediments to Fuzzy Zoeller's Image Survival Dallas Cowboys - Too Little, Too Late Crisis at Boston College Alcohol, Drug Tobacco Pledge and the '97 Varsity Lacrosse Team--The Charlotte Country Day Athletic Department The Character Issue and its Impact on the NFL Draft Back to Top   Communication Tools/ Other Resources SMC training, consulting and keynote speaking services (Media Training - Crisis Communications - Public Speaking - Image Management - Online Communications) Audio Cassette Series - "Power Training: How to Win At The Media Game" Coach's Communication Playbook Pocket Guide to Avoiding Misquotes Other reference sites online SMC Bookstore Back to Top