Journalism: Conduct Great Media Interviews

Summary

In the world of journalism, conducting professional, engaging interviews with newsmakers, industry experts, and colleagues is a key skill. Imagine having the confidence and authority to conduct interviews on video, audio, or in a podcast setting, with the ability to appear polished, articulate, and fully prepared, no matter the subject. This How to Conduct Interviews course offers you the tools and techniques to master the art of interviewing, helping you present yourself as a skilled media interviewer every time.

What You Will Learn in This Course:

1. How to Conduct Interviews with Newsmakers and Industry Experts: The course teaches you how to successfully interview influential figures for video programs, audio broadcasts, or podcasts. You’ll learn the essential techniques for framing questions, keeping the conversation flowing, and drawing out valuable insights from your interview subjects. The course will also focus on the nuances of professional interviewing, including managing different types of personalities and adjusting to the pace and direction of the conversation.
2. How to Appear Comfortable and Confident on Camera: One of the most challenging aspects of media interviews is maintaining a composed and confident demeanor while being recorded. This section will show you how to project confidence, relax on camera, and avoid common mistakes that can make you appear nervous or unsure. Whether you’re doing a live interview or a pre-recorded session, you’ll learn how to look and sound your best, building trust with your audience and interviewee.
3. How to Prepare Questions in Advance: Successful interviews don’t happen by chance—they’re carefully prepared. In this course, you’ll learn how to create a solid list of questions that will guide your interview while leaving room for organic conversation. The course will emphasize how to craft open-ended questions that elicit thoughtful responses, and how to structure your questions to maintain the flow of the conversation and keep the interview engaging for both your subject and your audience.
4. How to Rehearse Using Video: Practice makes perfect, and this course emphasizes the importance of rehearsal. You will be encouraged to record yourself interviewing and then critically assess your performance. By watching yourself on video, you can pinpoint areas for improvement—whether it’s body language, tone of voice, or the way you ask questions—and adjust accordingly. This process helps you develop a more natural and confident interviewing style, allowing you to refine your technique over time.
5. How to Prepare for a Career in Broadcast Journalism: Beyond just conducting interviews, this course also prepares you for a career in broadcast journalism. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the skills and habits necessary for success in the field. From interview techniques to presentation skills and media relations, this course will provide a comprehensive foundation to help you build a successful career in broadcast journalism or other media-related fields.

Course Structure and Approach:

The course is delivered through spoken lectures and hands-on video exercises. Because public speaking and media presentation are highly practical skills, the course emphasizes learning through doing. You will engage in exercises where you record yourself conducting interviews, watch the recordings, and critique your performance. This iterative process helps you refine your interviewing skills, building confidence and fluency with each session. The skills you develop here are not just theoretical—they require practical application, and the more you practice, the better you will become.

Practical, Hands-On Learning:

Unlike traditional academic courses that focus on theory, this journalism course is designed to build physical habits that you can apply in real-world situations. You will be asked to participate in numerous exercises where you record yourself conducting mock interviews. By watching these videos and critiquing your performance, you’ll get valuable insights into your strengths and weaknesses. This feedback loop allows you to fine-tune your presentation skills, just as one would practice a sport or a musical instrument to improve.

The course also includes several bonus books for further reading, providing additional resources and information to deepen your understanding of media interviews and journalism.

Instructor Profile: TJ Walker

The course is taught by TJ Walker, a highly experienced media trainer and public speaking coach with over 30 years of experience. Walker has worked with executives, newsmakers, and even world leaders to refine their presentation and communication skills. Through the power of Udemy’s online platform, he is now able to offer the same high-quality training to you at a fraction of the cost of in-person sessions. Walker’s expertise and dedication to teaching presentation and journalism skills have earned him recognition as a leader in the industry.

Course Duration and Flexibility:

The length of the course depends on your pace. While the most time-consuming part of the course involves recording yourself, reviewing your performance, and making adjustments, the skills you gain will save you time in future interviews and media engagements. The beauty of this course is that it allows you to practice at your own pace, which means you can start improving your skills immediately, even if you have an upcoming interview or media presentation.

What Others Are Saying:

Here’s what some participants and industry professionals have said about TJ Walker’s approach:

• Rolando Castro, Udemy Student: “5 Stars! I love the way TJ delivered the main points of recording yourself and highlighting what you did and did not like about yourself. That is the best way to see what our strengths and weaknesses are. Great course and the books are a plus!”
• Bob Bowdon, Anchor/Reporter, Bloomberg Television: “TJ Walker’s single-minded devotion to presentation has made him the #1 expert for executives seeking guidance on speaking to the public and media.”
• Stu Miller, Viacom News Producer: “TJ Walker is the leading media trainer in the world.”
• Gregg Jarrett, Fox News Channel Anchor: “The world’s leading presentation and media training firm.”

Why You Should Enroll Today:

This course is perfect for aspiring journalists, podcast hosts, media professionals, or anyone who wants to improve their interview skills. By learning how to conduct engaging, effective interviews, you’ll gain the confidence and expertise needed to excel in a media setting. Whether you’re looking to advance your career in journalism or simply want to be more effective in interviews, this course provides the tools to succeed.

Enroll today and start mastering the art of conducting interviews. With practical exercises, expert guidance, and a supportive learning environment, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a skilled, confident media interviewer.

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