What do you get when you mix a political candidate and a stranger in your home? A friend.
That is how Cynthia Wallace of MediaStory Consulting and I tell the story (actually, she tells it better). During the recent Presidential Primary Cynthia was living in New York and volunteering for a candidate whom I was supporting. Her volunteering led her to travel to New Hampshire to knock on doors and make calls to folks in the Granite State. I volunteered my guest bedroom to traveling volunteer supporters. This was a first for both Cynthia and I - she traveling for a candidate and I opening my house up to a total stranger.
Through her 3-day stay we had great discussions about everything from organic farming to world-wide issues. We shared our love of New England, a good glass of wine and ethical marketing.
Cynthia is professional, thoughtful and brings a relaxed style to her work. Her blog is filled with examples of greatness and not so greatness when in front of an audience or camera.
Here's the interview:
Q: Cynthia, what is it you do?
A: I help people tell their story and get results.Many, many people need help, aka Media Training, when they decide to speak to the news media, or when the news media come calling. With the insight that comes with 20+ years as a news writer, reporter and producer (Reuters TV, Fox News Channel), I'm able to prepare my clients to tell their story to a reporter or interviewer - and then enjoy the results of getting that story on TV, in print or on the Internet.
Since coming to Dallas from New York in 2009, I've realized the serious need for Presentation Training, too, among people in businesses and nonprofits of all sizes. So, recently, I began offering help with Presentations. After all, presenting with slides is simply another means of telling your story. Every audience is a great opportunity, and with good content and technique, a presentation can inform and inspire action.
Q: Great point, whether one is in front of the camera or in a room full of people it's about telling a story. I'm sure we all can relate to being in the audience not listening to a speaker. When you are helping a client how does your process work?
A: I generally spend between a half-day and 2-days with clients, teaching skills and techniques through interactive seminars that always include videotaping the client's interview or presentation. After playback and critique, the client virtually always comes to realizations and makes significant improvements in understanding and performance.After the seminar, I stay in touch with clients as questions arise on topics covered or new situations develop. It's greatly rewarding for me to see improvements at the seminar and afterwards in the local or national news.
Q: I imaging the follow-up is equally important. If someone wants to learn more, how can we contact you?
A: MediaStory Consulting is on the Internet at www.mediastoryconsulting.com, and people can reach me via email at cynthia@mediastoryconsulting.com or by phone 972-827-8154. Based in Dallas, I service clients across the U.S.A.
Thanks Cynthia and keep those great blog posts going. I really enjoy them, always interesting and informative.
Have you seen a recent mishap of someone in front of the media or an audience? Let Cynthia and I know and she will share some of her insights on it in one of her blog posts.
Image Supplied & Copywrighted by MediaStory Consulting
