Who is this service for?

Often working alongside public relations agencies, we help executives up to and including the C-suite prepare for media interviews to ensure they are productive and the executive's voice is heard. We also help executives preparing to deliver keynote speeches and our value goes beyond this as many of the skills are transferrable to other stakeholders.

What actually happens?

A team often including an experienced journalist and a camera expert will offer input and advice on what journalists, podcasters and other media professionals will need. The core of the sessions, however, is a practical interview session under lights and playback/feedback on the spot. We do this at least twice.

How long does it take?

A basic half-day session will take three and a half hours for up to three delegates.

How much does it cost?

Costs vary but a three-person half-day session will cost £2320 plus VAT. This excludes travel. Extras can include the hire of premises or indeed a full-blown TV studio if required.

What is your catchment area?

We are based in London but over the last couple of years we've worked in Greece, Bahrain and elsewhere. Just ask – we can probably make it work!

You wouldn't put a car on the road without checking

Spokesperson Checkup

Keeping the PR agency informed about their client's spokespeople

At a glance

Takeaway: A written report, aimed for within 48 hours, on how your spokespeople handle a realistic interview: what’s working, where the gaps are and what needs fixing, if anything

Who it’s for: PR leads who want to test spokespeople before they’re needed for real

Format and length: About an hour, online or in person, with the style and difficulty agreed with the PR lead in advance

Delivered by: Guy Clapperton, plus a camera operator for in-person sessions of three or more delegates

Price: £495 + VAT for a single online session, report included. In-person pricing on enquiry

Most PR professionals have a group of spokespeople they believe will perform well under pressure. But when was the last time you actually tested them?

Our Spokesperson Checkup gives them a practical evaluation before you need them for real – like an MOT or road test for your car, but for their media performance.

In around an hour, delivered online or in person, we put your spokesperson through a realistic interview, with the style and difficulty agreed with the PR lead in advance. We assess how they land their key messages, how they cope under pressure, and where the gaps are.

You get a written report – our aim is within 48 hours – with an assessment of what’s working and what needs fixing, if anything.

No lengthy training programme. No generic presentation. Just a practical check under pressure.

HOW IT WORKS

Online is our preferred format, particularly for single spokespeople and international clients. For multiple delegates on the same day, we can run the checkup in person instead.

If you want us to evaluate three or more spokespeople in person, we can bring in a camera operator to record each session for the spokesperson’s own review. This adds cost, and below three delegates it isn’t usually worth it – we’ll advise on what we believe will be the best deal for you.

PRICING

£495 plus VAT for a single online session and report – ask us about pricing for up to five spokespeople in person over a full day with the camera operator present. We’d love to discuss your requirements – drop our virtual assistant Jo a note and she’ll set a time for an initial chat.

Already know where you stand?

If you’re already familiar with your spokesperson’s skill and they have little media experience, our media training basics option is designed to help.

If they’ve got a reasonable grounding, consider our more intensive option, On Camera training with a professional camera and lighting rig.

If they’re going to be interviewed in the TV studio, try our studio masterclass.

Guy combines a great depth of knowledge with an ability to make sessions engaging and genuinely fun, which puts people at ease quickly, gives clear and constructive feedback, and ensures learning sticks

Katy Branson, Head of Communications, TM Forum

Thinking about it?

Frequently Asked Questions

How is a Spokesperson Checkup different from full media training?
It’s an assessment, not a course. Full training builds skills over a longer programme; the checkup is a short, realistic check that tells you where your existing spokespeople stand right now.

Is it run online or in person?
Both. Online works best for single spokespeople and international clients. In-person suits multiple delegates on the same day.

How quickly do we get the report?
We aim for 48 hours, though this can vary depending on our schedule.

What kind of questions will my spokesperson face?
The style and difficulty are agreed with your PR lead in advance, so the grilling matches the kind of interview or scrutiny they’re actually likely to face.

Can you evaluate more than one spokesperson in a day?
Yes – ask us about pricing for up to five delegates in a single day, in person.

Is a camera operator worth adding?
Only really from three delegates upwards in person – below that, we’ll usually recommend against the extra cost.

What happens if someone doesn’t perform well?
You get an honest, practical report. There’s no pressure to book further training.

What criteria will you use – what do good and bad look like?
Our founder and lead trainer Guy has decades of experience as a journalist that he will deploy. He will look for elements including clarity, fluency, articulation and low energy. This will be subject to a discussion with the PR team to make sure we’re aligned on what we’re checking for.

Let's talk