Media tips for teachers

[Hannah Bell]

When my book came out last year, I started reading up on media training (had to get ready for all those TV interviews, right?). I soon realized that speaking in front of a class doesn't prepare you for speaking in front of a TV camera.

This doesn't matter until teachers are invited to participate in "community forums" or "listening tours" on the subject of education, which tend to be televised--often to our disadvantage.

Of course, teachers are quick to note that some panelists at education "community forums" wouldn't last a day in front of our students. They do know how to speak in front of cameras, though, and we would do well to take some notes. Sometimes good teaching translates to bad TV.

Here are 5 basic media-training principles for teachers, plus an example of how classroom communication styles can work against us in the spotlight.

Principle #1: Be "on" as soon as you enter the room.
Principle #2: Know your three main points in advance.
Principle #3: Find your "quotable quote."
Principle #4: Stay on message.
Principle #5: Avoid restating the opposing viewpoint.

http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/rick_hess_straight_up/2011/01/what_were_trying_to_say_here_media_training_tips_for_teachers.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Walt+Gardner+Reality+Check