Journalism: Conduct Great Media Interviews

--- **Course Review: Mastering Media Interviews with TJ Walker** **Overview:** The course "Mastering Media Interviews with TJ Walker" has garnered a global rating of 4.20, with all recent reviews being positive in nature. The course is led by TJ Walker, a renowned public speaking coach and media training expert. It aims to equip students with the skills necessary to conduct effective media interviews across various platforms, including print, radio, and television. **Pros:** - **Highly Rated:** The course has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from recent students, indicating its effectiveness and value. - **Confidence Boost:** Many learners reported a significant increase in their confidence when conducting interviews after applying the techniques taught by TJ Walker. - **Practical Tools:** The course provides practical tools and exercises that are easy to understand and apply, enhancing the ability to conduct great interviews and extract the best from guests. - **Engaging Content Delivery:** TJ Walker's presentation style is described as enjoyable and informative, making the learning experience engaging. - **Real-World Applicable:** The course content is applicable to a wide range of interview scenarios, from street interviews to high-stake media events. - **Comprehensive Resources:** The inclusion of books and a PDF with exercises adds to the comprehensive nature of the course. - **Opportunity for Self-Reflection:** The emphasis on recording oneself and critiquing one's performance is a unique and beneficial aspect of the course. - **Community Praise:** The course has been praised by students across different platforms, including Udemy, and is recommended for those looking to improve their interview preparation skills. **Cons:** - **Video Content Expectations:** Some learners expected more video content focused on conducting interviews, particularly in handling specific interview scenarios like dealing with evasive responses. - **Lack of Direct Instructions:** A few students felt that while the course reinforced the importance of practice and self-critique, it lacked a detailed framework or step-by-step guidance on how to conduct an interview, including aspects like speaking cadence, rephrasing questions, and dealing with challenging situations. - **Format Focus:** There was some disappointment from learners working primarily in print media, as they felt the course's emphasis on video was not as helpful to them. - **Content Specificity:** A learner expressed that more context-specific videos would have been beneficial to address the nuances of different types of interviews. **Additional Notes:** - The course is well-suited for individuals looking to improve their interview skills, regardless of whether they are novices or seasoned professionals. - TJ Walker's experience and expertise shine through in the course content, offering valuable insights into media interviews. - While the course is comprehensive, learners should consider their specific needs and review content beforehand to ensure it aligns with their goals. **Conclusion:** "Mastering Media Interviews with TJ Walker" is a highly regarded course that offers a wealth of knowledge for those looking to enhance their interviewing skills. The course's strengths lie in its practical exercises, engaging delivery by TJ Walker, and the positive outcomes reported by students. However, prospective learners should be aware of the course's focus on video interviews and consider whether additional specific guidance would be beneficial for their learning journey. Overall, the course is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their performance in media interviews across various formats. ---