Media training questions, answered

Media training is a structured coaching program that teaches executives and spokespeople how to communicate effectively during press interviews, on-camera appearances, and high-pressure public communication situations. At Success in Media, Jess Todtfeld uses his proprietary HSP: High Stakes Presenter Methodology, built from 13 years as a television producer for ABC, NBC and FOX, to give clients a repeatable system for delivering clear messages, handling difficult questions, and projecting confidence under pressure.

Media training is for any professional who communicates on behalf of their organization in high-stakes situations. That includes C-suite executives, board members, spokespeople, investor relations teams, government officials, attorneys, physicians, nonprofit leaders, and anyone who might face a press interview, on-camera appearance, Congressional hearing, or crisis situation. Jess has trained leaders across 12+ industries including finance, healthcare, technology, pharma, government, and nonprofit.

Every program is fully customized, but most sessions cover: message development using the HSP: High Stakes Presenter Methodology, the Answer System for handling any question, the Sound Bite System for structuring quotable answers, on-camera body language and vocal delivery, bridging techniques for hostile or off-topic questions, and live practice with realistic interview simulations. Jess adjusts the focus based on your specific upcoming appearances or communication challenges.

Media training focuses specifically on adversarial and unpredictable communication: press interviews, live TV, crisis situations, hostile Q&A. You don't control the questions. Presentation coaching focuses on prepared remarks like keynotes, board presentations, and investor pitches where you control the content and flow. Jess offers both, and many clients combine them. The HSP: High Stakes Presenter Methodology applies to both disciplines because the fundamentals of clear messaging and confident delivery are universal.

Media training typically ranges from $1,000 to $15,000 per engagement, depending on the scope: number of participants, program length, location, and customization requirements. A focused session for one spokesperson sits at the lower end, while multi-day team workshops with recorded practice sit higher. Jess offers one-on-one executive coaching, small-group workshops, and large team training programs. Every program is custom-built. There are no off-the-shelf packages. Request a quote for pricing specific to your needs, see the full media training cost breakdown, or get instant pricing guidance. Most clients describe the investment as modest relative to the cost of a poorly handled media appearance or missed business opportunity.

Jess does not offer a money-back guarantee because the value of media training depends on the executive's commitment to practice and preparation. What he does guarantee is full customization, direct access to him (not an associate), the 365-day follow-up support program, and a structured methodology that has been proven across hundreds of organizations and thousands of executives over 20+ years.

The fastest path is to request a quick quote or book a 15-minute call with Jess. Tell us what you're facing: an upcoming interview, a team that needs training, a crisis you're preparing for. Jess will respond within one business day with a recommended approach and pricing.

Most clients choose a one- or two-day intensive format, though Jess also designs custom formats based on your needs. Some executives book a focused session before a specific appearance; others invest in multi-day programs that cover media training, presentation coaching, and crisis preparation together. Every program includes the 365-day follow-up support program at no additional cost.

For planned training programs, two to four weeks of lead time is ideal. For urgent situations, such as a crisis, a last-minute media opportunity, or a high-stakes presentation coming up fast, Jess can often accommodate expedited timelines when he is available, and there is no rush fee. Contact us as early as possible and we will work with your schedule.

Both. Jess delivers training in person at your location or at his New York City studio, and virtually via a high-quality video setup that goes far beyond a standard Zoom call. He has trained executives on every continent, from Rome to São Paulo to San Francisco to Brisbane. Virtual sessions use professional lighting, multiple camera angles, and broadcast-quality audio so the experience matches the standard of an in-person session.

Training can happen at your office, at Jess's New York City studio (295 Madison Avenue), at a conference venue, or virtually. For virtual sessions, Jess uses a professional broadcast-quality setup, not a laptop webcam. He has delivered training across the United States and internationally on every continent.

Executives who complete training with Jess consistently report greater confidence in interviews, clearer and more quotable messaging, better on-camera presence, and the ability to handle difficult questions without losing composure. Clients have landed major media coverage, delivered successful earnings calls, navigated crises without reputational damage, and closed business deals directly attributed to improved communication. The 365-day support program ensures these skills stick long after the initial training.

Every training engagement includes a complimentary 365-day support and accountability program at no additional cost. During the year you have access to your trainer for 7 critiques or pep talks, a multimedia library, and a customized workbook based on your own training. Jess also remains available for follow-up coaching, message review before upcoming appearances, and quick-turn advice when situations arise unexpectedly. This is included as standard because Jess believes the real value of training shows up in the months after the session, not just during it. No other media trainer in the industry offers this level of ongoing support at no extra charge.

Yes. Visit our testimonials page to see video testimonials and written reviews from executives who have worked with Jess. References from specific industries or company sizes are available upon request. Contact us at Inquiry@SuccessInMedia.com.

Three things set Jess apart. First, his background: 13 years as a television producer for ABC, NBC and FOX means he trained executives from the perspective of someone who booked, briefed, and produced thousands of media segments. He knows what producers look for. Second, his credentials: he holds the Guinness World Record for most media interviews in 24 hours (112 interviews completed, 96 officially certified, June 2009) and the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation held by fewer than 1% of speakers worldwide. Third, his methodology: the HSP: High Stakes Presenter Methodology is a structured, repeatable system, not generic tips from a PowerPoint deck. Every program is customized and every client works directly with Jess, not a junior associate. Learn more about Jess.

You work directly with Jess. Every session, whether it's a one-on-one executive coaching session or a team workshop, is personally led by Jess Todtfeld. There are no associate trainers, no junior coaches, and no bait-and-switch. When you hire Success in Media, you get the person whose name is on the door.

Jess has trained executives and teams at hundreds of organizations including Google, JPMorgan, American Express, the United Nations, LinkedIn, AARP, Land Rover, IBM, Edelman PR, and leaders across Fortune 500 companies. His client base spans 12+ industries including finance, healthcare, technology, pharma, government, defense, energy, nonprofit, sports, and entertainment. See what clients say.

Yes. Jess is a sought-after keynote speaker on executive communication, media readiness, and high-stakes presenting. His talks are interactive, practical, and customized to the audience, not a canned speech. He holds the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation and is the author of Media Secrets, a #1 international bestseller. Contact us or email Inquiry@SuccessInMedia.com to discuss availability.