The book by Jess Todtfeld, CSP
Media Secrets for leaders who cannot afford a weak moment.
This is the book behind Jess’s media training and high-stakes communication work. It offers practical frameworks for interviews, message discipline, and staying credible under pressure.
- #1 international bestseller in 4 countries and 25 categories
- Built from 13 years as a television producer at ABC, NBC and FOX
- Written by a Guinness World Record holder
Media Secrets: A Media Training Crash Course is a book by Jess Todtfeld, an international bestseller in four countries. It teaches how to develop core messages, control an interview without sounding evasive, speak in quotable sound bites and handle tough questions. It is available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle. Jess is a former ABC, NBC and FOX producer.
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What is inside, in running order
Media Secrets is the condensed version of what Jess teaches when the stakes are real. It was written for people who need to communicate clearly when the room matters. In those rooms, a weak answer can linger.
That could mean a media interview. It could also mean an earnings call, a fundraising appearance, a board presentation, or a public-facing crisis moment.
Best forExecutives, spokespeople, founders, subject-matter experts, and leadership teams who need to communicate clearly under scrutiny.
- How to develop your core messages using the HSP: High Stakes Presenter Methodology
- The Answer System: how to handle any question without losing control
- The Sound Bite System: how to deliver a quotable answer in 30 seconds or less
- On-camera body language mistakes that destroy credibility, and what to do instead
- How to bridge from a hostile question back to your key message
- What television producers actually look for when booking guests
- The pre-interview preparation checklist Jess gives every executive client
- Crisis communication fundamentals: what to say, and not say, in the first 60 minutes
What readers and colleagues say
Two endorsements from the Success In Media testimonials page, word for word.
“Jess, a media expert of experts who freely shares his media secrets of success in this book. He not only helps you START to get covered in the media, but also helps you understand the importance of video to promote your business and build your brand.”
On Media Training A-Z
“I give an A+ to ‘Media Training A-Z.’ It’s a must read for anyone who wants to learn how to get their message across in a clear and concise way. Whether you’re a novice or expert you’ll come away from this book more prepared than ever for your next television appearance.”
Two ways to read it
Buy it where you buy books, or get the free digital edition, which Jess sends himself. No autoresponder, no 47-email sequence. Just the book.
Buy the book
Media Secrets is available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle.
For bulk copies for your team, or to pair the book with custom training, email Inquiry@SuccessInMedia.com or call (646) 233-1424. Or ask about working together.
Get your free copy
The digital edition is free. Tell Jess where to send it and he emails it to you himself.
Work with Jess
Use the book as a starting point. Then train for the real moment.
If you want help applying these ideas to your team, an upcoming interview, a presentation, or a public-facing challenge, tell us a little about what is coming up.
Prefer to buy first? View the book on Amazon. (opens in a new tab)
Questions about the book
What does Media Secrets cover?
Media Secrets is a media training crash course: how to develop core messages, control an interview without sounding evasive, speak in quotable sound bites, handle tough questions, and stay credible in any high-stakes communication moment.
Who is Media Secrets for?
Anyone who speaks for an organization when the stakes are high, whether you are preparing for your first media interview or your fiftieth. Executives, spokespeople, founders, subject-matter experts, and leadership teams use it as a practical, repeatable preparation process.
Who wrote it?
Jess Todtfeld, founder of Success in Media. He spent 13 years as a television producer at ABC, NBC and FOX, has trained leaders at organizations including Google, JPMorgan and the United Nations, and is a Guinness World Record holder for the most media interviews in 24 hours.
Does the book replace media training?
No, and it is not meant to. The book gives you the system. What it cannot do is show you how you actually come across, because that takes a camera, a hard question, and someone playing the recording back with you. Read the book first, then book a session when a real appearance is on the calendar.