Kathy Kerchner

Biography

Kathy Kerchner helps smart people like you present their information clearly, confidently and persuasively whether they`re doing an interview or giving a speech.

She spent 15 years in the media trenches asking the tough questions -- now she`s teaching you how to answer them. In her workshops and seminars, Kathy likes to have fun, but she`s serious about helping you become a better communicator.

As a former TV anchor/reporter, Kathy won seven Emmy awards and interviewed hundreds of people -- business executives, politicians, celebrities and average folks. She realized that most of them didn`t understand how to take full advantage of their media opportunities.

That`s why, 20 years ago, she started her company, Master Your Message. Since then, she`s been coaching CEOs, technical experts, managers and others how to do a media interview that focuses on what they want to say rather than what the reporter wants to ask.

Kathy has worked with clients in Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong and Germany. She`s coached people in a diverse mix of industries, from health care, finance, mining and high tech to government and non-profits.

When a global technology firm came under EPA scrutiny for possible groundwater contamination, Kathy helped spokespeople communicate their positive messages to the media as well as to employees.

When Dateline NBC asked a national retail corporation for an interview about a touchy topic, Kathy coached company executives to face the tough questioning.

When a nationwide construction company wanted to prepare their field supervisors for a possible crisis, Kathy taught them how to handle the media until the communications team could help.

In addition to her experience in TV and as a media/presentation coach, Kathy has a Masters Degree in communications from the University of Michigan and is the author of the book "SoundBites: A Business Guide for Working with the Media."

Publications

SoundBites A Business Guide for Working with the Media

SoundBites is a blueprint for dealing successfully with TV, print and radio reporters and editors.
This step-by-step guide will teach you how to:
~Attract reporters to your story
~Write effective press releases, media advisories, and PSA`s
~Build media relationships
~Control the interview to get your messages across
~Use proven answering techniques
~Demonstrate confidence and credibility on camera
~Formulate soundbites and quotes reporters can`t resist
~Avoid misquotes and inaccuracies
~Communicate in crisis to preserve your reputation

Titles

Master Your Message, Then Master the Media
In Kathy`s "Master the Media" workshop and coaching sessions, your team will learn how to gain control of media interviews to confidently deliver key messages to the media. In this practical, hands-on workshop, media expert Kathy Kerchner delivers powerful results to individuals or groups. She`ll teach your team -- executives, subject matter experts, PR and marketing reps, and other key players -- how to master your message, then master the media.

SpeakSmart: How to WOW an Audience
What if you could feel 100% comfortable speaking to audiences? What if you could keep them spellbound -- fully focused and engaged -- while you present your ideas?

How do you keep an audience spellbound? With lessons learned from Kathy Kerchner`s "SpeakSmart: How to WOW an Audience" workshop. This enjoyable, hands-on workshop helps top executives, sales, marketing, public relations, and other professionals deliver compelling, winning presentations. The video-training portion gives participants on-the-spot practice with honest (and kind) feedback from Kathy. Every participant receives a substantial workbook of tips, visual examples, and workshop highlights.

Be Prepared! Survive a media crisis by influencing perceptions through the media
Accident, lawsuit, or layoff. It`s a given -- some type of media crisis will hit your organization. Executives must be prepared to talk to the media. (Blurting "no comment" doesn`t count.) Kathy Kerchner will teach your key players how to confidently handle tough questions, gain control of the interview, and preserve your organization`s reputation.