Communicate with confidence
Icon provides customised media and presentation training in Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane and remotely
We position our clients to communicate effectively and successfully with staff, customers, stakeholders and the media.
Led by award-winning journalists and editors, with national and international experience in print, online and broadcast, our training provides hands-on learning in a dynamic, interactive environment.
Media training services
With today’s always-on media and 24-hour news cycle, it’s essential to be prepared.
Our media training builds understanding, capability and skill so clients face the media with confidence.
We understand what makes news and shapes reputations across the modern media landscape, and how to ensure messages are delivered effectively fronting a news conference, facing a broadcast interview, presenting a webinar or giving a keynote address.
Content is tailored to individual organisations and issues, ensuring an experience that is relevant and empowering.
Training customised to each client's requirements
Use of 'real-world' scenarios to prepare for opportunities and challenges
Training in TV, print, radio and online interview techniques
Handover training guide with key messages for ongoing skill development
Flexible model from 1:1 executive coaching to small and large group training
Choice of short refresher, half day and full day modules
Mark Forbes - Director of Reputation
Mark is a Walkley-award winning journalist and former Editor-in-Chief of The Age in Melbourne. He has also worked at Four Corners and Channel Seven, in the Federal and State parliament press galleries and as an overseas correspondent.
Mark brings almost 30 years of success at the highest levels of Australian media and communications practice to media training, crisis management and strategic communications advice.
Joanne Painter - Group Managing Director
Joanne brings more than 25 years' experience in journalism, public relations and digital communications.
Prior to founding Icon Agency with partner Chris Dodds, Joanne spent eight years with Fairfax's The Age, first as Education Reporter then as National Industrial Correspondent and Senior Business Writer. She is a sought after speaker and presenter.
Justin Armsden - Consultant
Justin has travelled the international media landscape for nearly 30 years.
From an award-winning print reporter for News Corp, to anchor for CNN International in London and the Victorian State Bureau Chief at A Current Affair, Justin has been at the forefront of media his entire career.
The depth and breadth of experience of Icon's media team is impressive. Their insights and understanding of the media landscape have been invaluable.
Katherine Kaspar
CEO of Kinetic Super
Media and presentation training
Choose from a range of training options. Modules are customised for your business, communications requirements and target media. All are available face-to-face or remotely if required.
Media training
Ideal for spokespeople and executives wanting to understand and utilise the media.
Media training
Training format:
How the media operates
Preparing messaging
How to interact with the media
Covers radio, TV, online and print
Scenario-based live interviews
1:1 Small Group, Half-day and full-day options
Media refresher
Brush up your skills and prepare for upcoming opportunities and challenges.
Media refresher
Training format:
Interactive 'live' interview format
Communicating and staying on message
Presentation skills
Handling tough questions
Covers all media formats
1:1 coaching or Small Group, 2hr of half-day
Advanced coaching
An intensive, interactive workshop for experienced spokespeople and senior executives.
Advanced coaching
Training format
Refine media skills
Tackling negative issues
Enhancing reputation
Confrontational interviews
Message development and delivery
1:1 or Small Group, 2hr, half-day and full-day
Presentation and public speaking
Build your confidence and learn methods to stay on message.
Presentation and public speaking
Training format:
Presenting confidently to any audience
Overcoming nerves
Structuring your presentation
Presentation techniques
Live run-throughs
Pre-event coaching
Typically 1:1 coaching format, half-day
Online and virtual media
Master remote interviews, webinars and virtual presentations.
Online and virtual media
Training format:
Mastering Zoom/Teams formats
Presentation and delivery techniques and tips
On-camera interview training and scenarios
Practice presentation, playback and critique
Customised presentation/interview planning
1:1 or small group, 2hr or half-day
Crisis training
The key to effective crisis management is preparation, our tailored crisis modules are an essential tool to mitigate risk.
Crisis media training
Preparing developing and delivering crisis communications responses.
Crisis media training
Training format:
The need for speed - crisis timeframes
Crisis and media theory and preparation
Key rules of crisis messaging
Media conferences and releases
Interviewing under pressure
Scenario interviews
1:1 or small group, half-day or full day
Crisis simulation exercise
Stress-test media and crisis preparedness with a customised workshop and scenario.
Crisis simulation exercise
Training format:
Crisis and media theory and preparation
Develop and test key messages
Risks and responses
Real-time crisis communications simulation
Operational and communication considerations covered
Small or large group format (up to 15)
Half-day or full-day
COVID-19 crisis training
Prepare your organisation to communicate effectively in the event of a COVD-19 crisis repetitional issue.
COVID-19 crisis training
Training format:
Ideal for spokespeople with varied levels of experience
Delivering on COVID communications goals
How to craft key messages and stay on them
On-camera interview training
COVID crisis scenarios
Available in Zoom, Webex or Teams video conference formats
Option of 2hr or half-day
1 or small-group (up to 7 participants)
Beyond Media Training
Looking for additional support? Our integrated, in-house model can scale to meet your unique requirements.
Jump to one of our other business units: