Executives who WANT media attention for their companies, their products or their reputations have never had more opportunities to win that attention. There's a wide range of media outlets today from broadcast to broadband, and all of them are hungry for good stories.

So if you've won media attention, how can you be certain you make the best use of it? That's where media trainers come in. Their job is to prepare executives for the unique interaction that is the media interview; to help that executive or spokesperson put their best foot forward each and every time.

Media trainers work through the use of mock interviews and scenarios, putting executives through the paces of realistic interactions with reporters. Many trainers work by videotaping their sessions and writing mock articles, coaching executives through both the content of what they say and the execution. It isn't easy meeting the succinct demands of both broadcast and print reporters, making sure your points get made briefly and powerfully.

But how can you be sure you select the right trainer to help you prepare? Here are some things that will better the odds on ensuring a good fit:

PICK A MEDIA TRAINER WHO HAS WORKED IN THE MEDIA

Sounds simple enough, but dont assume your trainer has real world experience. Some so-called media trainers have never set foot in a newsroom. Some have backgrounds in public relations, sales, marketing or even entertainment fields-but if the best experience your trainer has is in watching others who come in contact with reporters-find another trainer. Interacting with the media is a full contact sport, often with much at stake. Find a trainer who comes to training after a career as a reporter and you will have someone who knows what you'll need to perform at your best.

DON'T PICK A MEDIA TRAINER WHO HAS ONLY WORKED IN THE MEDIA

As important as it is to find a former reporter to train you, don't stop there. Your trainer has to have experience working on the other side of the fence. Thats because professional reporters are long accustomed to and proud of being able to ignore the consequences of their stories. Contrary to popular opinion, the vast majority of mainstream reporters are not advocates. They simply don't concern themselves with whether you're harmed or helped as a result of their story. As the interviewee of course, you care a great deal about that. That's why it's important to be sure your media coach understands both worlds, yours as the subject of media interest and theirs as the tellers of your story. Find a trainer with at least some experience in advocacy communications, either as a spokesperson or in some other role. You want a trainer with knowledge of the practical tools of media interaction: messaging and positioning. Don't engage a media trainer who has never dealt with those tools or with the aftermath of a media interview gone wrong.

BIGGER ISN'T ALWAYS BETTER

The largest public relations and management training firms say they offer media training in their portfolio of services. They do, after a fashion. Media training is a special expertise however and one few large firms invest in. If you choose a big firm, make sure you check the credentials of the person actually slated to do your training. Don't accept a trainer whose only credentials are that they are on your assigned account team.

EXPERIENCE COUNTS, BUT NOT ALL EXPERIENCE COUNTS EQUALLY

Look for a media trainer who is a good match for your specific needs. If youre preparing for print interviews, a media trainer with television experience only wont be the best choice. If television interviews are on your agenda, make sure your trainer understands that TV reporters arent just print reporters who use pictures. If youre playing in the big leagues, dont assume your trainer understands the very rough and tumble world of the major markets and networks. ASK if your trainer is experienced in preparing for live broadcast if that's what you need, as well as taped interviews, ambush interviews as well as press conferences.

FIND A MEDIA TRAINER YOU CAN TRUST AND THEN TRUST THEM

If dealing with the media were easy, thered be no need for media trainers. In reality, even those who interact with reporters regularly can get into trouble over something they said or didnt say. It takes skill and practice to ensure your interests are served, and that every interview you give is a powerfully, effective one. If you dont have internal staff to help keep you on track, make sure your trainer is available for follow-up help.

A good media trainer is like a good reporter: Professional, tough and truthful (even if you hope theyre not staying for dinner).