The Media Coach

Hi John,

Gary Lineker has been all over the news this week. His comments on Twitter have caused a political row and calls for him to be removed from his role as a BBC sports presenter.

Several things occur to me. Firstly, his comments represent a point of view that divides people. Secondly, his remarks have been misrepresented by some, and the debate has gathered a life of its own.

So to be clear, what he actually said was this: “There is no huge influx. We take far fewer refugees than other major European countries. This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s, and I’m out of order?”

His comment that we take far fewer refugees than other major European countries is a fact.

His opinion that the language being used with regard to people in small boats is debatable, but that's what politics is about.

The main issue that is getting people worked up is whether a BBC sports presenter should be allowed to express a political opinion on Twitter. In the grand scheme of things, that seems like small beer to me.

On a completely unrelated note, I spent Sunday helping to marshal a half marathon and 10k run in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

It's the sort of thing I've done before, but on this occasion I had a most unusual request. I was asked by a young woman whether I knew of a private room with a three metre high ceiling where she could get changed,

She saw my confused expression, and added "I'm a stilt walker, and all of the places I've been offered are too low to get out of".

Naturally I used my local knowledge to find a room that fitted her requirements perfectly, and she returned about thirty minutes later to thank me and ask for a photo.

That's me and Philippa. I'm the one on the left.

My radio guest this week is Jim Moreton from a band called House Above the Sun.

I saw a couple of members of the band a few months ago at a local gig and was hugely impressed, so I was keen to get Jim on the show.

House Above The Sun (HATS) are a five piece group from here in London, inspired by the sounds of Americana, Indie Rock and Blues.

We talked about writing songs, playing gigs and how to get music out to a wider audience. The band is a fine example of what live music should be all about.

Listen to my chat with Jim in the Media Coach Radio Show.

And of course, there's a great song from House Above the Sun

The MediaMugs this week are a group of technology students in China who have developed what has to be the strangest phone accessory ever - a virtual kissing machine.

The 3D silicone gadget has a mouth-shaped module and is triggered through a kiss, which is then transferred to the "mouth" on the other side.

It mimics the movement, temperature and pressure of the kiss using sensors, and links to phones via Bluetooth and an application.

The device has been met with criticism on social media.

Some users called the device "weird", while others found humour in it saying that the device convinced them "that having a long-distance relationship is a pretty bad idea".

A function in the app allows users to pair up anonymously with strangers in the "kissing square", according to CNN, meaning users can upload their kisses for others to download and experience.

Hmm. No further questions, M'Lud.

Most in-person speeches are delivered via microphones. They are nothing to fear, but simply a device to amplify your voice. Alas, many speakers are afraid of the mic, and don't know how to use it. Here's a guide to using different types of mic.

1) Podium mic If you have a choice, avoid this type. It fixes you to the spot, usually behind a lectern, and prevents you from looking to the side, or behind you at a screen, since your voice will disappear. If you have to use one, stand tall and let the technician adjust the sound. Never lean into the mic, and never, ever tap it and say 'Is this on?"

2) Handheld mic This may seem a restriction, since one of your hands is occupied, but that can be an advantage, especially for a nervous speaker. You do need to practice holding it at the right distance from your mouth, so you need to rehearse. At the rehearsal, make sure you know where the on and off switch is since it may be handed to you in the "off" position.

3) Lapel mic Also known as lavalier mics, these can be very useful if you want to wander around, and incredibly good if you use props. There is still the danger of losing the sound if you turn your head, so some practice is required. If you wear a lapel mic for a long time, have the batteries checked every so often - they won't last for a full day.

4) Over the ear mic Sometimes known as the "Madonna" mic, these are increasingly common. They are superb for dancers, since the mic is always close to your mouth. Some speakers carry their own modified over-ear mics so they become used to wearing them. They can be a little uncomfortable with prolonged use, so try them out for a while before you wear them for a speech.

Whatever type of mic you choose, practice with it first. Never use a mic for the first time in front of a live audience.

The holy grail of PR is to get on radio or TV. Here are a few pointers that may help you in your quest.

1) The News Hook You need to earn the interest of broadcast media by providing the news hook that shows; You understand the interests and values of their audience; You have linked the story to a current issue; You have listened or watched their output, and understand how it will fit in. Sell what they already buy.

2) Look for trends Listen to the news buzz, and pick up trends early. Linking your story to a "new" issue will pay dividends.

3) Getting on the radio To get on radio shows you need; a lively, personable voice; an enticing pitch; persistence. When pitching, call the station if at all possible (it is a voice medium), and follow up immediately with an email. Ideally, arrange to talk to the producer.

4) Getting on TV Similar advice as for radio, with the additional requirement that you must be engaging on camera. This requires practice and training. Don't turn down appearances on low-viewed digital channels - they are excellent practice. Approach channels that have plenty of "live time" (e.g. Sky News, Talk TV). They are voracious for guests, particularly at early or late hours. Offer them "in the studio" rather than "down the line" - they will appreciate it more.

5) Build relationships Most importantly, develop a good relationship with researchers, producers and reporters. Let them know that you've seen their work in the past, without being sycophantic or patronising. Try to offer them something at every meeting, whether it is a story, a lead or a contact. If you are seen as a "value-added" guest, they will call you.

It's as easy as anything to get onto social media, type your thoughts and post the message. It takes a matter of seconds.

But hold on a moment (and I mean that literally). Did you really mean to post what you wrote? Or were you just typing something out of frustration or annoyance that could be gone in a few minutes?

Yes, you can edit a post, or even delete it. But it's possible that even in the time you take to reconsider, someone may have taken a screenshot of your comment. It's now become permanent, and as some people have found to their cost, potentially very damaging.

So here's a little mantra to help you avoid posting in haste. Write, Think, Edit, Think, Post.

That process could save you an awful lot of bother in the future.

At last, the UK entry for the Eurovision Song Contest has been announced. I think it's a good one too.

If you're looking for a speaker or MC this year, just get in touch. I now have all inclusive pricing.