Mistakes happen, and in the world of media training, nerves can sometimes take over. But did you know that in many cases, you can fix those mistakes with a simple retake?
Let me share a story from one of our recent executive media training sessions with a client preparing for a pre-recorded interview. During her first take, she was speeding up, getting lost in her words, and feeling like her message wasn’t coming across the way she wanted. She realized she wasn’t as understood as she had hoped. Her words felt rushed, and her nerves got the better of her. Sound familiar?
But here’s where the magic happened—she asked for a retake.
In her second take, she slowed down, enunciated her words, and commanded the interview with confidence. It was like night and day. She sounded clear, comfortable, and, most importantly, she communicated her expertise with impact.
Why Speed Hurts Your Message
When we’re nervous, it’s natural to speed up. Our thoughts race, and before we know it, we’re firing off words without pausing to breathe. The problem? When we speak too quickly, our message doesn’t land. In our professional media training sessions, we often find that speakers lose impact because they’re rushing through their points.
In our media training workshops—whether we’re working with individuals, athletes, or corporate executives—we emphasize slowing down and enunciating. It’s not about filling the time or rushing to the finish line; it’s about making sure every word is understood.
The Power of Self-Awareness
One of the biggest revelations during our training with the New York client was her realization that in a pre-recorded interview, she had the power to pause and ask for a retake. She told the interviewer, “Hey, I’d love to redo this if you don’t mind.”
Guess what? The journalist didn’t mind at all. In fact, they were grateful. Why? Because when you give yourself a moment to compose your thoughts, you give the journalist a better soundbite—one that will be more effective when aired.
This is a key insight we focus on during our media training courses—the importance of self-awareness in interviews. It’s about understanding that asking for a redo doesn’t reflect negatively on you. In fact, it shows confidence and a commitment to clarity.
It’s Okay to Stop and Correct Yourself
We all feel pressure to keep going when things aren’t perfect, especially in recorded interviews. But the reality is, it doesn’t make you weak to stop, compose yourself, and do it better. Whether it’s for a media training video, a company promo, or a taped interview, asking for a retake doesn’t reflect poorly on you.
In fact, stopping and fixing your delivery can elevate the clarity of your message. We highlight this in every media training class we run—whether for executives, athletes, or celebrities. Knowing when something doesn’t feel right and having the courage to correct it is a sign of confidence, not weakness.
Give Your Words More Impact
The next time you’re in a pre-recorded media interview, remember—you have the power to ask for a retake. Slow down, take your time, and ensure your message lands with the impact it deserves. This is one of the essential takeaways we emphasize in media training for executives—the importance of taking control of your communication.
While live interviews don’t offer a reset button, pre-recorded sessions do, and it’s your responsibility to ensure your message resonates. If you feel like you went too fast or missed your key points, ask for a do-over. There’s no weakness in striving for perfection, and your audience will thank you for it.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s a video for your company’s website or a major media outlet, what matters most is that your message comes across clearly. It’s not the audience’s job to decode your meaning—it’s your job to make it crystal clear. Don’t be afraid to take control of your delivery and ask for a second chance when needed.
Next time you’re in front of a camera, remember: You have the power to slow down, reset, and deliver with confidence. That’s what media training is all about—preparing you to communicate your message with clarity and impact.
At Janicek Performance Group, we’re here to help you perfect the delivery of your message. From media training intensives to one-on-one coaching, we’re dedicated to making sure you feel confident and understood—whether you’re on camera, behind the mic, or delivering a keynote presentation. Reach out for more information about our media training programs or join one of our media training workshops today!
