For adult creators seeking to navigate interviews and other media interactions with confidence, media training is essential. Whether it’s a live or studio recording, or an interview for a print publication, media training ensures that you are well equipped and appropriately prepared for opportunities that come your way.
While you can never predict exactly what questions will be asked or how a particular journalist or host will conduct themselves, the following seven tips can help empower you with a sense of readiness and confidence when handling diverse media scenarios.
Do Your Research
Before committing to any press or public speaking opportunity, the first crucial step is to familiarize yourself with the outlet that has extended an invitation to you. Learn every detail you can about the specific show, publication or writer you will be interacting with. What is their style? What are their preferences?
For instance, if you are participating in an open conversation on a live show, take the time to determine the expected duration of the discussion. Are the hosts known for cutting guests off, or do they appreciate more expansive responses? Consider the tone of the show as well. Is it lighthearted or more inclined toward a heavy-hitting style?
This preliminary investigation not only helps you assess whether to accept the opportunity, but also will ensure a smoother and more effective interaction during the interview.
Communicate Your Boundaries
Establishing clear expectations and boundaries in advance is paramount for a seamless and controlled interview or speaking experience.
In the natural flow of conversation, trust can develop between you and the host, leading to discussions that may touch upon various aspects of your life. However, it’s essential to preemptively define limits and communicate them beforehand.
If there are specific areas, topics or details that you prefer not to delve into, inform the host or show producer early on to confirm that these subjects will remain off the table. By articulating your boundaries proactively, you maintain control over the narrative and contribute to a more focused and respectful level of engagement.
Practice Your Intro
Crafting your own introduction is a pivotal aspect of media preparation. While hosts often provide brief and concise introductions based on cursory online searches, what they come up with may not align with how you wish to be portrayed.
Take control of your narrative by supplying an introduction that works best for you. Whether it’s a succinct elevator pitch, a tagline or specific points you want to emphasize, define the key elements that accurately represent your identity and brand.
Ask yourself, “What do I want to be known for?” and ensure that your introduction reflects these points. This allows you to speak your desired narrative into reality and leave a lasting impression on the audience.
By articulating your boundaries proactively, you maintain control over the narrative and contribute to a more focused and respectful level of engagement.
Know What You Want To Plug
Equally important in your media preparation is being ready to seamlessly plug a project or exciting venture.
This is about more than just promoting your career! Whether it’s a recently wrapped production, an ongoing project or an upcoming endeavor, sharing your news gives you something to talk about and keeps the conversation engaging. A good host or interviewer will often prompt you to share these updates and alert the audience about what they can look forward to from you.
Remember, it doesn’t have to be a grand achievement. New and compelling content, a series of exciting livestreams or any project that genuinely excites you are all worth sharing. Just make sure to have your links, social media handles and contact information ready, so viewers or listeners can easily connect with you and stay updated on your latest endeavors.
Proceed With Eyes Open
We are in an era when public opinion about the adult industry is continuously evolving. It is thus crucial to stay aware of the wide range of narratives gaining prominence and shaping perceptions. Be conscious of how your life and experiences may potentially be portrayed.
In particular, remember that there is an insatiable appetite in media for sensational stories and salacious headlines. It may be tempting to go along with provocative prompts from hosts, especially if it could garner more attention — but while hot sound bites may generate clicks and traffic, remember that everything online persists indefinitely. So before being drawn into or sharing a particular narrative, ask yourself whether it aligns with your integrity and comfort level, and if you genuinely feel good about having it associated with your personal and professional identity.
Expect Repetition
When engaging with the media as an adult creator, one inevitable inquiry that arises is the ubiquitous question, “How did you get into this business?”
Repeatedly responding to this same query can be somewhat numbing, yet it presents a significant opportunity to shape the narrative of your story and brand. Despite societal preconceptions, this moment is your chance to articulate precisely why your presence in this industry is a positive thing.
Respect The Opportunity
Recognize that media interactions are a privilege, and that while we can only speak to our own unique experiences, mainstream audiences will nevertheless view individual sex workers as representatives for an entire industry. Therefore, taking this responsibility seriously is imperative, as it influences perceptions beyond our individual stories.
We hope these tips will empower you to approach media interactions with confidence, control — and a sense of responsibility, shaping narratives that both reflect our true identities and positively influence broader public understanding of the industry.
