Helping busy, motivated leaders and teams unlock their full potential
Elevated by Mekky Media provides personalized media training, public speaking coaching and executive presence development for executives, leadership teams and professionals. Led by former broadcast journalists Michelle Mekky, a former TV producer and the 2023 PRSA Chicago Skyline Award Professional of the Year, and David Viggiano, a former FOX 32 reporter and ABC7 Windy City Live producer, our customized training combines practical guidance, real-time feedback and hands-on coaching to help participants strengthen their messaging, delivery and presence.
Our customized media training prepares executives and spokespeople to communicate clearly, confidently and authentically in media interviews. Each training is tailored to participants’ communications objectives, key messages, experience and media engagement goals. Through instruction, hands-on coaching and mock interviews, participants learn how to refine key messages, respond to difficult or unexpected questions and strengthen their overall media presence.
Learn how to refine and align key messages while balancing approved messaging with authenticity, personality and relevant anecdotes.
Develop practical skills including bridging, flagging and hooking techniques to communicate your message effectively throughout an interview.
Build confidence responding to difficult, unexpected or high-pressure questions and develop strategies for navigating moments when you are caught off guard.
Strengthen body language, delivery and poise while practicing effective opening and closing statements and developing greater confidence on camera.
We begin with a strategy session to align on communications objectives, key messages and media engagement goals.
We develop a customized media training presentation based on participants’ goals, experience, comfort levels and media readiness.
Participants learn key message communication, bridging, flagging and hooking techniques, strategies for difficult questions and ways to balance approved messaging with authenticity.
Participants put their skills into practice through mock media interviews designed to replicate real-world interview situations.
We review interview performance and provide detailed feedback, coaching and practical media training principles and best practices participants can continue using after the session.
Our customized public speaking coaching helps professionals strengthen the skills they need to communicate effectively in front of an audience. Training is tailored to each participant and can focus on presentations, webinars, panels, conferences, meetings and other speaking opportunities. Participants receive practical instruction, dedicated practice time and immediate feedback designed to strengthen their delivery and build confidence.
Build a strong foundation for communicating clearly, confidently and effectively in front of an audience.
Learn how to use your voice more effectively, including tone, pacing and delivery, to keep audiences engaged.
Strengthen body language, poise and overall presence to reinforce your message and connect with your audience.
Develop strategies for engaging an audience, navigating questions and communicating effectively across presentations, webinars, panels, conferences and meetings.
We begin with an in-depth kickoff meeting to understand goals, speaking experience, upcoming opportunities and areas of focus.
We develop a customized training presentation covering the skills and speaking scenarios most relevant to each participant.
Participants learn foundational public speaking skills, vocal techniques, body language, presence, audience engagement and Q&A strategies.
Each participant practices using real-world speaking scenarios, from presentations and meetings to panels, webinars and conferences.
Our coaches provide direct, actionable feedback to help participants refine their delivery and continue strengthening their public speaking skills.
Build a strong, consistent executive presence across the platforms and moments that matter. We work with executives and leaders to develop the messaging, content and communications tools needed to strengthen their professional brand and position them as confident, credible voices within their organizations and industries.
Develop clear, consistent messaging that reflects your leadership style, professional goals and the way you want to be positioned.
Strengthen how you communicate through body language, delivery, presentation style and the way you show up in professional settings.
Build your voice and visibility through speeches, presentations, blog content and LinkedIn thought leadership.
Refine the elements that support your executive presence, including profiles, branded content, photography, video and other creative assets.
We begin with a strategy session to understand your goals, leadership style, current presence and the audiences you want to reach.
We identify the messaging, positioning and areas of focus that will form the foundation of your executive presence strategy.
We build customized communications tools and content, which may include key messaging, speeches, presentations, thought leadership and professional profiles.
We work directly with you to strengthen delivery, confidence and consistency across real-world leadership and communication scenarios.
We refine your presence over time through ongoing coaching, content development and strategic support designed to strengthen your visibility and impact.
From a half-day seminar to a multi-day workshop.
One-on-one coaching for a single executive, or group sessions for teams of 100+ people.
Virtually, at Mekky Media’s Chicago office at 3033 N Clark St, Suite 23, or at your office or event anywhere in the U.S.
“As part of our rebranding in 2024, the Mekky Media team came to our office to coach several of our senior leaders on how best to engage with members of the media. Their training was very thorough – we were taught how to refine our objectives and approach in advance of an interview; how to adapt our approach based on the subject matter, interview format, and media outlet; how to refocus the conversation if the interview goes in unexpected directions; how to prepare a succinct “elevator pitch”; and how to anticipate and prepare for potential questions. Our President took the additional step of participating in a mock interview using the techniques we learned during the training session – and he left the training feeling much more prepared and confident about his upcoming media appearances. Given the many thousands of potential customers we reached during our “media blitz,” we felt the training played a key role in accomplishing the objectives of our rebranding campaign.”Andy DeMotte Senior Vice President, Marketing ABOC
“Mekky Media has done three media trainings for the American Library Association’s presidents and incoming presidents in the past couple years, and we have been pleased with the results. The Mekky team goes through tips and techniques first. Then, they use a videographer to record a mock interview. They play back the video to offer feedback directly and in the moment to the trainee. The Mekky team is professional, but they also make the training fun. The interviewer will ask tough questions to see how the interviewee responds. The trainers are experienced and work to build the interviewee’s confidence. I would highly recommend them.”Jean Hodges Past Director of Communications, Marketing & Media Relations American Library Association
“Thanks to the Mekky Media Relations team for providing their top-notch media training. Before the media training, the Niles-Maine District Library Public Relations & Marketing team would go into reactive mode when faced with a crisis. After learning about working with the media and crisis communication, our team now has the tools to effectively plan and execute our message. We would highly recommend Mekky Media Relations!”Sasha Vasilic Public Relations & Marketing Supervisor Niles-Maine District Library
“Mekky Media’s recent media training was invaluable for our team at Oakton College. Their expert guidance and practical interviewing techniques gave our leaders the confidence and skills to represent the College with clarity, authenticity, and impact. We’re grateful for their partnership in helping us share Oakton’s story in the best possible light.”Stephen Butera Director of Communications and External Relations Oakton College
“Sharing my gratitude to the Mekky team for the valuable media training you brought to our Start Early team. I have heard a lot of positive feedback from many of the participants. I am excited that we were finally able to bring this opportunity to our staff.”Johanna Vetter Chief Marketing Officer Start Early
“The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation is proud to partner with Mekky Media Relations. Their practical guidance and expert coaching gave us the confidence and skills to share our mission in a meaningful and impactful way. I highly recommend partnering with them!”Seth Klein Chief Development Officer Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation
“Mekky Media is delightful to work with. I did a media training session with them, and they know their stuff and are fun to work with. They are prepared, responsive, engaged, supportive, and tailor their partnership to client needs.”Aarti Dhupelia CEO One Million Degrees
Media training prepares executives and spokespeople to give clear, confident interviews. Elevated sessions teach key messages and interview techniques such as bridging, then put them into practice in recorded mock interviews with immediate feedback.
Elevated media training runs from a half-day session to a multi-day workshop, depending on the number of participants and their goals.
Michelle Mekky and David Viggiano lead Elevated sessions. Both are former broadcast journalists: Michelle is a former TV producer, and David is a former FOX 32 reporter and ABC7 Windy City Live producer.
Yes. Elevated runs group sessions for teams of 100+ people, with individual mock interviews. Past groups include senior leaders at ABOC, American Library Association presidents and teams at Oakton College and Start Early.
Yes. Elevated offers virtual sessions, and the trainers travel nationwide to train at your office or event location.
Pricing depends on the number of participants and the length of the program. Contact us for a custom quote.