We cannot know for certain how much media training Theresa May has undertaken over the years, but her stilted and faltering television performances gives us the impression that being in front of the TV cameras is not a natural environment for her.
Mrs May can appear flustered. Conversations do not flow. Moreover, she sticks to the script – the agreed ‘strong and stable’ party line – and unwaveringly so!
We do wonder what the broadcasters and the interviewers make of her. Her predecessor, David Cameron was a TV natural and before that, Tony Blair was a complete ‘master’ of the TV interview… (perhaps the least said the better about Gordon Brown though!)
So, it begs the question, is Media Training – however it is couched – a step too far for some folk who, simply by their nature, are not comfortable when (literally) the spotlight is turned on them!
Look at Jeremy Corbyn. Yes he had the ‘blip’ in the LBC radio studio, but as this General Election campaign gathered momentum, he ‘grew’ into the role as a leader of political party. He oozed confidence in the final weeks of the campaign, whilst Mrs May tried desperately to look comfortable, but the harder she tried, the more fractured and stilted her performances became. There was never more on the usual play on words which became synonymous with her campaign.
Tim Farron, the Lib Dem Leader, by all accounts, came across as someone who had mastered the art of being in direct media focus throughout the campaign, despite a bit of back-peddling when his Christian beliefs might have tripped him up earlier on. He was eloquent, made his points valiantly and whilst not perhaps having the media gravitas as his two main rivals, he is an effective communicator
In Scotland, a slightly different scenario was played out. All four main party leaders are old hands at working with the media. For Nicola Sturgeon, Willie Rennie, Kezia Dugdale and Ruth Davidson, the television interview is a natural extension to their day job. They are comfortable and confident in this environment, seldom phased by this necessary adjunct to their political roles.
It’s often said that some people would rather skydive or bungee jump rather than address a large audience and whilst the TV camera is merely a conduit between the interview and millions of viewers, most of our political leaders grow in stature when the TV interviewer beckons.
Perhaps Mrs May should reach for her parachute…