Meeting the Media

Person-to-person interview: Prepare Practice Control presentation Portray positive image Build a connection Use body language

Before an interview: Prepare Practice Develop "sound bites" Prepare background information Visual aids 3

During an interview Non-verbal: Good eye contact Be natural Look alert Be aware of body language Show enthusiasm Smile 4

During an interview Verbal: Speak clearly Be discreet Be polite, not passive Avoid arguing Avoid jargon Stay focused Meaningful statistics Summarize 5

After an interview: Thank reporter Offer to answer questions Be professional Be courteous 6

When you call a reporter: Present credentials Explain organization Ask about availability Be confident Deliver simple pitch Get to the point 7

When a reporter calls you: Answer as best you can Prepare your own angle Words and phrases to help reframe issue If you don't know, give a reference 8

Before TV or radio show find out: Format Point of view Host Other guests Allotted time Audience 9

On the air: Repeat main points Bring notecards Speak confidently Use hand gestures Encourage audience involvement Watch yourself and learn 10

Media events are: Short Simple Visual Events 11

Press conference essentials: Significant story A lot of media representatives Plenty of preparation time Invitations Big facility Effective spokesperson Clear story 12