How you answer questions depends on many factors. Example what type of situation is it. Are you working with your colleague or talking with your boss. Are you doing an interview with the media or announcing a breakthrough with your business.
Most people have told me that they worry the most when it is the media, because embarrassing or damaging answers could end up on public display. However, the reality is the most reporters are not out to get people, they are just looking for the facts behind the story.
Sometimes it can be difficult to state your answers because each person has their own agenda of things that they would like to accomplished or have answered.
It is important in these situations to remain calm. When you are stressed out or upset, you literately shut off your thinking cells.
If you use the example of a manufacturing company looking at moving or upgrading their facility and media has heard they are shutting down, putting the employees out of work, we can look at different scenarios.
Many people find yes / no questions very annoying or upsetting because in either case it can be very misleading. For example, if they asked, are you closing down the plant? and you answered with a yes, that sounds permanent and possibly putting many people out of work. Where as it may be temporary to accomplish some upgrades or maybe you are relocating to a more efficient location.
If you are being asked yes or no questions that could be misleading, there are ways you can answer with an explanation without looking like you are making excuses.
A couple of examples would be;
Other times you may have the media interviewing you and they are not quite sure what questions to ask. Often, they appreciate it when you help them out. If you find the questions they are asking confusing or irrelevant you can lead them to the important issues.
Some of the ways to do this are;
Sometimes it is important to emphasize an issue. The person you are speaking with may not realize what the important issues are.
You can help them out by saying:
Remember, stay calm, think through your answer and prepare your self in advance. It is not about answering the quickest, it is about getting the facts right, which helps both you and the reporter with their story. This in turn helps build your credibility.
P.S. If you like what you're reading in this ezine,
you'll love the book,"Media Protocol"
If you have ever been terrified to have an interview with
the media or answer their questions, this is the ebook for you.
media protocol
All the Best!
Maria Boomhower
The Master Communicator
To sign up for a free report on
"The 7 Secrets to Communication Mastery"
go to: media protocol
media protocol
Layout1. 1-2 pages in length.2. Double-space.3. 1.5 to 2 inch... Read More
Promotion for Professional Services Providers requires a different approach than... Read More
At the core of any successful public relations campaign is... Read More
Just about anyone who has been in the public eye... Read More
Many people are intimidated by radio interviews, whether live or... Read More
Have you ever heard of the saying, "One person's trash... Read More
In fact, here are three really foolish goofs made by... Read More
For many of us, the word quality is closely related... Read More
Although it seems less common these days, there are still... Read More
Your boss just stopped by your office. He tells you... Read More
Most small businesses do little to no public relations (PR)... Read More
You've heard "them" say it, haven't you?By "them" I mean... Read More
Community relations is one of those marketing strategies that isn't... Read More
Imagine you're the technology reporter at a daily newspaper. You... Read More
When most people think of media relations, they think of... Read More
"We are in the communications business, the business of conveying... Read More
If you want to succeed, build a great team. A... Read More
There is a process for successfully getting publicity about your... Read More
Often the first point of contact the media has with... Read More
You are a spokesperson for your company, representing it for... Read More
If I were coaching you as a business, non-profit or... Read More
Quality public relations does something positive for business, non-profit and... Read More
As an owner of an independent record label, I often... Read More
When you pay good money for public relations services, you... Read More
If a reporter was writing a story about you and... Read More
reliable maid service Wilmette ..In fact, here are three really foolish goofs made by... Read More
Even after a nice piece in a national publication, or... Read More
I address this article to businesses, associations, non-profits and public... Read More
As a business, non-profit or association manager, you have a... Read More
Most people consider getting publicity the most important part of... Read More
As the practice of public relations in China continues to... Read More
Promotion for Professional Services Providers requires a different approach than... Read More
It could, but what if it doesn't?Will you be prepared?Will... Read More
They can when they invest in the basics. The best... Read More
What's a Capability Statement?As the name suggests, it tells potential... Read More
If you manage a department, division or subsidiary for a... Read More
You can if, as a business, non-profit or association manager,... Read More
For business, non-profit and association managers, is it publicity that... Read More
Andrew Bogut, the Australian basketballer is now officially in the... Read More
Just about anyone who has been in the public eye... Read More
In competing for a piece of business not too long... Read More
You thought of it, you researched it, you wrote it.... Read More
A well structured press release in an excellent way of... Read More
Why You Should Write Press Releases: A press release is... Read More
Considering how fundamental they are to the publicist's trade,it's always... Read More
The public relations bar, should such a proficiency measure ever... Read More
Did you Know That Even TV Remote Control Units... Read More
Think for a moment! If you were to do a... Read More
THE NATURE OF MEDIAThirty years ago, Marshall McCluhan, the father... Read More
1. Your press release should sound like news, not an... Read More
Public Relations |