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
So many restaurants spend money on publicity and then practically... Read More
From time to time, people ask me how public relations... Read More
Imagine you're the technology reporter at a daily newspaper. You... Read More
Sure. What else do you call a human discipline whose... Read More
Wherever the fundamental premise of public relations is practiced.Look at... Read More
Do small-business owners always have to rely on large PR... Read More
Here's the point: people act on their own perception of... Read More
As an entry level position to PR, I found myself... Read More
There's good news for public relations execs, marketing professionals and... Read More
Would you like to be the next Dr. Phil, Suze... Read More
It really is powerful when a business, non-profit or association... Read More
Just happens to be public relations activity that alters individual... Read More
Aren't you tired of hearing how extremely easy it is... Read More
When do you use the newspaper for publishing announcements for... Read More
Before you even think about writing a press release, there... Read More
The name of the game is doing our part to... Read More
If you do, it means:you don't value tracking the perceptions... Read More
As a business, non-profit or association manager, let the tacticians... Read More
Yes?Good!Still, as a business, non-profit or association manager, if you're... Read More
Public relations is a very important part of the marketing... Read More
It's hard to imagine a reporter working today who doesn't... Read More
Etymology is the study of the origins of words.As languages... Read More
When you should send samples with your press release:1) When... Read More
SORRY?WERE YOU SAYING SOMETHING?Many spokespeople approach media interviews the same... Read More
Once upon a time, there was a young, stressed out... Read More
quick home cleaning Northbrook ..Another way to really become known in your area is... Read More
Use journalistic styleReporters are busy. Just like you.So when you... Read More
When outside audiences important to your operation do not understand... Read More
When a reporter is wowed, intrigued, surprised or captivated by... Read More
Just because a publication is small doesn't mean that getting... Read More
Think of a triangle. On the left, imagine the story... Read More
Strong for business, non-profit and association managers when they use... Read More
For financial planners, getting publicity, in the end, isn't about... Read More
As a business, non-profit and association manager, how satisfied are... Read More
You bet!Especially for business, non-profit and association managers who REALLY... Read More
Think carefully! You're a department, division or subsidiary manager for... Read More
Yes?Good!Still, as a business, non-profit or association manager, if you're... Read More
Who wants to face the challenges of a business recovery... Read More
A common complaint you'll hear is that the media is... Read More
Well, for starters, because good public relations can alter individual... Read More
Everyone has an opinion on something, and you can leverage... Read More
Question: Why should your business issue a press release? Answer:... Read More
When your book is mentioned on television, sales go up.... Read More
Public relations writing when writing press releases can be a... Read More
There's an old African proverb:"If you think you are too... Read More
Ideally, you will have two types of quotes in your... Read More
Press reviews are a common and basic feature for surveying... Read More
Everyone knows the value of free publicity. And given the... Read More
How can media training help you create a successful Hispanic... Read More
Yes indeed! If you are a young person who has... Read More
Public Relations |