engaging the media ltjg laura stegherr chinfo oi-3
TRANSCRIPT
Engaging the Media
LTjg Laura StegherrCHINFO OI-3
Understanding the Media Know who wants to interview you
National Press – Assume great strategic sources
Local / Trade press reporter – varying degrees of understanding on issues
Understand their constraints Deadlines! Time and space limitations
Understand their goals Need interview a credible source Often looking to gain context to other sources Compete for ratings…it’s business
You are a spokesperson You are the Subject Matter Expert
– that gives you authority and credibility before the interview starts
What you say is “on the record” You automatically become a
spokesperson when you speak at conferences
Preparing your remarks What is your message?
Goal – to provide 3 take aways to your target audience
Speak with themes and communication points in mind
Doesn’t matter what the question is ---what are your messages?
The 4 Cs of Success
Control Commercials Cosmetics Commandment
Control Know what to expect and be ready
to participate actively Who is the audience?
Ground rules Establish Attribution Length of time
Be positive and energetic Stay in your lane
7
It’s great to know the questions beforehand...
7
Control (Interviewing) Listen carefully to questions Look at reporter throughout
interview Avoid
Comparisons Promises Speculation Repeating negatives
Commercials (message) Preparation is KEY…!
Don’t confuse an interview with a “conversation.” You can’t “wing it.”
Anticipate likely questions, and work to fit your commercials into your answers
ALSO, know what you DON’T want to say
10
Message Development
Commercials
Don’t dilute your message with jargon and heavy detail If the reporter asks if you “have something to add” – use your messages You ALWAYS have something to add!
Cosmetics
7%
38%
55%
What you sayWhat you say
Tone of voiceTone of voice
NonverbalNonverbal
You are the message! Your visual
presentation and how you deliver the message is of paramount importance
That’s where the cosmetics of TV appearances come in…
13
Cosmetics Body Language
Good posture Avoid nervous movements Hand gestures for emphasis okay … avoid
clasping Voice
Vary your pitch, tone, pacing Avoid “up-speak” and trailing off at end of
thought Watch for verbal tics (verbal crutches,
repetitive phrases)
Commandment
Thou Shalt Not Lie(Did we say, ever?!!!)
Types of Interview Questions
Softball: Open-ended, non-threatening Tell me about your program? Loaded: Uses negative language “Why is the Navy involved in a destructive project that is
ruining the nation’s parklands?...” Negative Entrapment: Baits you with negativism “Visitors to the area are complaining about the noise and
trucks coming from this construction site. What measures are you taking to address these concerns?...”
Challenge the assumption, but don’t repeat the negative. Must politely correct the record!
“We have met with community leadership monthly, and they have expressed to us their appreciation of how carefully we have proceeded here…..”
The Parachute When faced with a question you cannot
answer… “I really can’t address that part of the issue,
but I can say that…” “I don’t know if I am the best person to
comment on that subject, but I can discuss…”
“When we have all the information, we will be happy to provide it to you. What we do know is…”
“It would be inappropriate for me to speculate.”
“I will get back to you on that.”
Practice, practice, practice
Develop your key Messages Practice delivering them out
loud
19
Exercises
20
Exercise #1 – Navy Week Navy Week Lubbock (Texas) Lots of events ongoing Local media wants interview about
events and reason for Navy Weeks What would you do?
21
Exercise #2 – Aircraft Mishap MH-53 with chip light has hard
landing on local school football field
No injuries Local media on scene What would you do?
22
Exercise #3 – Water Taxi Water taxi flips in Baltimore harbor Navy Reserve Unit saves 20. 4 dead passengers National/Local media on scene What would you do?