Guidelines for Talking with the Media

1. Be aware of current events. Folks who read the newspapers usually know what kinds of things the community is dealing with. You will have nothing to share if you do not know about the gambling initiative or the informed consent bill in the state house or whatever is happening that effects public policy.

2. Be Prepared

There may be times when you are on the hot seat and have several opportunities to give interviews. A fact or note sheet will serve you well as you deal with the same information repeatedly. As a leader, you can assume someone will ask youabout timely issues. A little preparation will allow you to answer appropriately, rather than dodge the questions put to you.

3. Be concise

Think a few moments if you need to, say what you need to say in a few, clear sentences. It is reasonable to ask if you can call the writer back in ten minutes if you need to collect your thoughts. Rambling on is fatal for a couple of reasons. First you are hard to quote and you may not be happy with what the writer chooses to target. Second, if you wander aimlessly than you are more likely to say something that you did not intend to say.

4. Be sure of what you say

A reporter in under no obligation to honor your request to keep a quote off the recordafter you have said it. Don't say things that should be off the record to anyone that you do not trust--a lot. Don't say anyhing that you don;t want to be quoted.