I’m far from a PR expert. So far in fact I can barely spell “PR”. And while in my role as the President of the Dallas Junior Chamber of Commerce I’ve rarely had to address the media, I still wanted to learn a little more about how to handle myself with them in the event it is ever necessary. I picked up on a few tips that I thought were worth sharing, since as small business owners and entrepreneurs we never know when we’ll be confronted with the need to talk about our business, or have to address an issue in a public setting.
While we learned a lot more, here are three basic things to keep in mind when talking to the press:
- Avoid the cliche’ “No Comment.” Whether you are guilty or innocent it screams of guilt.
- Watch your tone. Be professional, not defensive and not aloof.
- If you are being approached for an interview or comment tell them you will be happy to speak with them at a scheduled time. It’s amicable and gives you time to prepare.
Whether you are on the spot or not, these are sound things to keep in mind when addressing the media, particularly if the situation is uncomfortable or you are not used to addressing them.
Kudos to Annemarie Marek for the excellent workshop. Visit her at Marek & Company.
About Scott Ellis
