A Preemptive Strike Against the Media

A Preemptive Strike Against the Media

Here’s the scenario: a public figure learns a major newspaper is preparing an unflattering story about her, so she publicly threatens to sue the paper for defamation if it publishes the article. The threat made by LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey went viral on...
That’s My Answer and I’m Sticking to It!

That’s My Answer and I’m Sticking to It!

So, you have agreed to a media interview and are preparing for it by coming up with answers to anticipated questions. You realize that at least one of your answers won’t satisfy a persistent reporter, but you have decided it’s in your best interest to give it anyway....
Offering Negative Stuff About Yourself Not a Good Idea

Offering Negative Stuff About Yourself Not a Good Idea

It’s one thing to answer questions that might be embarrassing. It’s quite another to volunteer eyebrow-raising stuff about your life that no one has asked about, especially when it’s not relevant to matters you have agreed to discuss. Independent presidential...
Don’t Know? Don’t Bluff. Bridge to Key Message!

Don’t Know? Don’t Bluff. Bridge to Key Message!

It’s virtually impossible to overemphasize the value of the bridging concept, a technique that empowers you to deal with any question while communicating a key message. Here’s how it works: you get a question that you can’t answer; you briefly address or acknowledge...
When Emotions Run High, Slow Down

When Emotions Run High, Slow Down

Is it a good idea to lose your composure during a speech or media encounter? In most cases, absolutely not because getting angry or crying distracts the audience and muddles key messages. But from time to time, we see men and women fight their emotions in front of...