Articles

The Terri Ammerman Group pairs decades of communications and media experience with relevant, current perspective. We understand the ever-changing needs and scenarios faced by companies, executives, and media professionals. Part of our training involves examining communications scenarios in real-time, so participants can clearly see what to avoid when speaking and what to say when delivering a clear, convincing message. Our team regularly offers perspective and insights on current situations through the articles posted here.

Handle Interruptions and Maintain Control

Handle Interruptions and Maintain Control

One thing most reporters have in common is they love to interrupt the person they’re interviewing to ask another question. There are multiple reasons reporters tend to do this. But the reason shouldn’t matter to you during an interview. If you’re in the process of delivering a key message, don’t let the reporter interrupt you. It’s your job to...

You’re a Spokesperson, Not a Comedian

You’re a Spokesperson, Not a Comedian

So, you’re a spokesperson holding a news briefing on a topic that affects your company or organization. In the middle of the briefing, you get a question that you think is silly and irrelevant. You might be tempted to answer with a joke that makes fun of another person. Resist the temptation! White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre failed...

The Interview That Left Everyone Shaking Their Heads

The Interview That Left Everyone Shaking Their Heads

If an interview doesn’t serve you or your organization, don’t do it! That’s the advice we have been giving our clients for decades. Apparently, no one gave Emily Kohrs that same advice. Kohrs was the foreperson of the Atlanta grand jury that investigated whether former President Donald Trump broke any Georgia laws while trying to influence...

There’s No Victory in a War of Words

There’s No Victory in a War of Words

When you are holding a news conference or giving an interview, can you always trust reporters to stick to the topic at hand? Anyone who has dealt with the media understands the answer is “absolutely not.” When you get a question that derails you from your topic, stay cool. You may respond, “I can’t speak to that,” or “I don’t have an answer for...

Inappropriate Anger Drowns Out Message

Inappropriate Anger Drowns Out Message

When speaking in public, whether it’s a presentation, news briefing, or speech, it’s vital to maintain control of your emotions. For example, showing anger in most public settings not only distracts from your key messages, but can drown them out altogether. That’s why it was puzzling and inappropriate when a Houston politician suddenly went on an...

When Insulted, Smile and Stay Calm!

When Insulted, Smile and Stay Calm!

So, you’re holding a news conference, giving serious answers to serious questions, when a reporter raises a topic that can best be described as insulting and irrelevant. Should you get angry and raise your voice in indignation? Nope. How about ending the news conference and walking off? Nope. Instead, smile, stay calm, and take the opportunity to...

If You Must Use Jargon, Explain What It Means!

If You Must Use Jargon, Explain What It Means!

It’s no secret to our Terri Ammerman Group clients that we highly discourage the use of jargon in interviews, news briefings, and presentations. Confusing jargon words, phrases, and acronyms used within a company or industry, are rarely understood by the general public. So, if you use them, you will likely lose your audience and fail to...

Controlling Emotions with the Media and Thousands of TV Viewers Watching

Controlling Emotions with the Media and Thousands of TV Viewers Watching

Conducting a news briefing in the midst of a deadly tragedy is never an easy thing to do. It takes preparation and a laser-like focus to deliver key messages without getting sidetracked. So, if you’re holding a news briefing and something unexpected occurs, it may take all the poise you can muster to maintain control and move forward. This...

Once You Start to Leave, Keep Going!

Once You Start to Leave, Keep Going!

In any interaction with the media, your goal is to have control from beginning to end. You begin the encounter armed with key messages. You deliver them with confidence while not allowing reporters to derail you with off-topic questions. And, in the case of a news briefing, when you politely but firmly end the event, walk away without allowing...

A Politician’s Direct Answer Sets Example

A Politician’s Direct Answer Sets Example

Why do Americans tend to distrust politicians? In part it’s because politicians tend to ignore questions during an interview and, instead, turn to prearranged talking points without even acknowledging the questions. Or they intentionally muddle their answers in such a way that frustrates the audience and leaves them wondering what the politician...