Media Tips

Always have two or three clear messages. Blend them into your answers, but say them early and say them often.
Say what you want to say and then stop. Filling the silence is the journalist’s job, not yours.
Avoid inadvertently agreeing – nodding, saying mmm or even yes can all signal agreement.
Keep calm, speak slowly and remember to breath. It’s ok to pause for a moment.
When in doubt, or if you are stuck, simply bridge back to a key message. Even if you have said it before.
Know your material, stick to your core messages and don’t be diverted onto other topics.
Avoid speculating or speaking outside your area. If you can’t answer a question, or it would be unwise to, simply explain that it’s not your area of expertise.
If the journalist interrupts you, let them. Decide to complete your point or simply move to your next message in response to the question.
Question the questioner – don’t be afraid to ask them to clarify or explain their question.
Always stick to your organisation’s views rather than your personal opinion. Use statements like “Acme’s view is …”