9 practical tips for a spokesperson

While it’s true that few beginners can become brilliant media communicators in mere minutes, I am convinced they can jump a couple of spots on a scale of 10. For example, someone who might rank as a “four” on a ten-scale can leap to a “six” with just a few minutes of advanced preparation.

In this article, I’ll share with you the nine things I would tell a new spokesperson in the few minutes we had together–things he or she absolutely, positively, needs to know. If you learn nothing else before facing a reporter for the first time, these tips will help you up your game–in just a few minutes.

1. Develop a message. Little is more important than knowing what you want to communicate during an interview. Quickly jot down the three most important phrases or sentences you want to communicate to the audience.

2. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. You should articulate at least one of your messages in every answer. You shouldn’t parrot them verbatim, but should communicate the central idea of a message in each response.