Confronting with journalists
When you have to confront with journalists, you shouldn’t use a different “language” from the one you usually do. You shouldn’t be false towards your own person. Be as natural as you can.
It is important to have clear arguments in your mind before the “gang” from the press comes and it is also important to be devoted to the topics you want to stress. Repeat them as often they ask you without betraying your impatience. If some of them are late, make sure you welcome them and let them know YOUR point of view.
The most unproductive and dangerous mistake that can be made by someone who dares to talk to the media is to see such a meeting more as a threat than as an opportunity. Journalists are, in a way, predators and predators are programmed to smell and exploit fear. If you are not a serial killer, a rogue or a rapier, you should avoid a defensive behaviour or give the impression you are this kind of character!
Timing
Don’t hurry up with declarations / answers until you check the facts. It is better to say “I can’t say anything yet, but when exactly is your deadline?”. Hang on to the argument “all the others answered the question”. When you don’t know the CONCRETE FACTS, the less you say, the better it is. “I will contact you” is the best option – and even call in due time. Always call, always answer, but when you are well informed and prepared.
Don’t hide
It is vital not to give the impression that you run or hide from the media. This thing will give the signal for a hunt – possibly a humiliating one – which is not only justified but also actively induced. Here is an example of elegant avoidance: “I am sorry, I can’t declare anything for the moment, in this stage; you understand there are many things that depend on the today meeting. But after that I will be happy to talk to you.” This way you have at your disposal:
- A rational reason not to declare anything
- You showed you were not hostile towards the media
- You made a concrete promise that you will speak later
Paraphrasing Casanova (“Memories”: “Paris was a city where people were judging appearances”), I can say that Romania is a country where people are judging appearances; there is no other country in the world where it is so easy to assert yourself.T
That is why, I think, the secret of success in Public Relations – a field full of paradoxes – is not to allow yourself to be led by appearances or fooled by them. Try to impose on others, to convince them of their own appearance as an image – but also to have a high standard in your activity. This is the only basis of a good reputation and publicity.
