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"... helped define a vision for our business in California."
"... knows how to listen and get the most out of the media."
"Your advice and counsel has been insightful and your work product of the highest quality."
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Real Estate Public Relations Southern California - Anton Communications
 
 

Posts Tagged ‘media interviews’

The 10 Commandments of a Successful Media Interview

October 20th, 2017

 

The 10 Commandments of a Successful Interview

1. Never take a cold call from a reporter

Even if you know the topic cold and you feel you can handle the questioning, you need time to prepare yourself for the interview; you need to go into battle with a game plan.

2. Be prepared with a message

Research the situation, gather all the facts, develop key message, anticipate tough questions, practice your responses.

3. Don’t lie to the media

Never lie, mislead or manipulate the media. Don’t underestimate a reporter’s ability to find out the truth. You are never their only source of information.

4. Never say “no comment”

This is loaded word that to most people means you’re hiding something. If you plan to comment later, say so. Or politely tell them you are not going to answer that question.

5. Exude honesty and confidence; don’t appear defensive

Good interview preparation will allow you to speak with confidence. Control your emotions so that you neither attack or defend.

6. Show empathy or compassion where appropriate

Particularly in crisis situations, emphasize that your first priority is taking care of the people involved, not pointing fingers or assigning blame.

7. Do not speculate about the motives or opinions of others.

Reporters often do this to bait you into making antagonizing remarks about your adversary or competition. Politely tell reporters to ask them instead.

8. Forget about “off the record”

This is not a legally binding agreement, but a technique the media uses to get sensitive information. The rules aren’t always clear and your protection relies entirely on the integrity of the reporter.

9. Don’t joke or make wisecracks

Saying something in a joking manner never translates well in print, and sometimes not even on camera.

10. Remember, you don’t have to answer every question

If you don’t know, say so: “I don’t know the answer to that, but I’ll try to find out and get back to you.” Then do it. You don’t have to talk about your personal life, pending litigation or competitive information

News Media Do’s and Dont’s

December 15th, 2015

Never take a cold call from a reporter

Even if you know the topic cold and you feel you can handle the questioning, you need time to prepare yourself for the interview; you need to go into battle with a game plan.

Be prepared with a message

Research the situation, gather all the facts, develop key message, anticipate tough questions, practice your responses.

Don’t lie to the media

Never lie, mislead or manipulate the media. Don’t underestimate a reporter’s ability to find out the truth. You are never their only source of information.

Never say “no comment”

This is loaded word that to most people means you’re hiding something. If you plan to comment later, say so. Or politely tell them you are not going to answer that question.

Exude honesty and confidence; don’t appear defensive

Good interview preparation will allow you to speak with confidence. Control your emotions so that you neither attack or defend.

 Show empathy or compassion where appropriate

Particularly in crisis situations, emphasize that your first priority is taking care of the people involved, not pointing fingers or assigning blame.

 Do not speculate about the motives or opinions of others.

Reporters often do this to bait you into making antagonizing remarks about your adversary or competition. Politely tell reporters to ask them instead.

 Forget about “off the record”

This is not a legally binding agreement, but a technique the media uses to get sensitive information. The rules aren’t always clear and your protection relies entirely on the integrity of the reporter.

 Don’t joke or make wisecracks

Saying something in a joking manner never translates well in print, and sometimes not even on camera.

Remember, you don’t have to answer every question

  1. If you don’t know, say so: “I don’t know the answer to that, but I’ll try to find out and get back to you.” Then do it. You don’t have to talk about your personal life, pending litigation or competitive information.

Entitlement Battles: The Irvine Company

March 20th, 2012

This post is part of a series on how good public relations can help businesses make a name for themselves, promote their products & services, land speaking engagements for executives, influence public opinion or handle crisis situations.

Challenge: Anton Communications has been a consultant for The Irvine Company since 2000, working on entitlement and new community projects that include Turtle Rock, Shady Canyon, East Orange and the Northern Sphere near the Saddleback Mountains. New developments of this size are often difficult to entitle in California and require strong community support.

Action: We have assisted with community surveys and focus groups, participated in strategy meetings, organized supporters and speakers at local hearings and provided written copy for several publications designed to share information about the planned communities.

Results: All of these projects were ultimately approved with strong community support and sales have been brisk even in the most recent neighborhoods that opened during a downturn in the housing market nationwide.

 
 

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