How to c o n d u c t yourself when dealing with the m e d i a.

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You and your comrades must absolutely master this.

Make handouts for your team and practice this using scenario training. Otherwise you will not perform when confronted by the media. Remember, life is a special operation. You have been advised.

1. Always be polite and smile. Control your facial expressions, body language & vocal tone/speech rhythm. They will be filming. Look relaxed and friendly.

2. Do not return calls, or if they get your number, say no thank you and hang up. Block the number or change yours

3. If you are rude, shout at them, be a smart ass, or are anything but polite, they now have their story about you. Do not give them anything.

4. Their final attempt may be an ambush when walking out of your home where you are harassed with a microphone in your face. If this happens, ask who they are, where they work, and what they want. Then repeat while smiling, “You seem very nice, but I can’t talk right now as I have to get to an appointment. You seem nice, can I have your number? I will call you later. Thank you.” Walk backwards a little, keep saying how nice the journalist is. Then leave and never speak to them again.Again, Control your facial expressions, body language & vocal tone/speech rhythm. They will be filming. Look relaxed and friendly.

5. NEVER say “No Comment”. No Comment = Guilty.

6. NEVER yell at them. They will play that clip 1000 times a day.

7. NEVER be rude. They will let the world know.

8. Tell them how nice and wonderful they are and they have NO STORY. The goal is for them to have NO STORY.

9. They will simply make up a story anyhow, but they will have to do so without any quotes or an interview. It will therefore be limited in its effectiveness.

10. All of this will be on the test. The minimum passing score is 100%…

Remember that everyone is a media reporter that is filming. Meaning that everyone has a cell phone and most use social media. Conduct yourself accordingly. It is best to be the gray man. Avoidance is key, but when it is not possible, utilize the above tactics effectively. Remember, when inneracting with people you are 100%. Our goal is to control perception.