3 Things Never to Say to a Reporter

Are you guilty of blurting out these mistakes?

As a business owner, you may be looking forward to an upcoming, media interview. You looked at your notes, practiced your talking-points and feel prepared.

But do you know these….

3 Things Never to Say to a Reporter

1. Do not say, “No Comment.”

You may hear a lot of people say this, but don’t do it!  It has negative connotations and may lead the media-memer, and the audience, to think that you are hiding something.

2. Avoid, “This is Off the Record.”

If you do not have a Non-Disclosure Agreement signed by both parties before you conduct an interview with a media-member, that reporter can use any of your comments – whether you want them to or not. In fact, some reporters will use your comments even if you do have an NDA in place! With this in mind, don’t say anything to a reporter that you want to remain a “secret.”

The best advice… if you don’t want something announced in the media, don’t say it!

3. Do not tell a lie.

It may be easy to tell a lie when talking to the press, but please avoid this at all cost.  With the Internet, anyone can research information, find the truth and confront you with your lie. Then, instead of promoting your business in a positive way, you end up dealing with an ugly, PR nightmare!

Tell the truth. And if you don’t have an answer for a question, just say something like, “I don’t have that answer right now, but I will get it to you as soon as possible.” Then, actually get them the answer ASAP!

 Stay Positive. 

 When you prepare for your next interview, review these points. Then, you will be able to give an interview that is informative, honest and relates to your key points – without revealing any “private” information. Keep your interviews positive, and you’ll have a better chance of seeing positive results!

By Melanie Rembrandt, Content Strategist and CEO of Rembrandt Communications, www.rembrandtwrites.com

Do you need help boosting sales and awareness with public relations and content strategy? Please write to me below or at www.rembrandtwrites.com.