The Top 3 Things NEVER to Say to a Reporter

Are you guilty of blurting out these mistakes?

If you are a new entrepreneur, you may be looking forward to an upcoming interview with a local or national reporter.

You’ve reviewed your notes and talking points and feel prepared. But just as a reminder don’t forget these…

3 Things Never to Say to a Reporter

1. “No Comment.”

You hear this all the time when you see news interviews on television and hear them on the radio, but this is a big NO NO.

Why?

It has negative connotations and may lead the reporter, and the audience, to believe you are hiding something or believe something that is not necessarily true.

2. “This is Off the Record.”

Sure it is, and I have some swamp land to sell you in Florida!

Unless you have a non-disclosure agreement signed prior to an interview, reporters may use any of your comments in their stories. Heck! They may use your comments even if you have the appropriate legal documents in place.

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

3. A lie.

While lies may sound better than the truth, don’t tell them.

Media members and the general public can easily research information online and find out if you are telling lies. Then, your “great” interview can turn into an ugly, PR nightmare fast.

Stick to the truth. And if you don’t have an answer to a media 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 right away.

Keep your media interview positive!

When you are preparing for your next media-interview, remember these, three points. Then, you can provide an informative, honest interview… only giving the important data you want to reveal to the general public.

Stay positive and professional, and you’ll be more likely to reap the benefits of a successful, media interview!

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