"Tips appearing on this website are meant to be for general information only and should not be relied upon to replace the requirement for specific and/or professional advice."
Due to the extreme weather conditions we are experiencing, there are various power outage affecting parts of the country and the city.
It would be a good idea to review (and update, if necessary) any preparations you may need to make personally at home for such events.
To assist you, here is a document from the Federal Government addressing specific power outage related information and tips.
You may wish to share this message with others in your distributions lists.
Click here to read the document.
WHAT TO DO WHEN
What To Do When the Media Calls
When a media calls unexpectedly begin the discussion by asking questions - not answering them! Ask:
- What is your name-get the spelling of it
- What media do you work for?
- What questions do you need answered?
- When is your deadline?
- At what number(s) can I reach you?
- Who else are you interviewing for this story?
Remember, you are under no obligation to speak with a reporter. At the same time, the reporter is under no obligation to use what you say. You may spend an hour speaking to a reporter and find a one-sentence comment from you in the story or that the story was not run for one reason or another. On the other hand, you may be the focus of an extended story.
Do not be intimidated into giving an interview just because a reporter and/or camera crew shows up at your home or corners you at some public place. Tell them you will get back to them before their deadline.
You not have to do all or any interview and you do not have to answer every question. If you honestly feel you are not quite ready to do an interview, let the caller know immediately. Get their telephone contacts and call them back when you are ready.
Calling the reporter back gives you a chance to think, consult with others (family, friends, including KCO if you feel like it), before you answer, and to get your facts straight. It also allows you to consider community reaction.
Remember, the press has no right to interview you. You have the right to grant them an interview.
Since we would like to keep alive the issue facing our country, you can refer them to KCO President Ben Ondoro (519-826-3789) or KCO Vice-President, Basil Mwawasi (416-314-8996). Community members who speak to reporters express their personal opinions/views. KCO’s position is given by the President.
What is important to bear in mind is that whatever you say now becomes part of a permanent record. It is advisable not to speculate or speak outside the factual information you have available.
Handling a Media Interview
Always prepare by writing down the three or four points/message you want to stress during the interview. Here are some suggestions to help ensure you are included as prominently as possible in the story:
Use quotable phrases.
Reporters are looking for phrases that can make the mundane idea more interesting. The imagery you include in a quote makes it much more likely to be used. So as you develop your three or four points, try to support them with memorable anecdotes or analogies.
Be an interpreter or translator.
Know that your audience (Canadian) doesn't know as much as you do about the topic (Kenya).
Avoid jargon, local Kenyan or other technical terms.
Explain as you would in a court of law. Keep it simple.
Avoid one word answers, which are too short, and complicated explanations that are too long.
Explain yourself fully using short, punchy sentences.
Use the Goldilocks approach to sentence length
Be yourself. Speak in your usual way.
Say only what you want to say.
Do not feel obligated to fill what might seem like awkward pauses in the conversation. If you feel you must speak, talk about one of the points you wanted to make.
Know that you are always "on."
Just because a reporter puts down her notebook or turns off his recorder or camera doesn't mean the interview is over. Anything you say to the reporter is fair game.
(Note: Avoid trying to go "off-the-record" or onto "background" with reporters - and there is just too much risk for most of us who do not talk to the media regularly to try to work with reporters in this way. Don't let your ego take over.)
Correct any wrong information.
If you feel the premise of a question is wrong or the reporter summarized your point incorrectly, say so. Repeat your phrasing if that is the best way to phrase it. Don't let the reporter put words into your mouth.
The reporter is not in control of the editing process. Many "misquotes" are caused by copyediting that changes the context of the quote within the story. Assume that anything you say to the reporter, under any ground rule, will be repeated to your competition, if only for comment.
Each article affects the tone of future coverage because it may appear in a database that reporters reference for future stories.
Corrections do not receive space or visibility comparable to the original error.
Remember, what newsworthy one day is, may not be the next.
Special Tips for Television Interviews
- Appearance is key. Accept makeup if offered.
- Be positive, forthcoming, friendly and speak with one consistent voice. Smile.
- Where possible, try to discuss the topic with the reporter/host before the camera rolls. This may help him or her ask more intelligent questions.
- Use the reporter's name.
- Maintain eye contact, especially during tough questions. Don't look down or askance, or touch your face.
- Give short answers, no longer than 10 to 20 seconds. Speak in complete sentences. Be positive,
- Keep gestures small and in front of you.
- Look at the interviewer, not the camera, and maintain your focus. Looking back and forth between the interviewer and camera makes you look "shifty."
- Be the translator and interpreter: Talk in terms the Canadian audience will understand and avoid jargon.
- Wear solid colors; no loud patterns, distracting items or jewelry.
- Reporters may ask the same question more than once to allow you to "sharpen" your answer. Don't get flustered, take advantage of the offer, but also make sure you make the point you want to make.
The general advice is that you should have in mind a key message you want to reach out. Make sure your information is honest, accurate and comprehensive. Have a focus and if the nature of the questions or opinion being sought is likely to be contentious or you do not have the facts, it is best to tell the interviewer you can get back to them.
Anticipate questions and concerns and address them with your message.
Be helpful. Encourage the media outlet to call you (or KCO) back if they need any clarification or want to ensure accuracy of a quote.
UPCOMING SEMINARS
Know Your Rights
Citizen Rights – Don’t ask don’t tell policy and a lot more, what are your rights when you are stopped by a police officer? If you don’t know then this may be the seminar for you to attend
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