4 questions that can make spokespeople stumble
To juice ratings and create buzz, journalists can resort to sneaky interview tactics to get the answers they want. If you aren’t prepared, a small mistake can become a full-blown crisis.
Journalists, investigators, talk-show hosts, teachers and parents have all learned that blunt, startling questions often provoke blunt and startling answers.
In a media environment that often prioritizes entertainment and ratings, it is important to be prepared for interview questions that aim to provoke a response. After looking at three kinds of questions that can snag unprepared spokespeople, let’s take a look at four more:
1. The ones that try to put words in your mouth
Reporters might only be trying to get a straight answer to a challenging question. (“So, you are saying that repairs to the driving garage will result in fewer spaces but higher costs. Isn’t that correct?”) Or, they want to get past the jargon. (“By saying you want to eliminate the health threat mosquitoes pose, you are just saying you are going to do more insecticide spraying, right?”)
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