Sandra Says

In my career I’ve never interrupted a taped interview. Below is footage of an interview with Apple in UK that was interrupted by the PR reps.

Inside PR podcast discussion of this is concentrating on the need for better preparation prior to the interview. How would you handle this situation — where your interviewee is obviously looking to you for help during an interview?

I am thankful for my family and friends (old and new).
I am thankful for all the wonderful things that have happened this year.
I am thankful for the opportunity to grow and learn that has resulted from all the challenging things that have happened this year.
I am thankful for the great food we will have tomorrow, and the day I will spend with my Mother, my sisters, my brothers-in-law, and their wonderful beautiful children.
I am thankful for the emails I receive that tell me that my brother is well (though still in a war zone).
I am thankful for all of it.

Happy Thanksgiving.

I got a piece of great advice via Twitter today, from Sheila Scarborough:

@sandrafdzh, best advice I’d give to anyone: figure out what you love (may be more than 1 thing) then figure out how to make $$ at it.

1 minute ago from web in reply to sandrafdzh

Makes sense to me. I think that’s what I did.

Never, under any circumstances, utter the words “no comment” to a member of the media.

Let me repeat: never, ever, in any situation, are you to say the words “no comment” to a reporter, cameraperson, or other member of the working media (or blogosphere).

Clear?

There are variations you can use, depending on the situation. They mean the same thing without implying some sort of coverup.

Jon Greer agrees and offers some alternatives:

In a nutshell, here’s my advice:

• Don’t use the phrase itself.
• Develop and practice a few different stock phrases that stand in for “no comment” such as: “I’m sorry, but that information is confidential/proprietary.” or I’m sorry, but I’m not able to answer that question at this time.” or “I’d like to help you but unfortunately I can’t.”
• Once you’ve answered, stand your ground.

And thus endeth today’s soap box moment.