Person-to-person interview:
___You have practiced public speaking
___You are prepared for all possible questions
___You have developed several "sound bites"
___You have prepared background information for the reporters
___If appropriate, you have visual aids
___You have made good eye contact during the interview
___You were alert
___You were conscious of your body language and what it communicated
___Enthusiasm was shown when appropriate
___You have communicated a certain image of your organization with your appearance
___The continuity and consistency of your presentation was controlled by you
___You have built a stronger connection with the interviewer
___You spoke clearly but did not raise your voice
___You were discrete and polite, but not passive
___You have avoided arguing, but you were assertive when necessary
___You were not pressured to answer a question that made you uncomfortable
___You remained focused
___You have summarized the main points
___You thanked the reporter for their time
___You have offered to be available for any further clarification
___You have asked for a correction in print or on the air if the facts were misrepresented
___You were professional and courteous at all times
When you call a reporter:
___You found out when the reporter was most likely to be available
___You explained your credentials and your organization
___You have asked if the reporter is available to talk
___You were confident and assertive
___You have explained your suggested story and why it is significant
___You gave the important facts first
___You have provided information as to where the reporter can verify the information and collect more
___Responses were simple and to the point
When a reporter calls you:
___You asked them to call back if it was not a good time
___You have answered the questions to the best of your ability
___You have suggested your own news angle
___You used words and phrases that help frame your issue
___If you didn't know the answer, you helped the reporter find a different source
Television and radio appearances:
___You found out the format of the program
___You know the point of view and how issues are typically presented
___You know who the host is and who the other guests are
___You know how much time will be allotted to your issue
___You have watched or listened to a broadcast of the show before your appearance
___You have done role playing to prepare
___You wore solid colors for a television appearance
___If you couldn't fit everything in, you stuck to the most important ideas and repeated them
___You brought notecards to help you remember what to say
___You spoke clearly and confidently, using hand gestures when necessary
___You asked to have a question repeated when necessary
___The audience was encouraged to get involved
___You watched or listened to a recording of the program to learn from it
Press conference:
___You presented a significant story
___A lot of varied media representatives were invited
___You have allowed plenty of time for preparation
___The spokesperson represents the image you want for your issue
___Your goals were clear throughout