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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