Here are a few tips:

• Designate someone to act as the media �spokesperson.� That may be the Board Chairperson, Director, a principal or some other administrator. This step does not always have to be taken, but it�s a good idea if the issue is sensitive or controversial and you want one person who can deal with the issues. Choose someone who is well-spoken and knows the facts but speaks in layman�s terms. This person does not have to be the top person in charge; the position is not necessarily the most important criterion.
• When Working with the Media, you�ll have to answer the basics: Who; what; when; where; why; and how.
• Be prepared! Know your facts.
• Try to familiarize yourself with the publication or show you�ll be on.
• When talking to the media, tell only what you want the interviewer to know.
• Take time to think of your answers. Don�t rush to speak and then regret what you�ve said. Be careful what you say, and remember that EVERYTHING you say can be used.
• Going �off the record� is NOT recommended. It�s dangerous and there aren�t any guarantees. Simply say, �No, I�m not comfortable with that.�
• Don�t be defensive or nasty. Be friendly to the media.
• If possible, try to get to know media people before a �crisis� situation occurs. Perhaps call and suggest a positive story idea you think would highlight your school or division. On a slow news day, this might be appreciated. WARNING: Don�t bother the media incessantly.
• Don�t lie or bend the truth; it will come back to haunt you. Don�t say �no comment.� It�s OK to say, "I�m not sure how to answer that.�
• Offer documents, charts or other background information if necessary.
• Talk to the reporter, not the camera.
• Don�t say anything you don�t want printed, heard or seen.
• Don�t do an interview unless you feel comfortable with the issues and you know the facts. If you are not expressing the official (board) view, say so. Make it clear if it�s your personal point of view.
• Before the interview, try to think of some difficult questions and what you�d answer to them.
• Express yourself concisely and avoid jargon. You�re talking to ordinary people! Talk plainly and candidly. Don�t bend the truth or try to mislead the reporter. If you don�t know the answer, don�t fabricate or guess. Say you don�t know, and offer to find out the information. If you�re not sure about the question, say so.
• Be sincere about how you feel. If it upsets you, or you feel happy about it, or you�re frustrated, you can say that.
• Be courteous and diplomatic. Suggest that the reporter call later for clarification if needed.
• Listen to the questions! Make sure you answer them. You can add other information you think is important later.
• Smile! Relax!