Managing External Relations - Disaster Management Center ...

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Guidelines for Television Appearances Chapter 4 How you look—Wear suitable conservative clothing in subdued colours. In the field, suits are not appropriate. Check your appearance before going in front of the camera. What you say—Before you begin, discuss with the interviewer what line the discussion will take. Remember that the interviewer and the audience know less about your subject than you do. State the most important point(s) at the beginning and refer to it (them) in subsequent points. Keep answers short. Your answers are likely to be edited. Avoid saying ‘I think’ but rather use ‘we’ or UNHCR as the subject. What you do—Make eye contact with the interviewer and not the camera. Do not let your eyes wander. What measures would you suggest to deal with the situations described below? In each situation, an emotional response is being generated by media actions. An aggressive reporter may have no ill intentions but it is his/her job to get a story— the media world is very competitive. Responding appropriately to these pressures will help you produce effective results from media contacts who will subsequently promote UNHCR’s objectives. Even if a reporter tries to provoke you to divulge more than you are authorised to, remember to stay composed at all times. Do not take it personally! For most people, this will require some practice. The first step is to exert UNHCR ground rules with media representatives. It is important to remember, in all of the above situations that hostility is a no-win strategy with the media. Despite your own well-justified feelings of anger or irritation, under no conditions should you be hostile or condescending toward a reporter. Situation A—You are returning from a refugee camp when you are surprised by a number of reporters in the airport hallway. They gather around you, push microphones and tape recorders toward you and shout questions. The situation soon becomes chaotic. You feel tired and irritated. Situation B—You are prepared to answer tough questions about human rights violations in a refugee situation. You know much about this subject but have been authorised to give only limited information. During the interview a reporter asks a question in a very contentious manner, insinuating that actions taken by the assistance organisations are irresponsible. You begin to feel angry. EP 04 63
EP 04 64 Managing External Relations Situation C—You have answered a question exactly as you have practised it but one reporter demands more explanation. Others join in with more probing questions. You are now on uncertain ground and start drumming the podium out of nervousness. Situation A—Try to take control of the situation by selecting one question to respond to while making eye contact with the reporter who asked the question and ignoring any cameras or microphones. Use a moderate tone of voice so that the others will be quiet in order to hear your response. If you are totally unprepared for the questions, it is best to say ‘I need to clarify some points before I answer your questions’ or ‘I will get back to you with the answer to that question later.’ If you find it difficult to be friendly or smile at a time like this, concentrate on listening to the questions and carefully composing your responses. Situation B—You must counter the accusation, assumption or inaccurate remark, or it may be implied that you agree with it. Avoid using the words of the questioner, so as not to validate them. For example, if the question is, ‘Don’t you think that the agencies are acting irresponsibly by not confronting the violations?’ Your answer may be, ‘We are pursuing all possible means to uphold human rights.’ When faced with a contentious question, remember the main points of your message, rather than the issues being forced by the questioner. ‘Bridging’ sentences may be useful such as, ‘I understand your concern but the real issue is,’ ‘Let us not overlook,’ or ‘I’m sorry you feel that way but please consider this.’ Situation C—You are under no obligation to reveal more than you want to. Avoid any speculative answers. If statements such as, ‘I do not have information on your request at this time’ or ‘Let me repeat the information I do have’ do not work, move on to other questions. Stay calm, smile, avoid nervous mannerisms that might make you seem more vulnerable, and give short answers. If that does not work, end the interview.
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