16.01.2015 Views

East Bay Coalition for the Homeless - Roger Williams University

East Bay Coalition for the Homeless - Roger Williams University

East Bay Coalition for the Homeless - Roger Williams University

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

Appendix H<br />

Press Conference Guidelines<br />

Hosting A Successful Press Conference<br />

Timing<br />

»»<br />

Pick a time that works <strong>for</strong> TV, newspapers and radio.<br />

»»<br />

If it’s too early in <strong>the</strong> day, reporters will have a hard time getting <strong>the</strong>re. Too late in <strong>the</strong> day and you’ll be pushing<br />

up against deadlines.<br />

»»<br />

Mid-morning to noon is good.<br />

»»<br />

Advanced notice is critical. You’d want to give people a day’s warning, if you can. TV and radio news directors<br />

map out where <strong>the</strong>ir cameras and reporters will be. Give <strong>the</strong>m time to plan.<br />

Location<br />

»»<br />

It should be close to <strong>the</strong> major media players, so <strong>the</strong>y’re not driving half-way across <strong>the</strong> state.<br />

»»<br />

It should have good visuals, and be well-lit <strong>for</strong> TV. A dark <strong>the</strong>ater is <strong>the</strong> worst choice.<br />

»»<br />

Outdoor locations are sometimes OK, if <strong>the</strong> topic deals with <strong>the</strong> outdoors or <strong>the</strong> environment. But this is risk<br />

Reporters usually want power outlets <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir cameras and lights and laptops. Inside is usually best.<br />

Length<br />

»»<br />

Putting toge<strong>the</strong>r a press conference is a huge production and a big pain, so <strong>the</strong>re’s a tendency to want to put on<br />

a big show. Try to avoid six speeches in a row and a PowerPoint slideshow.<br />

»»<br />

Reporters want to hear a little about <strong>the</strong> news, <strong>the</strong>n ask questions. You can skimp on some of <strong>the</strong> production<br />

values and make reporters happy if you get to questions quickly. That’s what reporters want to do: ask questions<br />

and get quotable answers.<br />

Extras<br />

»»<br />

Reporters will want documents, if you’re announcing or explaining anything. Get a rough headcount and make<br />

sure <strong>the</strong>re are enough copies to go around -- and post those documents online <strong>for</strong> reporters and bloggers who<br />

are interested in <strong>the</strong> press conference but couldn’t make <strong>the</strong> trip.<br />

»»<br />

Have somebody post updates during <strong>the</strong> press conference to your Twitter feed or Facebook page.<br />

»»<br />

Inviting <strong>the</strong> media to a press conference means <strong>the</strong>y’ll be shooting video and recording audio. Give <strong>the</strong>m good<br />

shots and good sound clips. Is <strong>the</strong>re a person, an image or a single sentence that sums up what you’re trying to<br />

say Put that to use.<br />

Practice<br />

»»<br />

Make a list of likely questions. What will your answers be<br />

»»<br />

Also, do a rough walk-through of <strong>the</strong> press conference. Who talks first What happens next Who’s going to<br />

MC And who’s <strong>the</strong> best person to tackle certain issues or questions<br />

Adapted from Bergstrom, Guy. “Preparing For A Successful Press Conference.” Marketing – In<strong>for</strong>mation and Advice on Marketing Strategy, Marketing Plans,<br />

and Marketing Careers and Jobs. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 May 2013. .<br />

129

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!