Interworks

Be Prepared.

Set your objective and 3-4 key points to make.

Take & Keep Control.

Decide where to be interviewed.

Use answers to bring questioner to your points.

Avoid repeating negatives.

Leave when you are finished.

Make Your Points.

Answer in quick, clear, concise statements.

Repeat key messages.

Stress the positive.

Keep Your Composure.

Never argue; be cooperative.

Avoid appearing defensive.

Don't Speculate.

It is okay to say you don't know.

Never Say "No Comment".

Give sound reasons why you cannot answer.

Never Go "Off the Record".

Everything you say may be reported.

Tips on writing news releases

Content

Always have a reason to write a news release. Use content that meets the standard for print or broadcast media.

Include facts that answer these questions: Who? What? When? Where? Why? How? Style

Begin with a short sentence that tells the essence of the story (editors often decide after reading one sentence).

Keep sentences short. Keep paragraphs short. Keep news releases to one or two pages, double spaced.

Format Head the news release with a short statement saying what the release is about. Provide the name and number of a person to contact about information in the release.

Say who the release is from, and when it was released. Double space copy. Number pages (e.g. 1 of 2, 2 of 2).

Distribution Time release in consideration of media deadlines. Use fax, mail, or, with permission of recipients, E-mail.

Target releases to individuals, when possible. Verify media lists before distribution