Advanced Media Training Tips - Don't Say This!

Is it okay to say if you're stalling for time, trying to figure out what to say? That's a good question to a reporter, in my opinion. No, it's not a good thing. Here's the problem with saying that's a good question to a reporter. You just implied my previous 10 questions were all stupid questions. And that's negative. It's a bit condescending. It sort of implies that you are in a position to judge the reporter, to judge his or her questions, as if you were the anointed journalism professor. That's not your job. Nobody cares about your opinion of the questions. They care about your answers to the questions. So my advice is focus on answering the questions. But, T.J. you didn't answer. What do I do if I need to stall? I need a little extra time. Just pause. Nothing wrong with a couple of seconds of pausing. But also remember, if you're spending too much time thinking of new answers to questions, typically that means you're taking your eyes off your messages. You're not focused on the great messages that you planned in advance. So don't tell people. That's a good question. I'm glad you asked me that. Just avoid all the commentary about the questions. Just answer the questions.