How to Turn Reporter Questions Around

You want to communicate your Big Message.  But the reporter interviewing you is trying to get you to criticize other members of your party.  Or at least, it seems like that’s what they’re trying to do.  Tough questions are important to help voters choose among candidates.  So don’t blame the reporter.  The question is what do you do?

Meet Martha McSally,  U.S. Representative Martha McSally (R-AZ)

She’s a retired Colonel and graduate of the United States Air Force Academy.  She eearned two Master’s Degrees: one in Public Policy from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard and the other in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Air War College where she finished first in her class.

• In 1995, McSally became the first woman in U.S. history to be chosen as an A-10 instructor pilot in the 354th Fighter Squadron.
• She is also the first female fighter pilot since the 1991 prohibition of women in combat was ended and the first to command a fighter squadron.
• She served as a national security advisor on issues such as terrorism, cyber security, and missile defense.

With a background like that, it’s no surprise she’s been able to get her message across  even during a flurry of questions.  In this case, the questions aimed at getting her take on controversial issues — like those sparked by presidential candidate Donald Trump.  See what you think as you watch the video I captured off CNN.

How to Turn Reporter Questions Around:  Takeaways

• Stay on message even though it’s easy for reporters to pull you off.
• Focus on what you see as the important, bigger issues.  That way, viewers will understand you’re not being elusive.
• But if the question is relevant and important, answer it briefly, then make your point.
• Communicate a sense of urgency to get back on point.
• Underscore the fact you’re looking for solutions, not getting caught up in “political theater.”

Okay, what if you’re the reporter?

• Interrupt politely, asking the subject of the interview to answer the question.
• If they continue to evade answering, ask them why.
• Keep in mind that many politicians have been coached about how to avoid tough questions.  (Imagine that!)
• Avoid cutting the person off.
• Be polite and respectful to keep the respect of your viewers and readers.

Although Rep. McSally is commenting on a hotly political issue, you don’t need to be in politics or government to apply the How to Turn Reporter Questions Around takeaways.  We’ve all experienced politics in business.  Let’s get your message across clearly.  Contact me at bob@kaplitz.tv.