Download ppt - Communication Tips for Leaders

WWW.MISSOURIREALTOR.ORGWWW.MISSOURIREALTOR.ORGWWW.MISSOURIREALTOR.ORGWWW.MISSOURIREALTOR.ORG

Leader Communication: What to say, what not to say, and how to get your

message out to members and media

Diana Sutherland, past president, MAR Anne Cicero, communications director, MAR

WWW.MISSOURIREALTOR.ORGWWW.MISSOURIREALTOR.ORG

Media Interview Don’ts

• Don’t say “no comment” (explain why you can’t comment)

• Don’t be defensive• Don’t deviate from key messages, ramble• Don’t give an interview on the spot• Don’t use jargon• Don’t go “off the record” • Don’t wear sunglasses on TV• Don’t use your cell phone, if possible


Media Interview Do’s

• Do have a designated spokesperson• Do be honest, transparent• Do ask for the reporter’s deadline, respond in a

timely manner• Do prepare a few notes• Do find a quiet space to conduct the interview• Do put people first• Do stick to the facts• Do be brief and concise


Press Release Tips

• Is it newsworthy? Who is your audience?• Provide contact information (phone, e-mail, website)• Use inverted pyramid-style writing• Follow correct format• Proofread carefully• Consider posting release to website, Facebook or

Twitter, in addition to sending to media (be sure to “follow” local media online

• Build relationships with local reporters• Monitor media coverage


Resources

• Talking points on a variety of topics from NAR (for media interviews)– www.realtor.org/talkingpoints

• NAR’s Surround Sound Campaign (toolkit for reaching consumers)– www.realtor.org/press_room_secured/surroundsound

• How to spin negative economic news– http://www.realtor.org/eomag.nsf/pages/Forecastswi02

• MAR’s monthly stats reports and talking points– www.missourirealtor.org (Members Only, Market Stats)


In Closing…

President Wilson once said he could talk on any subject for an hour without much preparation,

but he would need a week to prepare a five-minute talk on the same subject…

Questions?

Thank you.