For a Public Information Officer (PIO), speaking to the media in the midst of a crisis can be intimidating. If you are not in control, your message to the public could be negatively impacted. This presentation will help you become An Effective Spokesperson, even when the pressure is ON!

1. Effective An Spokesperson Jennifer Moorer, Public Information Officer North Georgia Health District, 1 – 2

2. Choosing a Spokesperson: - NOT always the PIO!

3. PIO Influenza Rabies Hepatitis HIV/AIDS

4. Choosing a Spokesperson: - NOT always the PIO! - An EXPERT is often best

5. Knowledge Authority Credibility

6. Choosing a Spokesperson: - NOT always the PIO! - An EXPERT is often best - Should be Confident

7. Research Practice Knowledge

8. Choosing a Spokesperson: - NOT always the PIO! - An Expert is often best - Should be Confident - Must be CLEAR

9. Organized Concise TO THE POINT! TO THE POINT!

10. Effective An Spokesperson

11. - Is Not Just Charming - Knows it's okay to be Nervous - Stays in Control of the interview

12. Effective Spokespeople - Not born. . . they are made - Not "acting natural" - Strong spokespeople with knowledge, skill & practice ARE:

13. Effective Spokespeople Know: ~ Their Interviewer Sympathetic, Hostile, Neutral? ~ The Medium ~ Their Audience Not Experts. Impacted. Neutral. Radio? Print? TV? Live?

14. as a Spokesperson: Your GOAL GOAL > Educate the Target Audience > Accurate Coverage > Fair Treatment

15. Practice Practice PRACTICE!

16. It's OKAY to say "I don't KNOW" '. . .but 'So 'n So' would have the answer to that' or '. . .I will find the answer and get back to you'

17. Never Make up an Answer . . . it will come back to BITE you!

18. Formula for Failure: - Not responding quickly - Being Unprepared - Waffling on a question - Delaying a reporter on a deadline

19. Just follow the rules and . . .

20. can be an Effective Spokesperson! YOU