Video Tip: Abandon The Language of Denial
“I am not a crook.”
“I am not a witch.”
Those phrases, like hundreds of others that embrace the language of denial, are media disasters.
Although many spokespersons know they shouldn’t use those denial phrases, they often forget that rule when they’re in the middle of an adversarial media interview.
This video will teach you a technique for responding when you’re accused of doing something you didn’t do.
Related: Five Tactics Reporters Use to Intimidate You
Related: Five Ways to Avoid Being Misquoted By Reporters
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Nice video post, Brad! While I think it’s only natural for an interview subject’s first impulse to be a “denial” of some allegation, it is definitely the smarter route to avoid that language. I believe you will find the savvier, more successful interviewees listen to their media trainers and couch honest replies in more positive language as you describe. Thanks for the great video tip!
Hi John,
Thank you for the nice words and the encouragement!
You’re right that the denial is almost an automatic impulse. Another good piece of advice is to always pause for a beat before speaking – it can help spokespersons quash the automatic “denial” impulse and come up with a more productive response instead.
Thanks again for your support.
Brad
brad – you are terrific- your manner of speaking- your clarity-your animation and expression and intonation are all too great-
loved this and what a great tip to put out there- people do this everyday- great for me the salesperson overcoming objectives- way to go Brad!!
super- loved it.
great job Brad. Really enjoyed that snippet and you are right on. I will have to start reading your blog !
[…] of getting your complete, concise message into the story. But one huge caveat: Do not repeat negative language. If the reporter asks you a loaded question or a question that insinuates your organisation has […]