Fort Bend County
Office of Emergency Management

DOS

• Do call the public information officer (PIO).
• Do prepare for an interview.
• Do keep answers short and simple.
• Do focus on two to three talking points.
• Do tell the truth.
• Do listen to the reporter's questions.
• Do pause . . . think before you answer.
• Do say I don't know when you don't know. Then say you'll find out.
• Do check your appearance.
• Do pay attention to news deadlines.

DON'TS

• Don't lie EVER!
• Don't go off the record. There is no such thing as off the record!
• Don't say no comment. Say something! For example, I can't comment on a pending lawsuit.
• Don't say anything you wouldn't want on the evening news or page one of the newspaper.
• Don't speculate, offer personal opinions, or speak beyond your expertise.
• Don't use jargon.
• Don't play favorites.
• Don't ignore media calls.
• Don't become angry or provoke reporters.

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