Originally posted by Rastak
First of all, most likely the question can be anticipated, and a prepared answer will be ready.
Second, if asked a critical question, you should make a simple denial - although do NOT repeat the negative charge. Example: A reporter asks, "Don't you think it will hurt the team if you hold out?" The player should answer simply, "No." The player should NOT say, "No, I don't think I'm hurting the team by holding out." See, that quote would go right in the paper or on TV, it will remind people of the bad thing going on, and it will piss people off.
Third, after a simple denial, you need to "bridge" to something positive. In the example above, the player should say something like, "No. The way I see it, our team can only grow stronger when each and every individual feels like they are deserved and appreciated." (Or some BS like that.) So, you see, the media can only quote what you say - so only say positive things.
People that are well trained in media relations know how to "bridge" out of any question. Which, in a roundabout sort of way, can be the equivalent of skirting the question - but not always.
Some examples of "bridges" that you commonly here might be the following:
"Look, the facts are...."
"I don't know, but let me tell you what I do know..."
"That's important, but the truly critical question is...."
"No, that's not what I'm saying. What I am saying is..."
"Opinions can differ, but what I believe is..."
"The reality of the situation is..."
Sound familiar?
This is a key strategy, because you can always connect any question back to the message YOU want to get across. I can tell that TT has been trained, although he either isn't as good as some at pretending to be genuinely answering the question, or he doesn't care to appear that way.
Are you sorry you asked?


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