In the last post I mentioned 'unhealthy games'. You know, the easiest way to know if someone is playing games with you is if you sense an emotional reaction within yourself. This should trigger your defences.
Imagine you're talking to a journalist and you're thinking "they really like me". While that is very nice and it could be quite genuine, remember they're not in business to like you, but if they think they will get more out of you by being friendly, why not? You need to be on your guard just as much as if they're being horrible to you.
You might get hot under the collar at their intrusive questioning which means that there's a good chance you'll blurt something you didn't intend to. Bear in mind that this is the journalist's primary job, to get you to reveal stuff to them that you haven't revealed to anyone else.
And it's not just journalists. Analysts, bosses, potential bosses and many others could prove skilled in this area. There are all sorts of in between behaviours like trying to make you feel bad, getting you to agree with negative statements. Or getting you to say "no comment" which, of course, means "yes".
"Do you still beat your wife?"
"No comment."
Ha!
Even a "I'm sure you wouldn't expect me to comment on a question like that" is better. Watch out for the follow up: "So you do then?". Sometimes laughter is the best way to stifle that. Especially if the journalist is just 'trying it on'.
Your job in all circumstances is to know what you want to say and know what will interest your audience (see the earlier post). You can determine beforehand what territory is safe and what topics are off limits. Then you can exercise control over the interview and deliver what you both need. Win-win is always the best outcome.
In later posts, I'll take a look at getting the content right and keeping control.
More anon.
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