Media Relations vs. Conversations

After having two media briefings today, I got to wondering. Why is it so difficult to have a seemingly simple conversation with the press? Do we blame press for "gotcha" type reporting, instilling fear and uncertainty in the people they interview? Do we blame executives and PR people for over scripting every single word to the point that nothing sounds real anymore?

It shouldn't be that difficult to have a simple conversation. Unfortunately, it can be.

Regardless of who is to blame, I think PR people have to reinforce and remind executives that media interviews are usually nothing more than a simple conversation. Often, I see and hear PR executives instilling fear in clients and executives by coaching them on what to say, what not to say and how to say something. A good example of this is Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin. No doubt a smart and accomplished person, the poor woman can't seem to answer even the most basic question. She's clearly been coached so much that answering a simple question like "What do you read" becomes nearly impossible to answer.

So the next time you're talking with a reporter, remember that it's just a conversation.