Public Relations & Reputation Management

Spokesperson Training: Key Message Delivery

Great spokespeople deliver clear messages, not monologues. Test how to prepare, bridge and flag, stay on‑record, and answer tough questions without speculation.

What is the main purpose of a message “bridge” during an interview?

To answer briefly, then transition back to your key message

To change the topic without acknowledgment

To avoid answering any question

To repeat the question verbatim

Bridging keeps you responsive while steering toward approved points. It prevents getting stuck in unhelpful detail or speculation.

Which technique emphasizes your most important takeaway?

Hooking

Stalling

Blocking

Flagging (e.g., “If there’s one thing to remember…” )

Flagging signals importance and helps produce quotable soundbites. It focuses attention on priority points.

Which option best defines “hooking” in spokesperson work?

Offering a concise, intriguing point that invites a follow‑up on your message

Asking the reporter for questions in advance

Reading a boilerplate verbatim

Declining to answer tough questions

Hooking ethically tees up the next question toward your prepared ground. It is not dodging; you still answer what’s asked.

What should you do when you don’t know an answer in an interview?

Speculate to avoid looking uninformed

Say you’ll check and follow up, and return with a verified response

Blame another department live on air

End the interview immediately

Honesty paired with a follow‑up builds credibility and avoids errors. Speculation often creates corrections and negative coverage.

Which practice improves on‑record control and consistency?

Prepare 2–3 concise key messages with proof points and examples

Memorize a 10‑minute monologue

Use dense jargon for precision

Rely on improvisation only

Short, supported messages are easier to recall and quote accurately. Jargon and rambling reduce clarity and pickup.

What’s the safest assumption about interview status?

Assume off the record when cameras aren’t rolling

Assume embargo automatically applies

Assume background if you’re not named

Assume everything is on the record unless explicitly agreed otherwise

Policy varies by outlet; treat all interactions as on‑record unless mutually set. This prevents unintended disclosures.

Which delivery choice typically improves quotability?

Answer in clear, concise sentences that land in 10–30 seconds

Speak as quickly as possible for 2 minutes straight

Avoid pausing to prevent edits

Use long dependent clauses and acronyms

Tight answers help editors and reduce misquotes. Pauses are fine; they signal completion.

How should you handle a hostile or compound question?

Match the tone and argue

Ask to start over with a new topic only

Acknowledge fairly, answer the core, then bridge to your message

Ignore it and answer a different question

Staying calm, answering what matters, and bridging maintains control. Arguing escalates and yields poor soundbites.

What best practice applies to visual assets for interviews?

Rely on random visuals unrelated to your point

Use unvetted third‑party logos

Avoid visuals because they distract

Align locations, B‑roll, and demos to reinforce your key messages

Supportive visuals increase clarity and pickup without derailing the message. Vet rights and accuracy in advance.

What should rehearsal prioritize the day before a major interview?

Only reading the press release silently

Learning every employee’s bio

Aloud practice of key messages and toughest likely questions

Perfecting a new product script overnight

Speaking out loud under light pressure builds muscle memory for delivery. Focus on the hard questions you are likely to face.

Starter

Solid start. Practice bridging and flagging, and trim answers to quotable length with plain language.

Solid

You’re interview‑ready. Sharpen proof points, rehearse tough questions aloud, and align visuals to messages.

Expert!

Polished and disciplined. You manage tone under pressure, stay on‑record, and land memorable takeaways.

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