ModernManagement_Guide_lr

Modern Management Guide

Managing Your Team

INTERVIEWS AND PRESS CONFERENCES – 10 ESSENTIALS

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Look beyond those asking the questions and think about who are you really speaking to. It might be your own or the opposition’s supporters or players, the opposition manager, the board or the media itself. When speaking to host broadcasters, remember that your messaging will be conveyed worldwide. Never go into an interview unprepared. Decide beforehand on a small number of key messages and make sure these are delivered clearly. Consider providing an update or key facts at the start. Set the agenda and explain your position and thinking. Establish how you will handle any no-go subjects. The manager’s first answers to these often sensitive and difficult questions tend to set the tone of the mood. Don’t allow yourself to be drawn onto topics you don’t want to discuss.

Avoid coming across as a moaner or excuse-maker, repeatedly blaming results on referees or injuries, for example.

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Journalists are likely to ask you about match officials’ performances. Ensure you are fully aware of what you can and can’t say about match officials, both positive and negative, without being sanctioned by the FA.

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Be confident and prepared to disagree. Don’t fall into the trap of agreeing with a journalist’s questions and opinions simply to be polite.

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Always treat journalists professionally and as individuals.

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Be punctual and greet the media on arrival.

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Take pride in your appearance. Avoid looking unkempt or walking into the room drinking or eating.

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Avoid lots of hand-to-face action or hair movement, which can be seized upon for photographs. A brief shot of a manager rubbing his eyes or running his hands through his hair can lead to photographs that give the impression of a person under pressure.

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