EXTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA

I. CONTACT WITH THE MEDIA

II. MEDIA RELATIONS PROCEDURE

III. PRESS RELEASES

IV. CONTROVERSIAL/CATASTROTIC EVENTS

V. CORRECTING INACCURATE INFORMATION

VI. PROFESSIONAL PUBLICATIONS

VII. WEBSITE

VIII. PUBLICATIONS

IX. LETTERHEAD, BUSINESS CARDS, WEB PAGES AND EMAILS

X. EVENTS AND PUBLIC MEETINGS

XI. MARKETING

XII. SOCIAL MEDIA

XIII. DIGITAL SIGNAGE POLICY

PURPOSE: To enhance and provide tools to facilitate open, transparent government and to create

opportunities for participatory democracy. To provide orderly, timely and accurate responses to media inquiries. To encourage accurate media coverage of Northeast Texas Public Health District (NET Health) programs, events, and decisions that could be of

interest and impact a significant segment of the community.

I. CONTACT WITH THE MEDIA

POLICY:

The news media shall have free access to all department leaders for interviews and briefings related to their areas of expertise and responsibility; however, it is requested that the media contact the Public

Information Officer (PIO) to set up interviews with department leaders. Department leaders may set

up interviews after consulting with the Communications Director. . While it is not always possible to give prior notification for “spontaneous” interviews arising within an

event or from an incident, all effort should be exerted to contact the Communication Director and/or NET Health CEO as soon as a contact is made and before it is printed or aired. Department leaders may direct others in their departments to release routine information to a reporter;

however, such designated persons should advise the Communications Director prior to the dissemination of this information. (Note that this is the same type of information that would normally be provided to any

other citizen.) Department leaders may also wish to authorize interviews with key personnel. However, with few exceptions, department leaders should give interviews. In most situations, the department leader should respond to media inquiries as quickly as possible with either the requested information or a

timeframe for acquiring that information. This will ensure the media is given the best and most complete information in a timely manner.

All employees who handle media requests must be familiar with the Open Records Act and its ramifications. (Contact Legal if questions).

Clerical staff should be instructed to give priority to a phone call received from a reporter. Calls should be returned as soon as possible, keeping in mind the frequent deadlines that are imposed upon the working

media. Again, it is recommended that staff suggest to the media that they contact the Communications Department directly to expedite the call.

When a department leader or his/her designated substitute is going to be interviewed by a reporter, the Communications Director should be notified in advance. This will allow the Communications Director to

contact the reporter to find out if additional information or interviews are needed. (The Communications Director does not need to be notified about routine Police and Fire Department contact with the media.)

The Communications Director will also notify the CEO, other department leaders (when necessary), and the board of directors, about the story being developed. This will ensure they are prepared if they are also

contacted by the reporter. It will also prevent them from being surprised by the story when it airs or is printed.

II. Media Relations Procedure

The purpose of this procedure is to define the process by which the Northeast Texas Public Health District

(NET Health) releases information to the media.

It is not the intent of this procedure to prohibit any member of the NET Health Leadership Team, Executive Office, and Health Board from responding to inquiries made by the various news media about matters pertaining to his or her professional area of competence. Members of NET Health are expected to

exercise judgment in responding to such inquiries, as consequences may result which adversely affect the NET Health’s image or violate confidentiality, if errors in judgment occur in dealing with news media.

The news media shall have free access to all department leaders for interviews and briefings related to their areas of expertise and responsibility; however, it is requested that the media contact the Public

Information Officer (PIO) to set up interviews with department leaders. Please review the outlined

procedure for specific information.

I. Media Relations

a. It is requested that the media contact the Public Information Officer (PIO) to set up

interviews with department leaders. b. Department leaders may set up interviews after consulting with the PIO

c. While it is not always possible to give prior notification for spontaneous interviews arising within an event of from an incident, all effort should be exerted to contact the PIO and/or CEO as soon as contact is made and before it is printed or aired.

d. Department Leaders may direct others in their departments to release routine information to a reporter; however, such designated persons should advise the PIO prior to the dissemination of this information.

e. In most situations, the department leaders should respond to media inquiries as quickly as possible with either the requested information or a timeframe for acquiring that

information. This will ensure the media is given the best and most complete information in a timely manner.

f. Clerical staff should be instructed to give priority to a phone call received from a reporter.

Calls should be returned as soon as possible, keeping in mind the frequent deadlines that

are imposed upon the working media. Again, it is recommended that staff suggest to the media that they contact the PIO to expedite the call.

g. If the PIO is absent, the department leader should contact the CEO or designated backup.

h. Please submit an A-021 form to the Administrative Assistant to the CEO following the event. - Attachment C

i. Tips for responding to Media Inquiries – Attachment D

II. Press Release – purpose is to alert the media of news worthy event.

a. Please send all pertinent information to the Public Information Officer at least one week prior to the release date except in urgent situations.

b. Tips for writing a Press Release – Attachment A c. Sample News Release – Attachment B

III. PRESS RELEASES

POLICY:

All news releases issued by NET Health shall be channeled through the Communications Director. This allows all releases to follow a consistent format and makes it possible to maintain a central file for all

releases. This also keeps the communications director better informed of newsworthy activities in all departments.

Press releases promoting routine events and activities should be written and edited by the department and e-mailed to the communications director for distribution. These may include:

a. Announcements for scheduled exhibits, classes, programs and activities at the Library,

recreation center, parks and other City facilities;

b. Annual events sponsored by a department, such as holiday activities;

c. Awards or special recognition given to a department or employee;

Press releases should be as complete as possible, explaining who, what, when and where of the activity or event. Releases should include the date and name of the person who will serve as a media contact for

inquiries or additional information. Department leaders should contact the Communications Director for assistance in writing (non-routine)

press releases.

Press releases should be forwarded to the Communications Director at least one week prior to a scheduled activity. This will ensure the media and public are given advance notice of events and can plan accordingly.

The Communications Director will distribute press releases via e-mail to all local media outlets. The

Communications Director will ensure all local media outlets are treated fairly and provided with the same information. The Communications Director will also forward news releases to the CEO’s Office and Department leaders so they will stay informed about NET Health activities and place the release on the

NET Health web site.

IV. CONTROVERSIAL/CATASTROPHIC EVENTS

All Department leaders will keep the Communications Director and CEO informed of events and

activities which are likely to be newsworthy. Stories to be reported are those with a potential for controversy, those that might be considered negative or embarrassing, those that threaten public health

and safety, and those that might produce follow-up questions from the media. Department leaders should report in person or by telephone as soon as possible when:

a. Controversial statements, accusations or debates occur in meetings of advisory boards or commissions;

b. NET Health services are disrupted;

c. Personnel problems occur, such as suspensions or resignation of key individuals;

d. Fire, explosion, accident or other emergencies result in damage of NET Health property or cause injury or death to NET Health personnel;

e. Accident on NET Health property results in injury or death to citizens. This might include a fall in a NET Health building;

f. Other incidents involving NET Health personnel and injury or death to citizens;

g. Litigation filed or court/agency decisions rendered;

h. Any other events that might threaten the safety or welfare of the community.

If the media has not already learned of the event, the Communications Director and CEO will determine if

a press conference should be called. The Communications Director or another spokesperson will be identified to respond to all media inquiries about the event. Having a single spokesperson will prevent

conflicting, incomplete and inaccurate information from being released. Steps should be taken to assure that no information is released by employees who are not designated to speak with the media. If more than one NET Health employee has already been contacted by the media, a briefing may be held to avoid the

release of conflicting or contradictory statements.

In the event of a natural disaster or other catastrophic event, the Communications Director will serve as NET Health’s official spokesperson and will call a press conference to ensure that information is disseminated swiftly and accurately to all media sources. The Communications Director is the primary

public information contact when the Emergency Operations Center is activated.

Every effort will be made to respond quickly and provide correct and realistic facts about the controversial or catastrophic event. By cooperating with the media, we can minimize confusion, speculation and rumors. We can also minimize the consequences of unfortunate incidents and prevent stories from being

dragged out over an extended period of time with corrections and additions.

The designated spokesperson will stick to facts that have been verified and authorized for release to the media. The spokesperson will avoid answering questions that require speculation or opinion. The spokesperson should keep in mind that there can often be legal questions raised after such emergencies.

Inaccurate and unverified information that reaches the news media could be used against NET Health if any lawsuit were to result from the emergency.

Should an employee be approached by the media, the employee should say that the Communications Director will be the best source of information and they should provide the appropriate phone number to

the reporter 903-535-0020.

V. CORRECTING INACCURATE INFORMATION

POLICY:

NET Health should clarify or correct any information released by the media that contains inaccuracies

regarding a NET Health-related issue.

a. Factual Discrepancies. It is the responsibility of the department leaders to immediately

contact the Communications Director when a story has been published or aired containing a factual error that significantly impacts the public’s perception of the issue being

discussed. Depending on the nature of the error, the request for correction will be made by written letter or an informal telephone call.

The Department leader and Communications Director will ask the CEO’s Office for direction if they feel an official NET Health rebuttal or response is needed.

If there are repeated problems with NET Health personnel being misquoted by a certain reporter, personnel will be directed by the Communications Director to respond to that

reporter in writing.

b. Letters to the Editor. When appropriately presented, letters to the editors of newspapers and electronic media can be effective tools in clarifying a misconception of NET Health policy or programs or correcting inaccurate information that has been widely reported by

the press.

Those Department leaders who believe, as public officials, that a NET Health rebuttal is warranted should discuss their concerns with the Communications Director or CEO. They will determine if a response is appropriate as well as who should prepare and sign the

letter. The CEO must authorize and review all letters sent to the editor which identify

the author as a NET Health employee/official acting in an official capacity.

c. Responding to Media Stories as Private Citizens. The following guidelines should be

followed for those employees who choose to contact, initiate or respond to NET Health-

related news stories as private citizens.

1. Letters may not be prepared on NET Health time, distributed on NET Health letterhead or mailed at NET Health expense.

2. Telephone contact may not be made on NET Health time using NET Health telephones.

3. Use of NET Health facilities or supplies is prohibited.

4. Responses or letters shall not include the employee’s official title or status or reveal that the response is on behalf of the Northeast Texas Public Health District.

VI. PROFESSIONAL PUBLICATIONS

POLICY:

NET Health encourages all employees to contribute articles to professional publications and journals, both

as a means of enhancing personal development and highlighting NET Health achievements. a. Professional Articles. Department leaders are encouraged to submit articles promoting

NET Health services/programs to the appropriate professional journals.

Copies of all articles identifying the author in their official capacity or prepared on-duty shall be forwarded to the Communications Director and CEO for review and comment

prior to submittal for publication. The name of the publication and the tentative publication

date shall be noted.

b. The Communications Director is available to review and edit articles scheduled for publication in professional journals when request is made within a reasonable time frame.

VII. WEBSITE.

All Departments are encouraged to provide information for a department presence on NET Health’s Website. Information should be limited to each Department’s services, projects, events and policies. Each

Department should have a designated staff member assigned to maintain the web page.

VIII. PUBLICATIONS

All publications designed for public dissemination should be submitted to the communications director for

review prior to printing. The NET Health color palette, logo, font, and design standards should be adhered to. AP writing style is the preferred writing style and should be used for all written and electronic

communications. The purpose of this is to ensure consistency in all NET Health communication materials and solidify our branding effort.

IX. LETTERHEAD, BUSINESS CARDS, WEB PAGES AND EMAILS

All NET Health letterhead, business cards, web pages and emails should follow the guidelines established in publications section VIII. Exceptions should be submitted to the Communications Director or CEO for review.

X. EVENTS AND PUBLIC MEETINGS

All events, public meetings and invitations to NET Health personnel should be submitted to the Communications Director prior to being finalized. This process ensures that events are not scheduled on

the same dates as other NET Health events and that personnel has one source of event information. The Communications Director will maintain a public calendar listing all events submitted.

XI. MARKETING

Any participation or depiction in publicity materials or marketing efforts (including print, events, social media, broadcast, and/or web (that depicts a NET Health employee in their professional capacity (i.e. uses professional title) must be pre-approved by the CEO or his designee.

XII. SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY

PURPOSE

This policy has been developed to address the fast-changing landscape of social marketing and the myriad of ways that the community we serve can seek information about the Northeast Texas Public Health

District. NETPHD will participate in social media formats to increase visibility and transparency and foster greater

public trust. The Northeast Texas Public Health District encourages the use of social media to further the goals and mission of the district.

OBJECTIVES

Northeast Texas Public Health District uses social media to educate the community about health district services, establish a two-way dialogue on public health issues facing the community and to identify issues

and concerns that the public may have. The tools allow the health district to officially and rapidly communicate directly with employees and the public. Moreover, a social networking presence has become a hallmark of vibrant, open and transparent public organization. It is fiscally responsible in that the cost of

communication is lowered when compared to traditional communication tools. Social networking improves

interactivity between a District and the public, and it reaches populations that do not consume traditional media as frequently as others do.

Northeast Texas Public Health District has an overriding interest and expectation in deciding who may

communicate and what is communicated on behalf of NETPHD on social media sites. This policy establishes guidelines for the use of social media.

These services are intended to enhance communications but not to diminish or circumvent existing processes. The Public Information Officer or authorized employee shall approve what social media outlets

may be suitable for use by the District and its departments. The Public Information Officer shall serve to educate departments on how to best use various social media outlets to achieve their goals.

All District communication tools should be used in ways that maximize transparency, maintain the security of

the network, and are appropriately professional. Social media is no exception. Therefore, the application of social media within the district must be done thoughtfully and in a manner that will minimize risk. In addition,

social media users should be aware that these types of communications are considered public records and, consequently, must be kept for a certain period of time in compliance with the public records law.

POLICY

a. Any official NET Health presence on social media sites is considered an extension of the

Health District’s information networks and is governed by all related policies, to include all NET Health’s media policy and other policies and procedures.

b. The Communications Director will review departmental requests to use social media sites.

c. Key Leader will authorize staff with a legitimate business purpose to access approved social media sites.

d. The Communications Director will provide training to the social media site manager upon approval prior to the use of the site.

e. For Departments that choose to participate in the Health District’s social sites (versus

establishing their own presence) proposed posts should be provided to the Communications

Director 2 days prior to the anticipated post date.

f. All social media requests must be submitted electronically via e-mail to the Communications Director. Once approved the custodian of the page(s) will be permitted to post the item/comment on the desired social media site. The Communications Director

must approve all photos.

g. All social media pages will initially be created by the Health District’s Communications Director, but the associated/requesting departments will maintain all content related to the social media page. The content and information must be monitored on a regular basis.

Visual elements on social media sites should be designed to reflect the public website brand of www.healthyeasttx.org. This will ensure the visual consistency and creditability

of their page(s).

h. Departments are responsible for publishing and updating pages frequently and monitoring

pages on all social media sites daily (work days).

i. Users shall not post or release proprietary, confidential, sensitive, personally identifiable information (PII), or other NET Health Intellectual Property on Social Media web sites.

j. Users shall not speak in Social Media web sites or other on-line forums on behalf of a department, unless specifically authorized by the department head or the Communications

Director.

k. Users shall avoid mixing their professional information with their personal information.

l. When creating social media accounts that require individual identification, NET Health

employees should use their actual name, not pseudonyms. However, using actual names can come with some risks. Any employee using his or her name as part of a NET Health application of social media should be mindful of the following:

1. Do not assume privacy. Only post information that you are comfortable disclosing.

2. Use different passwords for different accounts (both social media and existing work

accounts). Using the same password for all accounts increases the vulnerability of

the accounts being compromised.

2. That all NET Health departments that use social media comply with applicable federal, state, and county laws, regulations and policies. This includes adherence to established laws such as sunshine laws/record retention, copyright laws, Freedom

of Information Act (FOIA), First Amendment, privacy laws and information security policies established by the Northeast Texas Public Health District.

Departments are responsible for ensuring a screen shot of the site is taken

weekly and saved to a City server (p:social media public record) to ensure an

ongoing record of the activity on the site is maintained. A screen shot of any

post that is removed from the site must be taken and retained per the Health

Districts record retention policy.

3. Employees should be aware of the Terms of Service (TOS) of the particular form of

media. Each form of social media has its own unique TOS that regulate how users interact using that particular form of media. Any employee using a form of social

media on behalf of a state agency should consult the most current TOS in order to avoid violations. If the TOS contradict NET Health policy then the Communications Director should be made aware and a decision should be made

about whether use of such media is appropriate.

4. Whenever possible, links to more information should direct users back to the Health Department’s official website for information, forms, documents or online services necessary to conduct business with the Northeast Texas Public Health

District.

4. All videos posted on social media websites are reviewed and approved by the Communications Director prior to being posted on the web.

NETPHD Social Media Comments Policy

“The purpose of this site is to present matters of public interest in the Northeast Texas Public Health District that are related to a Northeast Texas Public Health District function. We encourage you to submit your questions, comments, and concerns, but please note this is a moderated online discussion site and not

a public forum. Once posted, NETPHD reserves the right to delete submissions that contain vulgar language, personal attacks of any kind, or offensive comments that target or disparage any ethnic, racial,

or religious group. NETPHD prohibits any harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, or national origin. Harassment, as it pertains to social media, is verbal conduct that shows hostility toward an individual because of these protected characteristics, and that has the purpose or

effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment as defined by law. Further, NETPHD also reserves the rights to delete information or links to other sites; (ii) clearly off topic; (iii) advocate

illegal activity; (iv) promote particular services, products, or political organizations; or (v) infringe on copyrights or trademarks.

Please note that the comments expressed on this site do not reflect the opinions and position of the District and employees. Any communications through this site that are discussing the official business of

NETPHD are considered public information. If you have any questions concerning the operation of this online moderated discussion site, please contact stephanie.taylor@talho.org

Representatives of NETPHD communicate via this Web site. cConsequently any communication via this site (whether by an employee or the general public) may be subject to monitoring and disclosure to third parties.

1. Login information, including User IDs and passwords, must be provided by the PIO. The PIO or

an authorized employee must be assigned as an administrator on the page. Passwords must be secure.

2. Violation of these standards may result in the removal of a department’s pages from social media sites. The PIO retains the authority to remove pages.

3. Violations of these standards by District employees could result in disciplinary action against those

employees including, but not limited to, suspension or termination. Employees with questions about the Social Media policy should contact the PIO immediately.

XIII. DIGITAL SIGNAGE POLICY

Purpose:

The goal of the signage policy is to provide a user-friendly system that is informative, professional,

aesthetically- inviting, and consistent. Consistent signage system effects greater information retention by

the patrons promotes visual continuity and establishes and maintains an overall brand for the Northeast

Texas Public Health District (NET Health). The purposes of this are the following;

preserve and enhance the appearance of the organization;

reduce potential hazards to pedestrians and motorists that may result from distracting or incorrect

signage;

recognize that signage is an integral part of the marketing and public relations functions performed

by departments within NET Health;

encourage sound signage practices to provide clear & timely public information to members of the

community;

promote the public health initiatives, safety, and general welfare of the community;

The intent of the provisions contained in this policy is to provide standards and minimum requirements in order to evaluate and regulate signage displayed on NET Health property. It is the further intent of this policy to set the overall parameters pertaining to NET Health signage and allow for implementation of the

policy through developed procedures.

Policy:

Sign Request: a standard sign request form will accommodate all incoming sign requests from the NET

Health Leadership Team (see Appendix I). It must be filled out for all signs at least one week in advance.

This form will be distributed to all departments. Any staff member may fill out a sign request, with the

approval of his/her Director.

Sign Approval: All requests are forwarded to the Public Information Officer. Requesters will then be

notified of the action taken and when to expect the signs to be displayed.

Guidelines for Digital Signage:

Approval will be given in the following priority groups:

Communicate emergency information.

Content: The creation of content for display on the digital signage system is the responsibility of the Department.

The content for display should answer the 5 W’s (Who, What, When, Where, Why or How). For more information on creating your department’s message, please contact the Public Information Officer at 903-

535-0020. Advertisement of commercial products or services on the digital signage system is prohibited.

To optimize the management of digital signage content, the PIO reserves the right to determine what

content is displayed on the digital sign, and determine the duration, dates, and times content is displayed. Content:

In accordance with the City of Tyler, City Code Chapter 10, Article VI., Division H., Sign and Billboard Regulations, the following will be standard practice:

- A minimum hold of three (3) seconds, with one (1) second per line of copy. - No animation of any type, or flashing light, or “spell on” display

The Code can be found at www.tylerpz.org

Changes to the digital sign board will be made 2 times per week on Tuesday mornings & Thursday mornings as allowed by scheduling. Changes will be made by the PIO.

Attachment A Guide to Writing a Press Release

Compose a short headline that clearly describes the news release content and grabs the reader's attention. Center it in bold type on the page. Place concise secondary subheads in italics below the

main headline.

Begin the first paragraph with your dateline. The dateline identifies where the news originated. For example, "MADISON, WI.—The Madison Health Department launched a new program today to

help kids get active right in their own neighborhood."

Put the date, time and other time-critical information related to your activities in the first

paragraph. Concisely summarize the facts—who, what, when, where and why—in the first paragraph.

In the second paragraph, insert a quote from a leader within your LHD, such as the director or a

project head, about the event or program. Be sure to identify the source of all quotes. Make sure that the quote content explains and enhances the story, and that there is a clear relationship between the person quoted and the story. Try to limit the number of quotes to no more than two

people.

Details on the event and the program go in the third paragraph.

The final paragraph covers basic organizational information, e.g., who you are, history of the event or program. If you have a list of member organizations, sponsors, or other partners, list them in an

attachment rather than incorporating that information into the text of the release. This makes it easier for a reporter or editor to review.

If your release goes beyond one page, type "-more-" at the bottom of the first page. Keep the release to a maximum of two pages, but strive for one.

Use short, declarative sentences and double-space the lines. Make sure to use an active verb and the word "today" in your first sentence.

Avoid the use of jargon and explain any acronyms at their first use, e.g. "The Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention (CDC)…" Avoid "puff" words and phrases such as "exciting," "very large," "monumental," etc. Be as clear and concrete as possible in your descriptions.

Link the facts of the project or event to an important issue or need in your local community. Using real-life examples helps make the human connection. Highlight benefits of your work to the

community.

Review the release for clarity and flow, and be sure that all words and names are spelled correctly.

P.O. BOX 2039 • TYLER, TEXAS 75710

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 1/7/2011 Contact: Stephanie Taylor

Public Information Officer News Release 903-535-0028

NORTHEAST TEXAS PUBLIC HEALTH DISTRICT

OBSERVES CERVICAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

Tyler (TX) – The United States Congress designated January as Cervical Health Awareness Month. During this month, the Northeast Texas Public Health District (NET Health) works to help women learn the importance of early detection and prevention of HPV and Cervical Cancer, in order to achieve longer,

healthier lives.

“Cervical Cancer is the most preventable cancer for women, “says Jonathan MacClements, M.D., Smith County Health Authority. “The best way to lower a women’s risk of cervical cancer is to get a pap test regularly and speak to their doctor about the HPV test or vaccine.”

According to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), in Texas, the rates for Hispanic and

African American women are higher than Caucasian women. Women of all ages, from teens to older adults, have a chance of getting cancer of cervix. You can decrease your likelihood of cervical cancer by being screened early and regularly and by lessening your chances of HPV infection which may include getting the

HPV vaccine. Cancer of the cervix can also be prevented by getting regular Pap tests. The Pap test can find cervical pre-cancers at early, treatable stages.

“NET Health has a program through DSHS, to provide Pap tests to women at no charge, who are uninsured or underinsured and who meet income guidelines, “says Stephanie Taylor, NET Health Director of

Community Outreach & Assistance. “We would like to encourage the women in East Texas to have their regular pap tests and to be aware that assistance is available.”

For more information about Cervical Cancer screening and the HPV vaccine visit www.healthyeasttx.org or call the NET Health Community Outreach & Assistance Department at 903-535-0028.

George T. Roberts, Jr.

Chief Executive Officer www.healthyeasttx.org

Attachment C Form A-021

COMMUNITY EDUCATION AND OUTREACH

Each staff member (volunteer or employee) will prepare this form after each Community

Education or Outreach activity and submit it to the Chief Executive Officer.

Organization:

Point of Contact: Telephone:

Fax: E-mail:

Subject of Talk/Meeting:

Date: Time: Number of Participants:

Summary:

Submitted by:

Department:

NETPHD FORM A-021 (10-08)

Attachment D Tips for Responding to Media Inquires

Assess your organization's risk areas, what could go wrong and plan to minimize

Take each issue and design a response start with organization's mission, value statements.

Take each issue and determine what is not to be said keep information relevant to issue only.

Be prepared before speaking; ask for a few minutes before responding.

Use your time to review your message and ensure you are representing your organization

in a professional manner.

Stay in charge of the interview. You are not obligated to answer a question if it is not

relevant to the issue, stay focused on issues. Your job is to give information that gives credibility to your organization.