Make Your Press Conference Successful

In a previous blog we mentioned events associated with public relations.  One of those events is the press conference.  Press conferences can be very successful for your franchise or business when it is done in the right way.  What makes a press conference successful versus unsuccessful?  Multiple factors make up the answer to this question and we though we would cover that in a blog.  Here are a few tips on making your press conference successful:  

1- Pick a good date and time:  Choosing Christmas Day or an even lesser known holiday isn’t a great day to hold your press conference on.  Time is also another factor.  If you decide to throw your press conference right at the rush hour time slot reporters will not be pleased having to fight the traffic just to attend your conference.  Try to choose a day that is holiday free and time appropriate to ensure the max amount of coverage, after all, the point of throwing a PR event like a press conference is to get coverage.  

2- Take control:  Always keep in mind that you and your franchise (and perhaps your franchise public relations firm if you are working with one) run the show when it comes to a press conference.  You are throwing the event and you control it.  Reporters shouldn’t be shouting out questions or speaking out of turn.  You have the right to call on reporters and answer the questions you wish to answer.  It’s your show, so take control.

3- Manage your time wisely:  Most press conferences don’t run very long.  Some will run for fifteen minutes, some for a half hour and some for perhaps an hour.  Always keep the time in mind.  Make sure you are covering exactly what you wished for the press conference to cover.  Don’t waste time or stall.  Get straight to the point.

4- Watch how you answer questions:  During a press conference, be prepared for a full battery of questions.  Know what questions you are willing to answer and which questions you are not comfortable answering.  If you are working with a public relations firm they will get you prepared for this type of event. 

5- Preparation is key: Preparation is a vital part of holding a great press conference.  Do a basic run through of possible questions and answers that may get asked of you and your franchise during the press conference.  A mock press conference is a great way to help you prepare for the real deal. 

Have any great tips you can recommend on throwing a successful press conference?  Feel free to leave tips below or contact us.