FWD: Interviewing Tips for Sikh Spokespersons

[Guest guest]

Wahe Guru Ji Ka Khalsa, Wahe Guru Ji Ki Fateh.

 

I was at a PR training last Monday. A media expert

explained that generally the media reporter already

has a story structure

(pyramid structure) in mind, and when they interview

you, their goal is to substantiate their preconceived

thesis. Therefore, when a

spokesperson talks to the media, it is imperative that

three to five main points be conveyed again and again.

 

For instance, the main points could be:

 

1.We are all Americans.

2.This is a multi-cultural country and Sikh

Americans are part of the American mosaic.

3.This is a time for all Americans to unify against

terrorism.

 

If a reporter asks you a question, you can use it as a

bridge to again come back to the above main points.

This way the reporter

cannot distort your message to suit his or her

pre-defined framework. Listen to the White House

spokespersons, for instance; they

almost always use this technique. They never deviate

from their main message, regardless of the question.

 

If we can compassionately address their questions to

reflect that we are Americans and we love America, we

will win over many

ignorant people. Tell them about Sikhs, but stay

focused on conveying that you esteem the freedom

extended to you by this great

nation. Tell them you are from Punjab, but also tell

them that you feel safer here because America is a

wonderful place. This is the

attitude with which we must answer questions. It is

not the time for a theology lesson. There will be

other opportunities for that.

Now is the time to share the pain of fellow Americans

and tell them that we have been just as affected by

the tragedy. Tell them

about the efforts we are all making at the grassroots

level – blood drives, taxi drivers ferrying passengers

free of charge, etc. We

need to stay focused on our objectives for our media

talks. Some Sikhs have been saying that we are not

Muslims – this will be

perceived as bigotry. The implications are that don’t

attack us – but go ahead and attack the muslims.

Please be careful.

 

Guru Fateh

 

Harpreet Singh

=====

Gurdwara Sahib, Milford, Massachusetts, USA.

The New England Sikh Study Circle, Inc.

http://nesscma.tripod.com milford_gurdwara

Calendar: http://calendar./public/milford_gurdwara

 

 

Terrorist Attacks on U.S. - How can you help?

Donate cash, emergency relief information

http://dailynews./fc/US/Emergency_Information/

 

 

 

Your use of is subject to