Is your spokesperson ready to face the media?

Obama, XL Foods and others show what happens when you’re simply not

ready.

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The President Wasn’t Ready!

Insiders say Obama didn’t get the prep he needed before the debate

                                                                                                 

The. region,

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The warning signs …. The New York Times reports that Obama’s debate preparations had to be cancelled or cut short.

On stage, the president seemed frustrated and thrown off by Romney’s more moderate style and moderator Jim Lehrer’s lack of pointed questions. (lack of prep)

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How the presidential debate changed the campaign

October 9, 2012

UNDATED -- Political observers say President Obama’s lackluster performance in the presidential debate has fundamentally altered the race.National polling from Pew and Gallup suggests there is evidence to suggest that the race has shifted, with Mitt Romney now pulling into the lead with less than a month to go before voting day.

Even the president’s biggest fan, talk show host David Letterman, couldn’t resist lampooning Obama with a top 10 list of excuses for his dismal performance during the debate. http://www.mediaite.com/tv/letterman-presents-obamas-top-ten-excuses-for-his-lackluster-debate-performance/

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Alberta cases

•XL Foods

•Stephen Duckett

•Edmonton Arena

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XL Foods Inc.

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XL Foods' limited public response 'antithesis' of Maple Leaf Foods' actions in 2008 Posted: Oct 9, 2012 5:04 AM ET

BROOKS, Alta. (CBC) -- XL Foods Inc. is in the midst of the largest beef recall in Canadian history.But the limited public response from the company since E. coli was detected in beef products at the plant has garnered widespread criticism.At this point, XL has released only a few media statements and so far and no XL manager has come forward to speak directly to consumers.

This is nothing like the wide regard Maple Leaf Foods received for their accountability and leadership during a similar situation in 2008.

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Head of XL Foods plant apologizes   

Oct. 12, 2012

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An apology nearly a month after the meat recall

Postmedia News October 12, 2012

OTTAWA — The head of XL Foods apologized unequivocally to those who were sickened by eating tainted meat and vowed to “making sure this doesn’t happen again.”In his only interview since XL became mired in the largest ever beef recall in Canadian history, a contrite Brian Nilsson said XL Foods will invest whatever is needed to make sure the food safety gaps at the plant never recur.Nilsson has weathered blistering attacks in the media for remaining mum for so long.

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But this week, the CFIA announced yet another recall of beef from the plant, this time involving brands sold under different product names in B.C. and Alberta.

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Beef workers laid off again in Alberta as CFIA announces another recall 

The XL Foods cattle processing plant in Brooks, Alta.

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CALGARY — Just three years ago, Brian and Lee Nilsson paid $145 million US to buy the Brooks packing facility, feedlot and fertilizer operations that made XL Foods Inc. Canada’s largest domestically owned meat processor.But amid the country’s biggest ever beef recall, the brothers are now handing thekeys for their shuttered plant to a multinational processer for less than $100 million.

Beef recall was likely ‘death knell’ for XL Foods

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Edmonton Arena Deal

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After building goodwill with a public apology,Daryl Katz does not meet the mayor’s deadline

EDMONTON - The downtown arena deal is hanging by a thread after Oilers owner Daryl Katz refused to appear and tell city council what he needs to complete the project.“Perhaps with more time and political leadership, this project can still be saved,” Katz wrote in a letter to the mayor.

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Council votes to cease negotiations with Katz Group on downtown arena

Edmonton city council voted Wednesday to cease negotiations with the Katz Group on a downtown arena and will explore the possibility of building an arena themselves.

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Discussion:

•How is Katz’s communications style affecting the waythe public and the media feel about the arena deal?

•What advice would you offer Katz or the mayor atthis point when it comes to communications?

•Is there one thing we can take away from this as alesson for people negotiating in public?

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Stephen Duckett:

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THE COOKIE MONSTER:

The former head of Alberta Health Services, decided to use a cookie as a shield to ignore questions from the media after an important public meeting.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DxeCK5Ne_Q

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What did we learn from these scenarios?

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•Reading key messages in the back of the car simply doesn’t cut it!

•Spend at least as much time prepping as was spent building the messages.

•Never take the public or the media for granted.

•Speakers need to be reminded often what’s at stake – brand and reputation.

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What to do with speakers who are reluctant to practice key messages:

• Get them to answer one tough question. Put them on the spot in the same way that a reporter would do if given the chance. If they can’t put together a solid answer that uses the key messages, then you’ll both know there’s a problem.

• Get them on camera. Show them how they look, how they sound and what mistakes they’re making. Be firm but gentle. Also use the camera to show them how they are improving with practice and coaching.

• Show them what’s at stake if they’re not prepared or if they ignore advice on how to stay on message. Show them the Tony Hayward clip (“I want my life back!”)

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The last resort when all else fails:

• Stage an intervention. Bring in your most trusted colleagues and make your case firmly to the person who won’t take the time to practice key messages.

• Or you can always call in a consultant.

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Is your spokesperson ready to face the media?