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Background Information
Press Conferences at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario can be held for a variety of reasons by a variety of people:
- A Cabinet Minister wants to announce a new government policy or initiative
- An MPP wants to announce something significant that has happened or will happen in their riding
- An Opposition MPP wants to request something of the government or bring public awareness to an issue
- An Office of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, such as the Ombudsman or the Auditor General wants to present a report that they have prepared
- Interest groups or lobby groups want to bring awareness to an issue (these groups require a Member of Provincial Parliament to sponsor their press conference)
The Keys to a successful Press Conference
Define your goals:
- What do you want to say?
- Why do you want to announce it?
- Who do you want to say it to?
- What are you hoping will come from your press conference?
Some goals might include:
- Sending a message to a decision maker about something you want to happen
- Get publicity about something you’ve done or an issue you feel is important
- Get more people involved in what you’re doing
- Informing the public about a decision that has been made. You may be for or against this decision and will provide information accordingly
Choose a time, a date and the location for your Press Conference
The classroom or a small auditorium can be used. The media usually sits facing the presenter (usually standing) or panel (usually seated) making the presentation.
Presentation Skills 101
Speaking in public can be unnerving. It’s a common fear but it’s essential when delivering an effective press conference. The easiest way to present eloquently is to practice. It’s a good idea to have notes to refer to but you should know your topic well enough that notes are not necessary. Reading entirely off of a sheet should be avoided if at all possible. Being yourself and engaging your audience (the media) will make for a more successful event.
The role of the moderator
A moderator is someone who keeps the press conference on track. This person makes sure the event begins on time, and ensures that the questions being asked by the media stay on topic and are relevant to the information being presented. The media is given an opportunity to ask their questions at the end of the presentation. The moderator will select a reporter to stand and ask his or her question. Depending on the question the reporter may have an opportunity to ask a follow up question to the response.
Prepare background materials
Typically, one or two pages of information is handed out to all of the journalists moments before the press conference begins. This document includes information that may be difficult to remember like statistics and the key messages. It is read by journalists quickly before the press conference begins and helps them to formulate their questions, tweet or post fast facts about what is happening and is used later when writing longer articles about the topic.
Be prepared for all questions
While the moderator is there to keep questions relevant to your topic, it’s important to be prepared to answer all (and sometimes tough) questions about your presentation. Have a list of all statistics handy and refer to them as needed. If you don’t know the answer to a question, don’t make it up. You will likely be on camera and people will be quoting what you say. If you’re not absolutely if something is true or not do not pass it off as fact but instead say something to the effect of: “We believe that…” or “We feel that…” If you get stuck and don’t know the answer to a question be honest and say that while you don’t have that information with you, you’d be happy to do some research and get back to the person that asked.
- The Canadian Political Spectrum
| Left Wing |
Centre |
Right Wing |
| more liberal |
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more conservative |
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support change in order to improve welfare of all citizens
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tradition is important but change is supported if most people want it |
tradition is important and change should be treated with caution |
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law and order are important to protect the rights of citizens fairly and equally
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law and order are important to encourage and protect rights of individuals |
emphasis of law and order to protect society and its traditions |
| government should play a larger role in people's lives (social services, benefits) |
government should play a role only if it improves the lives of citizens |
government should play a smaller role in people’s lives
private business should play a larger role in fulfilling people’s needs
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more freedom given to individuals and less power to police
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less freedom given to individuals and more power to police |
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