MEDIA/MEETING PREPARATION GUIDE

Prepared by Terry Holt, HDMK Communications 
 
(Use this form for preparing yourself for any external communications opportunity. It should always be 
concise and focused on a specific communication goal.) 
  
1.      AUDIENCE 
 Who is the audience?  
 What are they listening for?  
 How many people are in the audience?  
 What is their goal or their agenda?  
 What do you want to come from the contact?  
 
2.      MUST AIR POINTS 
These points must be made in the course of the communication, no matter what the questions. 
They must be brief and declarative.  They must also take into account the audience factors above. 
  
A.   _____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________ 
 
Supporting fact 
______________________________________________________________________ 
 
Supporting example 
______________________________________________________________________ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

© GOPAC 2011
Paid for by GOPAC. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.
 B.   _____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________ 
 
Supporting fact 
______________________________________________________________________ 
 
Supporting example 
______________________________________________________________________ 
 
 
C.   _____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________ 
 
Supporting fact 
______________________________________________________________________ 
 
Supporting example 
______________________________________________________________________ 
 
 
3.      ANTICIPATE THE TOUGH QUESTIONS 
  
Think of the questions and formulate responses to the tough questions. Identify ways to address 
the question and steer back to your must air points. 
  
Think of your questions in these basic categories: 
A. Political conflict  
B. Policy weakness  
C. Process obstacles  
D. Reaction to spot developments  
 
4.      MEASURE SUCCESS 
  
Do a brief after action analysis. 
 Did you get your points across?  
 Did you properly anticipate the tough questions? 
 Were you on Offense or Defense? 
 How will you improve for the next opportunity?   
 

© GOPAC 2011
Paid for by GOPAC. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.