As you pop out of your car, a reporter pops out of the bushes and demands answers to some questions!

Okay, so it may not be quite that abrupt – but you could someday find yourself face-to-face with a reporter when you least expect it to happen, when you least want it to happen or both. This is often referred to as an ‘ambush interview,’ and it should be viewed as an immediate and hostile attempt by a journalist to catch you off-guard and off your talking points.

If you keep your cool and remain on-message, you’ll maintain control of the situation – and gain the upper hand in any media coverage that results.

Click the ‘Play’ button to hear more in this episode of MediaSmart!