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● Introduction & Index ● What is PR ● Job Expectations ● Types of Media ● Building Relationships ● Media, Hams & FCC Rules ● The Basic News Release ● Interviews and Live ● Making your own show ● Easy P.R. ● Public Service Events ● Piggy-back to Events ● Pictures NOW! ● P.R. Research Aids ● Making Friends ● ARES® PIO ● Final Exam Information Next Page

Section 8: Interviews and Live Appearances Appearance and Dress Radio Interviews Talks and Presentations Goals of this section: Understand the importance of PIO appearance Identify appropriate and inappropriate dress in PR Learn basic skills to deal with live and recorded interviews Review the steps needed to make a talk or presentation Appearance and Dress Have you ever heard the old expression, “first impressions are everything”? Nothing could say it better when it comes to good public relations and dealing with the media – especially television. If you as PIO have developed a relationship with local media, you may already know the reporter, however often the reporter will be someone who has been “assigned” to do the story, and is someone that you have never met before. This person often has little or no clue as to what Amateur Radio is all about, and what we hams are like. This is truly our chance to shine! It goes without saying that good grooming is one of the most important factors of being a good PIO where you are the one who carries the ball for ALL of us. The perception level on the part of the reporter, whether radio, television or print, is one whereby the person representing us becomes the boilerplate of what and who everyone else in the hobby are. You become me – and I want to look good! So let’s start with some of the basics. First a few bad examples we all have seen: a. H/T’s hanging all over the belt or antennas on hat b Sloppy, wrinkled or unkempt dress c poor or “loud” color coordination of clothing. So what is the right way to make a good impression for us all? While a suit and tie for men or a nice dress for the ladies would be optimum, this is not a realistic expectation in all events. However a nice polo or golf shirt and slacks is ideal, and could often make the difference in what the reporter does with the story. An official League or club shirt works even better or something of your own which has an ARES or League patch. If you have a PIO or other type of official badge, make sure it is on, straight and positioned for visibility to introduce yourself to your audience, or for on camera interviews. Make sure they know who you are and what your position/credentials might be.