Spokesperson much more than Bla Bla Bla
"I study bio-engineering, and you? Spokesperson. Oh so you are the one who will always be on TV and learn to talk properly?" ( Can you imagine the facepalm and hear me sigh?)
No, as a spokesperson you don't always talk on tv. Spokesperson is much more than Bla Bla Bla, and I will tell you why.
When I started this course in September as part of communication management, I did in fact not know where I was getting into. So yes, I have been thinking the same about the job of a spokesperson for a long time. After 14 intensive weeks, I can tell you that it's much more than just talking. I am happy to give you a little view into the spokessperson world.
As a spokesperson, you have the opportunity to build a network
Networking is important in any sector, especially for spokespeople. At such a networking event, you get to know the communication sector and people's motives.
An event that taught me to take a broader view this year was 'the communication summit‘.
In several debates, politicians and journalists discussed one of the basic rules of journalism: "report facts objectively, but how objective can that really be?"
According to Aurore Mudiayi Bukassa (Belga), objectivity is a difficult concept, there will always be a certain subjectivity,which is why she prefers to talk about intellectual honesty.
At Belga, they try to find a balance and be fair. “You can always propagate objectivity, one way or another, you just have to be very vigilant about it.”
I have a difficulty with the word 'objectivity'. I rather talk about intellectual honesty. Objectivity seems to me to be a myth" - Aurore Mudiayi Bukassa (Belga)
Being objective as a journalist and as a human being is almost impossible. Each of us look at a situation with a different perspective. Journalists should intent to write an objective and thorough article, taking all of these into a count.
"A journalist tries to stay away from political colours as much as possible and that works well, but a journalist can never be neutral."This confusion must end, the only neutral magazine is is that from the State." - Karl van den Broeck (apache)
These different opinions and perspectives gave the audience, including myself, a completely different view of the world of journalism. In turn, Sammy Medhi (CD&V) made me think about honesty in politics and the way the press deals with it.
"Journalists should ask the most difficult questions possible," says Sammy Mahdi. "I have to defend myself and make sure that I don't get slaughtered and don't say nonsensical things. If I say the energy policy is shit.' 'This debate is shit.' and 'The prison policy is piss.'I make the front page of all the newspapers. But if I say; 'I think that there are a number of things that need to be improved...', then nobody is with me anymore.
The more pubescent the politics, the more media attention there is, and we need to get rid of that. "
- Sammy Medhi (CD&V)
Many spokespersons have probably already developed grey hairs because of various statements and opinions. It seems that some things have to change when it comes to communication, before you know it, you will be collecting death threats like Lectr, but in the meantime, communication specialists should brace themselves for what's coming.
If I say the energy policy is shit.' 'This debate is shit.' and 'The prison policy is piss.'I make the front page of all the newspapers. But if I say; 'I think that there are a number of things that need to be improved...', then nobody is with me anymore.
Tackling tricky questions
Besides networking, this semester I also learned how to deal with questions during an interview, whether they are 'simple' basic questions or tricky questions, I got the best tips from Tom,Sara and various experts this semester.
With a solid baptism of fire for a radio & TV interview, I now know not to fall into the hypothetical trap.
Such a baptism of fire has been the ideal stepping stone for me into the future, and I am looking forward to growing and being able to tackle all kinds of questions smoothly.
Thanks to Tom Van De Vreken, Sara Vercauteren, Hilde Mertens, Dylan Van Rooy & Nathalie Vermuyten for the nice conversations, difficult questions & interesting interview techniques.
Practice makes perfect
The most beautiful, but also most difficult lesson I have learned this semester besides making press plans, interview preparations and networking events, is that you have to dare and be able to believe in yourself.
It's often by trial and error but in the end you get there.Only if you dare to admit it you can become a pro in your field. Practice makes perfect, on all levels. I would like to conclude with the following statement: "Success is not final; failure is not fatal; It is the courage to continue that counts".
I'm looking forward to my internship at Flanders Classics and I hope that with this blog, I've been able to give you another look at being a spokesperson, even though this world is much more than what I'm telling you.
"Success is not final; failure is not fatal; It is the courage to continue that counts".
Video interview with Hilde Mertens (VRT NWS)