When talking to the media I used to try never to say, “I don’t know.” I felt like it was my responsibility to know and it was my responsibility to tell the media everything they wanted to know (as long as it was appropriate).
I used to provide answers I didn’t know by speculating, kind of saying some stuff I did know and other things I just thought. Real bad idea. Like the worst idea.
I graduated to saying stuff I did know and adding some forever lines. This is good but not that great for the media. Plus, when I told the media stuff I did know they would ask me more about it until I didn’t know anymore. This is an OK technique but still not that great.
The thing is, if I don’t know then it’s probably too detailed or out of my lane to talk about anyway.
Finally now, I just say, “I don’t know.” I often don’t even say, “I’ll find out.” The media is usually cool with that. Of course I will find out if they really need to know for their story but usually they just want to know for additional context.
Not lazy, just the truth Sally.
