'No Comment' At Your Own Risk

When journalists ask you a question, it's typically because they need a comment.

It's not necessarily that they just want to take to you or think you're so awesome. They need information from you for their story. Depending on the degree of seriousness, sometimes a "no comment" is necessarily BUT you don't have to be rude.

I can admit that they way reporters ask for that comment can sometimes be a bit obnoxious -- and the more reporters there are, the worse it can get.

However, their motivation and even the way they ask you the question should not be your immediate concern. Your concern is: how can I make a comment that is safe and doesn't reveal too much without looking as if I've done something wrong?

If a story that you're involved in heats up, some comment is better than no comment. When you don't say anything, reporters can fill those holes with all types of other information. Here are some tips to keep in mind when you're forming a comment when you really just want to say "no comment."

• Have a "safe" statement. This statement isn't defensive and you don't necessarily directly combat what is being said about you. This is where you say something like, "We are using all of our resources to make sure this issue is resolved quickly and fairly. But Organization XYZ will remain dedicated to saving the lives of starving children..." or whatever it is that you do.
• Don't get backed into a legal corner. If you know you can't comment on an issue because of the legality of it or because your attorney told you not to, say that. "Unfortunately, our legal counsel has advised us against giving certain information to the press at this time. We'll let you know when we can release that information.
• Don't let reporters get you angry. They are going to shout questions at you. They may ask you some very personal things. If you need to, get yourself together before you answer and stay calm.