Media Handbook for National Human Rights Institutions UN Photo by Mark Garten. Panel discussions: Be engaging and offer your expertise. It is also important to be respectful and contrast your views with those of fellow panellists. Bring up an issue or perspective that hasn’t been raised by others. Talkback programmes: Radio talkback shows are very popular and provide an opportunity to respond to questions posed by the audience, which are submitted by phone, email or text message. Respond to questions as if you were in that person’s house; use the person’s name, be respectful, have a conversational tone and speak in plain language. Making your points Here are some techniques to help keep the interview focussed on the key messages you want to communicate: • Bridging: Listen for the larger issue behind the question. Make the connection to your issue and turn the question to your points (i.e. “I think what you are really asking is…”). • Headlining: Start with your key point and then explain it (i.e. “What I really want to make clear is that …”) • Enumerate your points: Explain a complicated message by making it difficult for the journalist to edit or separate your points (i.e. “There are three core issues at the heart of the debate about gender equality: 1)… 2)… 3)...”). • Know when to stop: Journalists often use silence to try and draw unintended remarks from an interviewee. Don’t keep talking after you have finished making your point. Chapter 2: Engaging with the media: Tools and strategies | 35