| Failure to take control | The spokesperson is there to disseminate information, not just answer questions |
| Failure to anticipate questions | There should be few or no surprises in an interview |
| Failure to deliver key messages | Know the key message before the interview and practice getting it in. |
| Failure to stick to facts | Speculating or answering hypothetical questions can get you into trouble. Confine answers to what is known. |
| Failure to stay calm | When you stay cool, you show a willingness to cooperate with reporters and convey an impression of candor. |