I was on Twitter yesterday and read some great media tips from the American Farm Bureau Federation (@FarmBureau).  The YPC Public Relations Task Force is getting organized to launch a local media program to help connect young cattlemen (and women) with their local media.  Whether you are partaking in an interview with traditional media platforms (e.g., radio, newspaper, television) or social media platforms (e.g., Twitterview), it is good to keep the following media tips in mind:

Tip #1: “Determine your interview goal in advance.”

Tip #2: “Practice what you plan to say and how to say it.”

Tip #3: “Focus on and repeat your key messages.”

Tip #4: “Think and speak in headlines.”

Tip #5: “Keep your answers brief.”

Tip #6: “Say what you want to say, then stop.”

Tip #7: “Avoid industry jargon and acronyms.”

Tip #8: “Remember who your audience is.”

Tip #9: "Never go off the record."

Tip #10: "Be respectful of reporters & meet their deadlines."

If you are interested in being a local media contact for YPC, please email me at cari.rincker@gmail.com.  These YPC members are required to go through the Masters of Beef Advocacy ("MBA") program.  There will also be a second level of beef policy training for these individuals.  It is a big commitment for these folks but I think it will have long-term benefits for the industry.  It is important to get young cattle people prepared to speak to the media about the policy issues that affect the entire industry.