BASIC INTERVIEW STRATEGY

1.Be yourself.  Don�t attempt to change your style.  If you are comfortable with humor, for example, and it is appropriate, use it.

2.         It�s okay, even on television, to use notes.  But these should be notes, not a script.  Never attempt to commit your answers to memory.  If you are being interviewed for print, it�s okay to tape your interview.  Simply tell the reporter that you like to keep a record of your interviews.

3.         You can aviod making a �blooper� by never saying anything you wouldn�t want to hear or see in print.  There is no such thing as �off the record.�  If you have the slightest doubt, don�t say it!

4.         When you are being interviewed as representative of your association, you are never speaking for yourself.  Don�t fall into the trap of giving your personal opinion.  Any remarks you make will be attributed to you as a representative of your  association, no matter how you qualify your answer.

5.         If you disagree with anything the interviewer says, let him/her know immediately.  If you let such a statement pass, the assumption may be that you agree.

6.         Don�t become defensive.  Even though a reporter may be rude or hostile, you can�t win by getting into an argument.

7.         If an interviewer continually interrupts, you have the right to ask him/her to give you an opportunity to finish your statement.

8.         If you are asked a hypothetical question, give a hypothetical answer.  Make certain you label it as such.

9.         If the interviewer asks a question and then gives you a choice of two answers, you don�t have to choose.  Neither answer may be appropriate.

10. If the interviewer gets off the subject and onto one you think irrelevant to your objectives, it's up to you to bring the interview back on track.
11. Be wary of statistics. Don't assume the interviewer is using the correct statistics and, if you use then, make sure you have the correct information.
12. Keep the real audience in mind. It's not the interviewer, but the individual at home listening to the radio, watching television, or reading the newspaper. It's that individual that you want to understand and act on your message.
13. Always take time to prepare for an interview. If a reporter from a radio station or newspaper calls you, find our what he/she wants to ask, what the deadline is and then offer to call back. Thus you will have the time to gather your information and formulate your goals. Always call back within the agreed time period. 

NEW EDUCATIONAL PC GAME

14. Building Homes of Our Own is an interactive teaching tool 
15. Students can go through the entire program at once or they 
16. Because the home building process incorporates so many 
17. Students learn how environment, community issues, local 

For a preview of Building Homes if our Own and information on how to receive a copy go to www.HomesOfOurOwn.org