The document outlines tips for communicating effectively under pressure in different situations such as presentations, legislative testimony, media interviews, and difficult situations. It provides guidance on delivery techniques for presentations, being concise and personal in legislative testimony, responding carefully and accurately in difficult situations, and using simple language and bridging mechanisms in tough media interviews. The overall message is to know your key messages, stay calm, and take the high road when communicating under pressure.

1. Leadership Training Program
Texas Alliance of Groundwater Districts • Oct. 24, 2018

2. Communicating Under Pressure

3. Presentation Delivery

4. 1. Delivery is critical
a. Eye contact
b. Voice
c. Gestures

5. d. Posture
e. Movement
f. Avoid saying “um”

6. 2. Prepare
3. Anticipate

7. Giving Legislative Testimony

8. 1. How it works
2. Be nice
3. Be concise

9. 4. Be personal
5. Bring copies
6. Thank legislators
7. Follow up

10. Difficult Situations
• Contested case hearings
• Media interviews

11. 1. Speak carefully
2. Listen attentively
3. Respond accurately

12. Tips for Tough Media Interviews
1. Use simple language – subjects and verbs
2. Don’t mirror
3. Don’t answer hypothetical questions
4. Don’t say “no comment” – provide response
5. Use bridging mechanism

13. In summary
1. Know your message
2. Stay calm
3. Take the high road

14. Questions?
laura@raunpr.com
512.797.9925