Preparing thoroughly for an interview increases your chances of handling it well. Consider each of the following points carefully.

Learn the Ground Rules for Representing the Church

• Obtain approval from your local priesthood leader to participate. He should also approve the person who will participate in the interview.
• Learn as much as you can about the material to be covered in the interview.
• Become familiar with the guidelines in this training guide.
• Never attack other religions or other points of view.
• If you must talk about Church critics, do not make negative references to their character, personality, or motivation.
  

Prepare the Interviewer

Before the interview, send the interviewer or producer some background information about the Church or the topic to be discussed. Media guides are especially helpful (see Strategic Media Relations/Understanding the Media/Contacting the Media). By doing this, you can help steer the interviewer toward those subjects you would like to discuss. Do not send background material, however, that raises questions you don't want to address.

Alert Church Members

When a media organization discusses the Church, those of other faiths often ask questions of Church members. This provides an excellent opportunity for missionary work. Make sure that priesthood leaders tell members about upcoming interviews.