DOORSTEPPERS

I hope you won't encounter anything like this. It could mean you're really hot news on account of starring in the latest Hollywood blockbuster, but it could equally mean you're about to star in court.

It generally involves twenty journalists, six camera crews and a couple of satellite vans waiting for you when you step out of your office building, home or courtroom.

The key - take control

	They're there to see and hear you. Don't retreat - come slightly forward and welcome the pack. Don't let them back you against a wall or doorway.
	Anchor yourself firmly on the spot or you'll tend to sway. Or worse, shift sideways. Planting your feet a shoulder's width apart will stop that. And give your hands something to do - carrying a file is good. Or clasp them behind your back - and try not to think of Phil the Greek.
	Hold up your hands or call, "Ladies, gentlemen, thank you". They'll settle down. You may well make an announcement about the event.
	Don't, whatever you do, say "No comment". That sort of thing is reserved only for the guilty. It's a good idea, though, to get away fairly quickly. This sort of thing tends to happen during emergencies and other pressurised situations and you won't have time to prepare much.
	Announce that you can spare just two minutes. Or that you can take three questions. And give a reason. If it's a real emergency you might well be on your way to a hospital to visit the injured workers. Or you might be needed in court. Or something as simple as you can see your car just arrived and it's waiting on a double yellow line. A bit thin, but better than nothing. Oh, and make sure that any excuse you give is genuine!
	Pick a question. You'll probably get quite a few thrown at you. Answer the one you prefer. I've even seen people pretend to hear a non-existent question!
	If there's a lot of hubbub, try to avoid being distracted. If you get halfway through an answer, falter, then start another answer, then another the viewer will see you as indecisive. Remember that most location microphones are very directional. Even if you can hardly hear yourself speak, the microphone can. So once you've launched on an answer, finish it.
	Remember that there are six cameras all around you trying to catch a glimpse. You may decide to answer a question from over on your left, but the other crews want that answer as well. Share by looking at each of the reporters in turn (or as many as you can) for just a few seconds. Then back to the questioner, trying to arrive as you come to the end of the answer.
	Answer as many questions as you've said you would. Or give as much time as you promised. Then thank everyone firmly and leave. And don't look back!

Next - all alone with a camera.