How talking too much causes a PR crisis

Some people just don’t know when to stop talking.

Lately, there seems to be no shortage of folks who seem hell-bent on creating a crisis for themselves, simply because they seem not to know when to be quiet.

In the past month, we’ve seen several examples of public figures who would’ve benefitted from talking a little less. Now they’re are embroiled in crises of their own making.

Here are some lessons to be learned and media interview tips to avoid starting your own PR crisis:

1. Remember that you’re on the record.

Actor Liam Neeson was heard in an interview talking about thoughts of “violent racism” he had many years ago after someone close to him was assaulted. Of course, there was an immediate backlash from many who were outraged by his remarks.

Now, it’s not Neeson’s first time talking to a reporter. He should know better. Neeson isn’t a controversial figure—or at least he wasn’t. It wasn’t “brave,” as some suggest, for him to open up about this. It served no purpose, other than stirring up unnecessary controversy.

Lesson: If you need to unload, don’t do it in an interview with a journalist.