Talking Points
Talking points are key messages or ideas prepared for spokespersons, executives, or clients to use during interviews, presentations, or media interactions. They are like a well-organized guide that helps ensure important messages are delivered consistently and effectively. Think of them as a cheat sheet that helps speakers stay on message and cover all essential information. PR professionals create these to help their clients or executives communicate clearly and avoid missing crucial information when speaking to the media or public.
Examples in Resumes
Developed Talking Points for CEO media appearances during company rebranding
Created crisis management Talking Points that helped client navigate PR challenges
Prepared Key Messages and Talking Points for quarterly earnings calls
Crafted Message Points for executive team during national product launch
Typical job title: "PR Professionals"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find PR Professionals
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you develop talking points for a crisis situation?
Expected Answer: Should explain their process for gathering facts, assessing the situation, identifying key stakeholders, and crafting messages that address concerns while protecting the organization's reputation. Should mention the importance of preparing for different scenarios and having backup responses ready.
Q: How do you ensure talking points remain consistent across different spokespersons and channels?
Expected Answer: Should discuss systems for message coordination, training methods for spokespersons, and tools used to track and update messaging across teams and platforms. Should mention experience with message evolution over time while maintaining core themes.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What elements do you include when creating talking points for a media interview?
Expected Answer: Should mention key messages, supporting facts/statistics, anticipated questions and responses, and specific examples or stories that illustrate main points. Should discuss how to adapt messages for different media formats.
Q: How do you measure the effectiveness of talking points?
Expected Answer: Should discuss methods like media coverage analysis, message pull-through in coverage, spokesperson feedback, and audience response. Should mention tools and metrics used to track message effectiveness.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is the difference between talking points and a press release?
Expected Answer: Should explain that talking points are brief, conversational guidelines for speakers, while press releases are formal written announcements for media. Should understand how they work together in PR campaigns.
Q: How do you research and verify information for talking points?
Expected Answer: Should discuss using reliable sources, fact-checking processes, and consulting with subject matter experts. Should mention importance of keeping information current and accurate.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic writing and editing of talking points
- Research and fact-checking
- Understanding of media relations basics
- Support in message development
Mid (2-5 years)
- Independent creation of talking points
- Message strategy development
- Stakeholder message coordination
- Media training support
Senior (5+ years)
- Crisis communication strategy
- Executive communication counsel
- Complex message development
- Team leadership and training
Red Flags to Watch For
- Poor writing skills or frequent grammatical errors
- Inability to simplify complex information
- Lack of media relations experience
- No crisis communication experience
- Poor understanding of different audience needs
Related Terms
Need more hiring wisdom? Check these out...
Stop the Turnover Epidemic: Proven Tactics Every HR Leader Must Know
From Farewells to Future Allies: Transforming Exit Interviews into Lifelong Connections
Unlocking Team Potential: Personality Mapping for Dynamic Management
