Oops...Did I say that?

by Scott Samson

Yes, you did just say that. Your slip-up could use a little cover-up. Too bad! It went viral.

Ten years ago during a media interview, if the interviewee misspoke or was caught “off the record” saying something inappropriate, it was much easier to move forward as if nothing happened. This is not the case anymore, as Carly Fiorini, U.S. Senate candidate from California, can attest. A poor choice during a media interview can quickly go viral and catch the attention of millions of people. As former Chairman and CEO of HP and now a frontrunner in the race for a Senate seat, you would think she would know better to chitchat while sitting in front of a camera. Apparently not!

Check out this video that hit YouTube and other user-generated content sites immediately following the mishap.



The lesson? No matter what you may think or even get told, when in front of media, always stay focused and on message, and be on your best behavior. There is no such thing as “off the record” or “cameras are off." If you want to chit-chat, or talk about anything private, do it in your car, home or private office – certainly not when media is present. The one time you think nobody is listening, trust me, they are. Everyone likes a good YouTube video these days. But have no fear, we all make mistakes and move on. Fiorini certainly did and she is still the frontrunner in the polls ahead of incumbent Barbara Boxer.

I will leave you with this video, which I hope only reiterates my advice – never forget when media is present, stay focused and on message.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzgq70kO4Sk
(embedding disabled by request)