What a spectacular example of how not to handle a press conference!
International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry was just asked three media questions she was unable to answer.
To the first, she retorted:
“Frankly, and I’m looking at my team because I was not aware Germany had made any comments around 2036, I don’t really have an opinion on it.”
To the next, she snapped:
“OK, I’m really looking at my team now and maybe someone needs to be dismissed because I’m not aware of that either!”
Her responses were awful. Her body language was even worse, as she huffed and pouted and glared around the room looking for someone to blame.
Being unfamilar with the issues wasn’t ideal. But all she needed to say was she would look into them and comment later. And if her team had let her down – which is not at all clear – surely that was a private conversation for later on?
Instead, she came across as petulant, stroppy and out of control – with a performance that seems all the more bizarre from someone who says on her LinkedIn profile: “I love being in front of the camera or on the podium”!!
This 2-min clip from LBC is well worth a watch.
For coaching on how not to do this, see more here on our spokesperson training services.

