Can We Talk Off the Record?

A Seminar for the Public Relations Community


Wednesday, January 28

4:30 PM - 6:30 PM


Merrill Lynch
Conference Center - 6th Floor
1152 Fifteenth Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20005

Light refreshments provided by our generous hosts

Please join the Washington Network Group when we convene this special seminar with Ed Barks, author of The Truth About Public Speaking: The Three Keys to Great Presentations.

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About The Event:

The program's goal is to increase understanding in the public relations community about how and when to conduct media interviews off the record.

There can be disagreement - sometimes strong disagreement - about how and when media sources should conduct off the record interviews with reporters. Some public relations practitioners see the value in this technique; others say it should never be used. Ed Barks reviews the recommendations contained in his report, "Can We Talk Off the Record? Resolving Disagreements, Increasing Understanding Between Reporters and Public Relations Practitioners."

Among the key points:

 • Understand when - and when not - to go off the record
 • Get a grasp on standard definitions of off the record and other media relations techniques
 • Discover which public relations practitioners tend to know the rules of the journalistic road - and which ones don't
 • Recognize what agreements you need to put in place before speaking off the record
 • Learn how and when to negotiate ground rules
 • Stay away from situations where trust is in doubt


About Our Speaker:

Ed Barks
President
Barks Communications

Ed Barks works with corporate and association executives who need a magnetic message and sharp communications skills, and with public affairs and public relations experts who counsel their bosses and clients. Ed is the author of The Truth About Public Speaking: The Three Keys to Great Presentations, and wrote the training guide Face the Press with Confidence: The Media Interview Companion. He has served as President of Barks Communications since its inception in 1997, and has guided more than 3000 business leaders, association executives, public relations staff, and other professionals toward a sharper message and enhanced communications skills. He directed media relations efforts for a number of Washington, D.C.-based organizations. Importantly, Ed brings another critical perspective to his clients' communications needs - that of a broadcaster and journalist. He knows firsthand the tricks and techniques of the reporting trade, thanks to more than 10 years of experience in radio broadcasting. Additionally, Ed serves as Vice Chair of the National Press Club's Communications and Marketing Committee, and also serves on the Washington Network Group's Communications Roundtable Steering Committee.


Who Should Attend:

Company executives and corporate representatives, communicators of every type: media, public relations, and marketing communications; government relations and public affairs professionals; government / civil servants; the diplomatic corps; executive search and recruiting professionals.


WNG Communications Roundtable & WNG Government Roundtable:

This special event is held under the auspices of the WNG Communications Roundtable, which supports WNG Members faced with challenges in communications, public relations, marketing, investor relations, and public affairs; and also the WNG Government Roundtable, which supports leaders working in the government arena, including the public, private, and independent sectors. We support our constituents by convening business networking opportunities and content-driven programs that address issues of interest across these fields.


Special Thanks:

This event is generously hosted by Merrill Lynch.


Our Venue:

The Merrill Lynch Conference Center is located at 1152 Fifteenth Street, NW (6th Floor) in Washington, D.C. 20005, in the Central Business District. Parking garages are located along 15th Street. The area is served by the Farragut North and McPherson Square Metro stations (Orange, Blue, Red lines).


Event Registration:

Registration Fees:

WNG Members:  $20 advance registration (paid online)
Non-Members:  $40 advance registration (paid online)
 Media:  Free of charge for credentialed journalists and reporters

On-site:  There is a $10 surcharge for walk-ins paying at the door


Cancellation Policy: WNG 48-Hour Cancellation Policy applies to this event.


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