#71 Practice Without Pressure

The Problem:

• Every interview is high-stakes for candidates
• Every question could be recorded and go viral
• Can't afford to mess up, but nobody is born great at answering tough questions
• Like expecting NFL players to learn plays during the Super Bowl

The Solution: Low-Stakes Practice

• Introducing The Briefing Room - an app for practicing tough questions without pressure
• Build skills at home, in car, or during 5-minute breaks

How The Briefing Room Works:

• Practice answering tough questions you'll face on campaign trail
• Add custom questions you expect to get
• Test different answer tactics without camera pressure
• Build muscle memory until answers feel natural

Hardcore Mode:

• Records your answers for playback
• Fastest way to improve by hearing yourself
• Catch "ums" and "you knows," notice when you ramble

Three Answer Tactics to Practice (from Winning Edge #24):

1. Two Points

• Pause, say "That's a great question. It comes down to two things."
• State first point while thinking of second

2. Story + Insight

• Start with "That reminds me of..."
• Share relevant story, wrap with one-sentence insight
• Stories are more memorable than facts

3. Thinking Then and Now (Advanced)

• Validate their view: "I used to think the same thing..."
• Explain what changed your perspective
• Help people reconsider without admitting they were wrong

Bottom Line: Practice in low-stakes environment so you can perform when stakes are high. Just 5-10 minutes daily for a few weeks improves your ability to answer tough questions.

For more tips on answering tough questions, refer to the accompanying one-page PDF.

Link to The Briefing Room app.

Winning Edge gives you the tools you need to lead and influence in the political and policy arenas. Every other week, Winning Edge releases short (approximately 5-minute) spots—or “snacks”—focused on one of four areas: fundraising, media, policy, or persuasion.

For more, visit our website: www.thecommonwealthpartners.com.