Justin Timberlake Takes the High Road
September 20, 2007It’s always tempting to bash a competitor or someone you were close to, especially when they’re down. But when I do media training, I always counsel spokespeople to take the high road, even when the reporter brings up a competitor by name.
First, don’t mention that company or person by name, second, acknowledge your rival in a positive way, as in “the company you mention is certainly a worthy competitor, but what makes us different is…”
Justin Timberlake just did this in his interview with Oprah. Oprah asked Justin what he thinks is happening to his former girlfriend Britney Spears.
He said he didn’t know, but added, “What I do know about her is she has a huge heart, and she is a great person.”
Knowing when to take the high road about a former friend now in trouble, instead of taking the cheap shot like so many others, shows Justin Timberlake has a good heart–and is destined for a long career.