By Diane Streleckis - The nature of politics means politicians are used to being interviewed on video. But just because they do it often doesn’t mean they’re immune from common missteps. Kerry Barrett, founder of media-training firm Kerry Barrett Consulting. and an Emmy-winning broadcast journalist, shared four anecdotes highlighting what communication professionals can look out for, whether they’re on camera or advising business leaders and colleagues.

Misstep 1: Ducking out of the frame furtively

Marco Rubio’s rebuttal of the 2013 State of the Union address made news for all the wrong reasons when he tried to sneak a sip of water during his speech.

“It happens to all of us. We get nervous or we haven't hydrated properly and our mouths start to mumble a little bit. You could hear that was happening to him,” said Barrett. “But instead of saying hold on a second, he tried to duck out of the frame, then get the water and drink it off to the side, hoping that nobody saw him. Of course, everyone was watching saw him.”

Barrett stressed, “That was the only thing that anybody ever talked about when it came to his rebuttal. His message was completely gone.”

Key takeaway: When a mistake happens, own it.

Misstep 2: Owning a mistake undiplomatically

Texas Governor Rick Perry owned his mistake a bit too obviously when he forgot a point—and said so. “The moderators asked him the three departments that he was going to cut funding. These cuts were a central part of his platform for the duration of his campaign. He said the first one. He said the second one. And then he said, ‘I can't remember the third,’” Barrett said.

A better strategy, according to Barrett, would be to “maneuver your answer so that you're not clearly stating that you've completely forgotten everything that you've been talking about on your campaign.”

Key takeaway: Sometimes too much honesty is as harmful as not enough.

Misstep 3: Applying media-training techniques too diligently

Arizona Senator Katie Britt showed her media training all too well when making a rebuttal. “She did all the right things with her hands, changed her vocal inflection, and used pattern interrupts and changed the pace,” Barrett said. “But it was so fake looking. It was almost like the skills were wearing her rather than she wearing the skills.”

Key takeaway: Don’t get so caught up in applying the training that you lose your humanity and authenticity.  

Misstep 4: Forgetting the microphone may still be on even when the camera is off

President Joe Biden has had comments picked up by a hot mic on several occasions. Barrett cited two during his tenure as Vice President. “In one, he used an expletive. In the other, he spoke about LaGuardia or JFK airports as though they were third-world facilities. He used the phrase ‘third world’ specifically,” Barrett said.

As she stressed, “If you have a microphone on, assume it's on at all times.”

Key takeaway: Whether you’re wearing a mic or standing next to someone who is, say nothing you wouldn’t want others to hear.

Diane Streleckis is a writer and content strategist dedicated to using the power of words for good. Understanding what makes people tick and then sharing practical ideas to help support their needs and concerns is Diane’s mission. She’s applied this mission mindset across industries for more than 30 years.