A Royal disaster
Seasoned Washingtonians are well-versed in the art of the press conference. But have you ever thought about what it is you shouldn’t do at a presser?
In case you were curious, you would have done well to attend Gregory Charles Royal’s press conference Tuesday morning at the National Press Club. Topic? “Sarah Palin Racist Witness.”
Royal, an African-American musician originally from Washington, D.C., claims that, way back in 1990, Sarah Palin abruptly ended a conversation she was having with Royal in Anchorage as soon as she learned that he was black.
But, note to Royal: If you’re going to levy such a charge, you better have your facts straight and details clear and not do the things he did during his remarks at the Press Club.
Things like:
-Preface your recollections with phrases such as “something like this,” “not exactly sure” and “along the lines of.”
-Arrive five minutes late, then take five minutes to charge your camera battery.
-Fail to bring enough copies of your handout for attendees.
-Hold your cooing baby while speaking at the podium.
-Pass around your laptop in order to show off a photo.
No wonder only six journalists showed up.
