The goal of every public appearance or interview by a politician is to “stay on message”. In itself, it’s not a malign tactic but the constant repetition of the same messages without answering questions can be a form of obfuscation.
AAP Image/Lukas Coch
Any good political spin doctor employs a range of overt and covert tactics to get their message across. Here are some of the most common ones.
Leaders like Burundi’s President Pierre Nkurunziza, captured here playing football while his country is engulfed in turmoil, need to keep their eye on the ball and communicate effectively during times of crisis.
Reuters/Goran Tomasevic
Rather than viewing the media as enemies, African leaders should take a leaf from some Western politicians’ books and consider journalists as potential allies.
The PM does plain talk on BBC Question Time, April 30.
Stefan Rousseau/PA
From spontaneous selfies to the spin room, the communications gurus have excelled themselves this time around