spokesperson

A spokesperson is a person authorized to speak on behalf of an organization, government body, or campaign to communicate official positions, policies, and information to the public and media. The spokesperson serves as the primary channel for inquiries and statements and is expected to relay accurate, timely information.

Responsibilities include preparing statements, press releases, and briefings; conducting interviews; coordinating with legal and communications teams; managing crisis communications; and ensuring messaging is consistent with organizational policy. They may also manage social media and public appearances.

Selection and qualifications: organizations choose individuals with strong communication skills, credibility, and subject-matter knowledge; training in media relations and crisis management; ability to stay composed under pressure; and adherence to legal and ethical standards. In many settings, there is a designated official spokesperson; in others, a team shares duties.

Contexts and roles: government uses press secretaries or communications directors; corporations appoint corporate spokespeople or chief communications officers; non-profits and campaigns use spokespersons. The term is often preferred over gendered terms to emphasize neutrality.

Ethics and challenges: spokespeople must avoid misrepresentation, respect confidentiality, verify information before dissemination, and balance transparency with organizational interests. They operate under scrutiny from journalists, regulators, and the public, and may face political or reputational risk in high-profile situations.