Spokespeople

Spokesman

U.S. National Security Council Spokesman Sean McCormack answering questions at the Washington Foreign Press Center
Occupation
Names	Spokesperson, spokesman, spokeswoman
Employment
Activity sectors	Journalism, communications, public relations
Description
Related jobs	Public relations

A spokesman, spokeswoman or spokesperson is someone engaged or elected to speak on behalf of others.

In the present media-sensitive world, many organizations are increasingly likely to employ professionals who have received formal training in journalism, communications, public relations and public affairs in this role in order to ensure that public announcements are made in the most appropriate fashion and through the most appropriate channels to maximize the impact of favorable messages, and to minimize the impact of unfavorable messages. Celebrity spokesmen such as popular local and national sports stars (such as Michael Jordan or Bob Uecker) or television and film stars (such as Beyoncé or Michael J. Fox) are often chosen as spokespeople for commercial advertising. As of August 2017, Kayleigh McEnany and Michael Tyler (DNC spokesman) served as spokesmen of the RNC and DNC, respectively.

Unlike an individual giving a personal testimonial, it is the job of a spokesperson to faithfully represent and advocate for the organization's positions, even when these conflict with his/her own opinion. As a result, spokespeople are generally selected from experienced, long-time employees or other people who are known to support the organization's goals.

A corporation may be represented in public by its chief executive officer, chairman or president, chief financial officer, counsel or external legal advisor. In addition, on a day-to-day level and for more routine announcements, the job may be delegated to the corporate communications or investor relations departments (or equivalents), who will act as spokespeople.