MEDIA ENGAGEMENT ROLE-PLAY ASSIGNMENT
Objective: Demonstrate competency in media engagement using the 3 Cs framework.
Format: Video recording OR live role-play during training
SCENARIO ASSIGNMENT:
You are the DMO/Incident Commander during an Mpox outbreak. A journalist contacts you for an interview. Your key messages:
- 47 confirmed cases
- Early treatment is effective
- Free testing available
- We’re confident we can contain this
Difficult questions you might receive:
- “Is KCCA hiding cases?”
- “Why weren’t cases detected earlier?”
- “Are vulnerable populations being protected?”
- “People are terrified—what should they do?”
ROLE-PLAY INSTRUCTIONS
Option A (Video):
- Record yourself giving a 2-3 minute statement covering your 3-4 key messages
- Record yourself answering 2 difficult questions
- Total video: 4-6 minutes
- Upload to platform
Option B (Live):
- During training, DMO gives 2-minute opening statement
- Facilitator/peer plays journalist, asks 2 difficult questions
- Facilitator scores using rubric
MEDIA ENGAGEMENT RUBRIC
Total Points: 20
Passing Score: 14/20 (70%)
| Criterion | Excellent (4) | Good (3) | Adequate (2) | Needs Work (1) | Score |
| CLARITY — Information specific, not vague; plain language; direct answers | Specific numbers, clear examples, directly answers question | Mostly specific, generally clear | Some vague language, mostly answers | Unclear, avoids answering | |
| CONFIDENCE — Eye contact, steady voice, calm demeanor, doesn’t apologize for facts | Strong eye contact, steady voice, calm, composed | Good eye contact, mostly steady | Some hesitation, nervous energy | Defensive, uncertain, rushed | |
| COMPASSION — Acknowledges emotions, shows you care, invites trust | Validates concern, shows understanding, compassionate tone | Acknowledges concern, generally empathetic | Minimal emotional acknowledgment | No compassion, robotic | |
| KEY MESSAGES — Delivers all 3-4 key messages; consistent | All 4 messages covered naturally | 3-4 messages covered | 2-3 messages covered | <2 messages or off-message | |
| HANDLING DIFFICULT QUESTIONS — Stays calm, answers honestly, redirects to key messages if needed | Calm, honest, strategic redirect; maintains professionalism | Calm, addresses question, mostly effective | Gets slightly defensive or uncertain | Becomes defensive or avoids |
OVERALL SCORE: ____/20
FEEDBACK:
What went well:
Areas for improvement:
Specific techniques to practice: