With all eyes on a Senate hearing on Capitol Hill, CEO Andy Gilman offers his advice for Dr. Ford in The Boston Globe article, “How Experts Would Prepare Christine Blasey Ford for Kavanaugh Testimony.”
But whether talking to senators or a female attorney, Andrew Gilman, chief executive of CommCore Consulting Group in Washington, D.C., says he would advise Ford to remember the “three C’s.” Be clear, confident, and credible.
“The minute you walk into the hearing, all eyes will be on you even though you have not said a word,” he said. “Look pleasant. Have a smile on your face, but not a cheshire grin or a smirk.”
The biggest mistakes, especially when there’s media coverage, he said, are smirking and repeating a negative characterization contained in a question.
He gave an example: “Dr. Ford, do you have a bad memory?”
Dr. Ford: “I don’t believe I have a bad memory.”
The media coverage: “Dr. Ford denies she has a bad memory.”
The better way to respond is, “With respect to my memory . . . ”
Despite any temptation to pop a Xanax, don’t, Gilman said. “Anything that dulls your senses is not appropriate,” he said. He recommends clients exercise and stretch ahead of time — and once they’re in public, smile.