A note about 'off the record'

When speaking with reporters, a spokesperson should treat the interview like nothing is 'off the record'. It's a good 'rule of thumb' to follow the guideline - if you wouldn't like to see it on the front page of a newspaper or splashed all over the internet, don't say it. Once the words are out of your mouth, you no longer have control over them. All you have is the reporter's word that it's going to remain off the record. Play it safe and stay on message throughout an interview.