Presidents often use press conferences to communicate at critical junctures in their presidencies. Dwight D. Eisenhower was the first president to allow television cameras into the White House for a press conference. John F. Kennedy held over seventy press conferences in less than three years in office. Gerald R. Ford held his first press conference (as President) before his pardon of Richard Nixon. Has the nature of the press conference changed over time? Discover the answer through a simulation activity. Historic Press Conferences Activity Press Conferences Activity
Before Viewing Divide students into small groups and assign a historic press conference for each group to watch. Groups may want to do some background research on the president and the events of the year the press conference took place.
Tell students they will be preparing to "recreate" the press conference through a role play, or simulation for their classmates. Their simulation should recreate not only the words, but the tone, the pacing, and the personalities involved. Students may wish to improvise with additional elements to the press conference, based on their research and interpretation.
Students should plan their simulation in a way that will allow the other students to gain an understanding of the press conference, the agendas or goals of both the president and the press corps, and the relevant current events of the time.
After Viewing While one group is presenting, the other groups should be taking notes on a blank sheet of paper or on the Presidential Press Conference Worksheet. After the presentation, discuss and compare the press conferences. How did the presidents' answers differ? The reporters' questions? Was one president more effective than another in communicating through the press conference?
IN THE COMMUNITY
Presidents often use press conferences to communicate at critical junctures in their presidencies. Dwight D. Eisenhower was the first president to allow television cameras into the White House for a press conference. John F. Kennedy held over seventy press conferences in less than three years in office. Gerald R. Ford held his first press conference (as President) before his pardon of Richard Nixon. Has the nature of the press conference changed over time? Discover the answer through a simulation activity.
