How to Correct Misinformation Respectfully

A reporter phrases something incorrectly.
A rumour starts spreading online.
Or a question is built around information that simply is not accurate.

In those moments, many spokespeople feel the urge to immediately respond with:
“That’s not true.”

But how you correct misinformation matters just as much as the correction itself.

The goal is not to win an argument.
It is to calmly guide people back to the facts.

One simple approach that works well is to:
• Acknowledge the concern or question
• Clarify what is confirmed
• Refocus on what happens next

For example:
“I understand why people are asking that. What we can confirm right now is ____. And here’s what we’re focused on moving forward…”

Approaching misinformation this way helps keep the conversation calm, factual, and constructive.

A few additional tips:
• Avoid repeating the false claim multiple times
• Do not sound defensive or combative
• Stay anchored in verified information
• Keep your tone calm and steady

In high-pressure situations, people are not only listening to what you say.
They are paying attention to how you say it.