Is the government's 'press conference' an effective communication tool or a meticulously orchestrated 'performance'?

Hello, that's an excellent question because it really hits the nail on the head. Many people watch press conferences feeling completely lost, as if they're watching a performance. Actually, your feeling is spot on.

Government "press conferences" are both communication and performance. These two aspects are not opposites; they're more like two sides of the same coin. Think of it as a meticulously planned "product launch."

First, why is it a carefully choreographed "performance"?

Take Apple's product launches as an example. When Steve Jobs or Tim Cook is on stage, every gesture, every slide, every pause is pre-designed. Government press conferences are similar. Their "performative" nature manifests in these ways:

The Stage is Mine, the Rules are Mine: The time, location, theme, and speakers are all decided by the government. It's like a game where the field and the referees are all on my side – the initiative is entirely in my hands.
Spokespersons are Professional "Actors": Spokespersons are usually rigorously trained. They know what to say, what not to say, and how to say it flawlessly. Their scripts, or the "talking points" in their minds, are meticulously researched and rehearsed beforehand. Their task isn't improvisation; it's to accurately convey the information from the "script."
The Q&A Might be "Arranged": Have you noticed how sometimes the journalists asking questions and the questions themselves seem "just right"? In highly controlled press conferences, the journalists asking questions might even be pre-briefed, and the questions are often not too sharp, conveniently allowing the spokesperson to reiterate the points they want to emphasize. This is like the "plants" in variety shows, there to set the right atmosphere.
The Ultimate Goal is "Image Management": The core purpose of the performance is to shape a specific image – for example, "We have the situation under control," "We attach great importance to this," "We are responsible." Through this "show," they aim to guide public sentiment, manage societal expectations, and maintain the government's authority and credibility.

So, why is it also an "effective form of communication"?

Despite the performative elements, you can't deny that it is communication, and in some ways, it's highly efficient.

The Official Voice, Settling the Matter: When society is rife with rumors and misinformation (like during the early stages of a pandemic or after a major disaster), an authoritative press conference can act as a "stabilizing force." It provides the most official, unified source of information, telling everyone: "Stop guessing, what I say is definitive." This effectively prevents social panic caused by information chaos.
Setting the Agenda, Defining the Focus: What the government wants people to pay attention to and discuss can be very effectively achieved through a press conference. For instance, if the topic today is the economy, media headlines and reporting focus will naturally revolve around economic data and policies. It acts like a conductor's baton, directing society's attention.
Public Commitment, On the Record: What a spokesperson says at a press conference is public and recorded. This in itself creates pressure and accountability. If they say, "We guarantee the problem will be solved within three days," then after three days, people can hold them to that statement. While not always fulfilled, such public commitments are themselves a form of communication and accountability.
Observing the "Performance" Itself is Information: Even as a performance, we, the audience, can glean a lot. For example, when faced with a sharp question, does the spokesperson answer frankly, or do they dodge and evade? Are their micro-expressions and tone confident or nervous? These details of the "performance" themselves convey a wealth of information, allowing us to "read the room."

Conclusion: How Should We View It?

Therefore, government press conferences are essentially a form of "communication within a performative framework."

It's like a movie based on true events. The story is real, but the director uses editing, music, and casting to guide your emotions towards the viewpoint they want to express.

For us ordinary people, the key is to be "smart viewers":

Listen to what is said: Obtain the core information officially released.
Watch how it's said: Observe the attitude, tone, and body language.
Think about what wasn't said: Which key questions were avoided? Which information was glossed over?
See who is asking: The media outlets asking questions and the nature of the questions themselves reflect the openness of the press conference.

This way, you can pierce through the fog of the "performance" and get closer to the truth of the "communication."