There are a few things that I would advise not doing.
Doing media interviews without coaching is plain stupid. It’s not sensible to copy Tony Hayward.
I’d not recommend acting as your own lawer. It’s unlikely to turn out well.
I’d not recommend doing your own medical diagnosis or surgery, with or without the help of google. Go and see your GP and see if you need to see a specialist.
For reasons I don’t yet understand, a lot of people feel very comfortable about a DIY approach to lobbying.
After all, it can’t be that hard to promote and explain your own case to a politician or official? What could go wrong?
It does not seem to matter that the day job has little to nothing to do with dealing with politicians and officials.
If you are new to dealing with politicians and officials, a lot can go wrong.
If you want to go in front of an official or politician, I’d recommend you rehearse what you will say and won’t say.
Ideally, you’ll have the questions and answers prepared for you. You’ll memorise it. You won’t deviate from it.
You’ll ask to go through a trial run and see if your answers add up and you’re able to deliver your case convincingly. If you can’t, back out of the meeting.
Having the mock meeting recorded is sobering.
If you don’t know the answer, say so, and don’t go off track.
You may want to speak your mind. Don’t. Saying what you really think and believe is likely going to lead you into a deep hole.
If I need to use an expert, I use them, I don’t try a DIY approach. I know it’s unlikely to work out well.