Dealing with the public can be difficult. You'll find people that are entirely ignorant, who only have the lies that they've been told to cling to. And there's nothing you'd like to do other than set them straight. Here's my tips for dealing with the public.

• Wait, if possible. If you're responding to a web site, or TV, or newspaper, STOP! Take a deep breath, and calm down. See if, perhaps, you're overreacting. Then work on a calm reply. "Flaming" someone will only reflect poorly on you, and Paganism.
• Dress nicely, if there is a chance anyone will see you. For interviews, face-to-face talks, or pictures, wear nice clothing. Ceremonial garb may look nice, but you'll be playing right into their stereotypes. Wear a suit or dress and surprise them (see the next tip). Avoid athames, large amounts of jewelry, and anything a mundane would consider "odd."
• Be charming and graceful. Surprise them, in a good way - don't play up to stereotypes. Appear almost dreadfully normal. Just as some of us like to "freak the mundanes," some of them like to "play with the wierdos." Why let them play their game? If you keep them off-balance, by not being what they expect, they won't be able to attack.
• Have information on-hand. Books, pamphlets, etc. And make sure you are familiar with them beforehand. Having someone ask about them and not knowing an answer (and the correct one!) can be rather embarassing, especially if you site the book/pamphlet as a source.
• Be ready for opposition. Some people are just going to want a fight. Don't rise to it. Ignore rude comments if you can, or politely ask them to not be so rude. If someone starts to shout, absolutely don't raise your voice. If you keep your voice and tone down, they'll stop shouting just so that they can hear what you're saying.
• If dealing with the media, make sure you get a chance to review the piece before it airs/goes to print. There's a good chance that whatever you say can and will be taken out of context.
• Don't bring up topics like the Great Rite, skyclad, athames, etc. If someone else brings them up, don't avoid the question (they'll think you're trying to hide something), but why give them something to fixate on?
• Focus on similarities between religions. Draw parallels between our philosophy and Buddhism. Equate magick with prayer. People are afraid of the differences; if you let them see that we really aren't all that different, beneath the surface, they won't fear us as much.

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