This Crisis Media Training workshop focuses on the need for successful interaction with the media. After completing our training, your employees will have the skills necessary to confidently and correctly manage media contacts.

We pride ourselves on offering fully customized media training workshops depending on your industry.
   
 

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Turning Brand Crisis Management Occurrences Into Public Relation Bonanzas

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Crisis Media Management Planning

The Best Way For a CEO to Deliver a Crisis Management Speech

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Crisis Training Training

A Crisis can happen to any organization, at any time. We specialize in preparing people to manage a crisis while communicating effectively with 
the media. For more information please call or email us.

The Best Way For a CEO to Deliver a Crisis Management Speech
 


It's a moment in organizational life that every CEO dreads.

Some idiot takes up a gun and blasts his girlfriend in the marketing department. The organization is in crisis and you have to deliver the most sensitive "tight rope" speech in your career. In a single speech, you want to convey concern to those affected as well as the public and at the same time maintain the image of the organization. Where do you begin?

Relax. The crisis hasn't happened (yet!) but I can't be so irresponsible as to wait until you're in a crisis to tell you how to handle a Crisis Management Speech. Furthermore, you won't hear anything I would be saying at that time, so now that I have your attention, here's how to prepare and deliver a speech concerning a crisis in your organization.

Decide on your purpose- What do you want to accomplish with your speech? Inform people of what has happened? Calm them? Alert them to further danger? Whatever is your purpose decide on it before you begin to speak.

Know what you cannot say- What you say may be limited because the police are investigating or it might be confidential personnel or classified information which cannot be discussed publicly, even in a crisis. Be clear on what you cannot mention before you face your audience.

Show concern- Express sympathy for those affected by the crisis as well as concern. E.g: Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends. We do have security in place but somehow it didn't work. We'll investigate what went wrong so that we can prevent it from happening to anyone else.

Provide relevant information- What happened, why, when, where, who was responsible, what are you doing to address the situation, are some of the issues you need to address. When you do, do not guess. Share only what you're certain about and don't speculate to be impressive.

Be truthful- Don't try to mislead to create the impression that you are in charge and above all, do not lie! Reporters will find out and expose you. Your people will not trust you and in one fell swoop, you would have damaged your own credibility and that of the organization.

Admit mistakes- Take responsibility for what has occurred quickly, even when you are not sure that your organization was at fault. In 1982, Johnson and Johnson did exactly that when cyanide-laced capsules of Extra Strength Tylenol caused seven deaths in the USA. It subsequently turned out that they were not at fault and in three months the company sales were almost back at the level they were at before the crisis.

Admit that you don't know everything- Especially to the media. As a crisis unfolds, you will not have all the information the media wants. Let reporters know that you do not have all the facts and assure them that you will share them as soon as you do. And then keep your word.

Cooperate with the media- Answer the questions from the media because if you attempt to avoid them they will look for answers in places that might not be favourable to you or your organization.
Always project a positive image of yourself and your organization.

Now, if you can apply the above tips to the next time you have to speak in a crisis, you will create goodwill among your employees, the media and the public. You will also stand out from among CEOs in your country as a genuine and caring leader.

Source: Lorna Barrow link