How to be Crisis-Ready
In this world of chaos, if you have a crisis communication plan, surely that’s enough? Being crisis-ready this year and beyond means thinking the unthinkable and expecting the unexpected. There are many additional challenges that modern life has brought to emergency and crisis communication.
The first challenge we have is the speed at which the world moves. It may sound really boring to talk about governance processes and structures, but these are fundamental to an effective crisis response. You need to have a certain amount of delegated authority if you are going to become the trusted voice.
Preparing for Immediate Action
This means not just having a plan, but being clear on those first steps, understanding what you will say, and securing agreements on acting without approval in the first moments. Plans also need to consider the role that social media is going to play, how misinformation and disinformation will be addressed, and how communication will be inclusive.
All of this is in addition to warning and informing, being ready to share details of the support available, and considering the consequences of what has happened. A huge challenge is ensuring that communication is inclusive, considers people’s needs, and is able to reach its intended audience.
Effective Crisis Communication
This means not just having a plan, but being clear on those first steps, understanding what you will say, and securing agreements on acting without approval in the first moments. Plans also need to consider the role that social media is going to play, how misinformation and disinformation will be addressed, and how communication will be inclusive.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, we saw how vital it was to consider the requirements of different communities. PR is developing a better understanding of what inclusive communication needs to be, which must be used in a crisis. Broadcasting messages and hoping the right people receive them is no longer enough. In a world with multiple communication channels, a crisis plan has to work across networks.
In the heat of the crisis, it’s hard to think logically and clearly about what needs to happen. Time will evaporate before your eyes, making the preparation essential. The more you plan, prepare, and have structures, checklists, and templates, the more time you can claw back.
In the midst of a crisis, every second counts, and you will never regret the effort you put into planning when you are face-to-face with an emergency.
Crisis communications masterclass with Crisis Communication Specialist and Coach, Amanda Coleman.
The session, led by Amanda Coleman, takes place on Thursday, June 20th from 10am-1pm. To sign up, click on the link below.
Crisis Communications Masterclass
Author
Amanda Coleman
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In this world of chaos, if you have a crisis communication plan, surely that’s enough? Being crisis-ready this year and beyond means thinking the unthinkable and expecting the unexpected.
