A Strategic Means to Prepare for Effective Communications during the Difficult Times that Shape an Organization’s Future
Are you confident that your media spokesperson is ready to shape and deliver the kinds of messages that will maintain or even enhance your organization’s reputation during a crisis? Has your spokesperson practiced his or her crisis communications skills lately? Have you planned for the full range of possible crises, where your organization stands accused of misdeeds, or disaster where your organization must deal with natural catastrophe or the misdeeds of others?
Crisis Management Associates (CMA) experts prepare for and respond to crises and disasters every day. They can provide the counsel, training, and planning to prepare you for the critical moments when your reputation is challenged.
► Media Training
CMA will provide intensive spokesperson training that goes beyond mere responses to reporter’s questions and prepares spokespersons on how to shape and deliver the right messages at the right time, and in the manner that will be most beneficial to your reputation. On-camera practical exercises and instant, substantive critiques prepare the spokesperson for the worst, while enhancing skills for dealing with the news media in normal times.
► Communications Crisis and Disaster Plans and Drills
The time to prepare for a communications crisis or disaster is well before the “60 Minutes” van is in the parking lot. CMA experts help clients develop plans that will help recognize a crisis in its early stages, then deal with it in the most effective manner possible. CMA will:
- Set out a general communications strategy
- Identify a likely crisis sequence of events
- Assist with development of the crisis team
- Provide guidelines for the spokespersons
- Ensure internal and external communication channels are identified and appropriate
- Assist with developing forms and documents that will aid order in a time of chaos
Of critical importance will be the planning and execution of communications crisis/disaster drills, to ensure familiarity and competence with the systems and their usage.
► Personal Communications Skills
CMAs communications experts can also provide extensive, personalized training for organizational executives whose expertise is great, but whose communications skill potential has not yet been tapped. We offer presentation training for executives to learn how to develop and deliver a persuasive message, and even executive coaching, an individualized assessment and development of an executive’s communications skills, followed by a series of sessions designed to sharpen skills and establish new skills
► Communications Audit
The self-examination engendered by crisis communications planning sometimes suggests to organizations they need a big-picture, overall assessment of the messages being delivered. CMA experts can conduct a communications audit, where an organization examines and articulates the messages they are delivering to all significant audiences, either by words, action or inaction, and articulates the desired messages. CMA then compares them to determine a road map of what must be accomplished.
Your organization's future often depends upon its reputation. The message sent to employees, the public, and other stakeholders by your handling of a crisis may reflect on how you manage your company. Without effective execution of internal and external communications, even a well-managed crisis response may be cast in a negative light. CMA experts can help your organization ensure the most appropriate message is sent to your key audiences.
Prevention planning is a prudent use of your company’s resources, so please do not wait until a catastrophe occurs to find out you may not be prepared. Our staff of professional consultants is ready to help you prepare and prevent, rather than react and regret. Contact Crisis Management Associates today for assistance with your crisis communications program, or to learn other ways we can assist you. |
