Overview
Developing a positive communication strategy is one of the most effective steps an organisation can take to defend, protect and enhance their reputation during a crisis before it’s even happened.
By communicating clearly and effectively, organisations can direct the situation and benefit from a positive response when a ‘bump-in-the-road’ does strike. Conversely, ineffective communication brings about the opposite results.
Our half-day public sector focused Positive Communication in Times of Crisis Masterclass is specifically designed to ensure you are fully prepared for when a crisis hits, allowing you to quickly promote good news stories and remain positive in the face of adversity.
Acquire practical strategies and tools to ensure the smooth handling of any crisis. Work with the trainer to build an effective communications plan addressing all stages of a crisis, from pre-crisis preparation to post-crisis recovery and practise the skills you have learnt in a real-time scenario.
Malcolm is a former Labour Party senior manager with over twenty years’ experience working with politicians at all levels across the UK. He an experienced trainer, facilitator, and consultant, specialising in climate governance, social media, communications, and stakeholder management, delivering courses for both the public and third sector.
As well as having worked in the political field for over twenty years, Malcolm is a former Councillor in Reading, holding portfolios for Environment and Community and was responsible for mainstreaming sustainability within the local authority. Malcolm’s passion for tackling the climate crisis remains undimmed and he has ...
Learning Outcomes
- Identify the key steps to monitor and tackle issues before they develop into crises
- Develop effective crisis communications strategies that integrate social and digital channels
- Participate in a live crisis communications simulation
- Leave with a toolkit for improved crisis communications for your organisation
- Understand the wider strategic opportunity of effective crisis communications
Agenda
Registration
Trainers Welcome and Clarification of Learning Objectives
Understand the Nature of a Crisis
- Define the strategic opportunity of effective crisis communications
- Understand the need to manage expectations
- Spot and deal with issues before they escalate
- Examine the psychological factors related to crisis scenarios
- Learn from real case studies of customer service issues and online disputes
Morning Break
Crisis Planning - 360° Preparedness
- The core components of a crisis communications plan: team roles, checklists and default strategies
- Assess your digital vulnerability: review risks and exposure
- Understand and monitor exposure to your stakeholder’s use of digital platforms
- Effectively train and prepare your spokespeople for a crisis
Live Crisis Response Interactive Exercise
Background phase:
- Explore the crisis scenario – real life examples of gender equality issues or online complaints
- Learn how to effectively use digital tools and social media channels during crises
Phase One:
- Draft your crisis handling strategy
- Communicate successfully to other members of staff
- Adapt messages to handle the media
Phase Two:
- Harness online support and community resilience
- Assess and monitor the crisis
- Engage in a live online Twitter stream
Phase Three:
- Evaluate your response when the incident is over
Feedback, Evaluation and Close
