How to communicate in a crisis

By Viva PR

27 Mar 2020

Website

The Coronavirus crisis we’re currently facing will no doubt challenge how businesses and organisations communicate through this period. Here’s some top tips on how to ensure your communications strategy is one less thing to worry about at this time…

Deal with the crisis, first

It makes sense to avoid spending time crafting slick communications messages until you’ve dealt with the immediate requirements of the crisis at hand. Once you’ve got a grip of the situation, and measures have been put into place, you’ll have more to talk about. That said, don’t put off talking about it because it’s bad news. 

Be clear, concise and consistent

During difficult and worrying times people want to be able to understand the current situation so that they can prepare or act accordingly. Avoid the temptation to ‘flower’ things up or hide difficult points. You’ll be respected more for being upfront.  

Honesty is the best policy

Don’t tell lies – that’s a given. Try to be as transparent as you can and say as much as you can. If you can’t say everything just yet, explain the reasons why you can’t say more and never give ‘no comment’.  

So, who’s in charge?

Your ‘top person’ i.e. CEO or managing director should always be seen to be leading from the front. Include a comment from them in any statements, put them in front of the media — suitably briefed of course — and make sure they are your main spokesperson. Also think about the different audiences they will be communicating to. 

Avoid confusion

Establish a hierarchy of contacts for statements/response – and make sure the whole team are aware of what they can and cannot say and who to direct queries on to. To reduce the likelihood of wider team members being approached, write and share a generic statement.

Don’t keep people in the dark

Make an announcement asap and provide regular updates. If you can commit to updates at specific time points even better. You might not always have anything further to say, but people will still be grateful for a ‘no further update’ update. 

Remember the CTA

Where should people go for additional information or who should they contact for further details? Tell the press who you’d like them to contact too – this ideally should be an experienced member of your communications team. 

Finally, don’t forget to thank those who have helped during the crisis when everything returns to some sort of normality. For businesses large and small, that day can’t come soon enough. 

For advice or support with your communications strategy contact Viva on 01706 214 340 or email tony@vivapr.co.uk

Enjoyed this? Read more from Viva PR

Latest news

1

Working on wellbeing

Working on wellbeing

26 Apr 2024

2

New skills hub to boost employability of Blackpool residents Realise Skills Hub

New skills hub to boost employability of Blackpool residents

26 Apr 2024

3

Fagan & Whalley will attend Multimodal 2024 Multimodal.jpg.jpg

Fagan & Whalley will attend Multimodal 2024

26 Apr 2024

4

Blackburn College appoints new chair to corporation board Mark Allanson

Blackburn College appoints new chair to corporation board

26 Apr 2024

5

Emails - what can you do about them? Email Lightbulb.jpg.jpg

Emails - what can you do about them?

26 Apr 2024

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Reach 50,000 members of the Lancashire business community

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Company profile
Social reach
Magazine coverage
Sign-up
Events
Business Networking in Preston- BNI Brunch
EVENT LISTING SIZING Brunch .png.png
LBV Hub Networking
26 Apr 2024

Business Networking in Preston- BNI Brunch

Samlesbury Preston Hotel, Preston New Road, Preston, PR5 0UL

09:30 - 11:00

Business Networking in Blackburn - BNI Infinity
EVENT LISTING BNI Infinity.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
26 Apr 2024

Business Networking in Blackburn - BNI Infinity

Hampton by Hilton, 2 Frontier Ave, Blackburn, BB1 3AL

06:30 - 08:30

Business Networking in Chorley - BNI Endeavour
EVENT LISTING SIZING Endeavour.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
30 Apr 2024

Business Networking in Chorley - BNI Endeavour

Oak Royal, Bury Lane, Chorley, PR6 8SW

06:30 - 08:30

Business Networking in Blackburn - BNI Vista
EVENT LISTING SIZING Vista.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
30 Apr 2024

Business Networking in Blackburn - BNI Vista

Hampton by Hilton, 2 Frontier Ave, Blackburn, BB1 3AL

06:45 - 08:30

Driving Energy Efficiency and Sustainability: Software Solutions for the Metal Industry
LBV Hub Webinar
30 Apr 2024 - 30 Apr 2024

Driving Energy Efficiency and Sustainability: Software Solutions for the Metal Industry

Online - Zoom, Blackpool, FY4 2FG

10:00 - 11:00

Business Networking in Lancaster - Eden Business Network
EVENT LISTING Eden Business Network.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
01 May 2024 - 01 May 2024

Business Networking in Lancaster - Eden Business Network

The Borough, 3 Dalton Square, Lancaster, LA1 1PP

18:30 - 20:30

Business Networking in Preston - BNI Diamond
EVENT LISTING BNI Diamond.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
01 May 2024

Business Networking in Preston - BNI Diamond

The Marriot Hotel, Garstang Road, Broughton, PR3 5JB

07:15 - 09:00

Business Networking in Accrington - BNI Zeus
EVENT LISTING SIZING Zeus.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
01 May 2024

Business Networking in Accrington - BNI Zeus

The Mill House, Corn Mill Yard, Accrington, BB5 5HX

06:45 - 08:30

FREE online event - 30 Minutes: How to decarbonise your business
BU 2024 Events2.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Webinar
01 May 2024

FREE online event - 30 Minutes: How to decarbonise your business

Online, Blackpool , FY4 1EW

10:00 - 10:30

Business Networking in Burnley - BNI Kudos
EVENT LISTING BNI Kudos.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
02 May 2024 - 02 May 2024

Business Networking in Burnley - BNI Kudos

Prairie Sports Village, Windemere Avenue, Burnley, BB10 2FU

06:45 - 08:30

30 Minutes: How to decarbonise your business FREE Online Event
BU 2024 Events2.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Webinar
02 May 2024

30 Minutes: How to decarbonise your business FREE Online Event

Online, Blackpool , FY4 1EW

14:00 - 14:30

Business Networking in Lancaster - BNI Castle
EVENT LISTING BNI Castle.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
02 May 2024

Business Networking in Lancaster - BNI Castle

Vale of Lune RUFC, Powder House Lane, Lancaster, LA1 2TT

06:45 - 08:30

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more Lbv115 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin