Tips Show How to Communicate in a Crisis

For immediate release                                  Contact:    Ed Barks
Monday, August 20, 2012                                              (540) 955-0600

 

Every organization faces its own crises. A new resource from Barks Communications explains how corporate and association spokespeople can communicate effectively during troubled times. The new tip sheet is titled “Nine Crucial Crisis Communications Tips.”

“It is only a matter of when—not if—a crisis strikes,” said company President Ed Barks.

“Not all crises are as high profile as an oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico or an unexpected multi-billion dollar loss from risky derivatives trading,” he explained. “One company’s crisis may come in the form of the death or departure of a key executive. Another’s may result from an ill-advised quote in the press from an employee or the failure of a product to perform as promised.”

Regardless of the type of crisis involved, Barks recommends that CEOs, chief communications officers, and legal teams use his advice as they work their way through the event. The rules include:

  • Always tell the truth.
  • Realize that you will not have perfect knowledge.
  • Never speculate.
  • Demonstrate empathy.
  • Explain what next steps you are taking.

“Nine Crucial Crisis Communications Tips” delves into each of these steps, and more, in greater detail. The new resource is available from Barks Communications by calling (540) 955-0600.

Ed Barks leads communications training workshops for executives who want to enhance their reputations, and for organizations that want to achieve their long-term business goals. The former radio broadcaster is the author of The Truth About Public Speaking: The Three Keys to Great Presentations. As President of Barks Communications since 1997, he has taught more than 4000 business leaders, association executives, government officials, athletes, entertainers, non-profit executives, and public relations staff how to succeed when they deal with the media, deliver presentations, and testify before government officials.

 

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