In his recent interview with PR 360 podcast, CommCore CEO Andy Gilman provided several useful crisis communications tips for every PR professional and company.

The interview, containing many timely references to how our current global pandemic has changed the crisis communications landscape, covers crisis communications templates, live streaming, podcasting, and how to get rid of verbal “crutches.”

In this episode, you’ll learn crisis communications tips such as:

• how the J&J Tylenol crisis differs from modern crises, including COVID-19
• why modern technology, even social media, can be a useful pivot
• why care & concern is key
• how you can begin to create a “crisis communications plan” on your own.

Crisis Communications Tips

“When doctors in the operating room create a checklist,” says Gilman, “they find they have fewer fatalities.” In much the same way, a crisis plan you find on the Internet can be a great starting point. But you have to take that checklist and customize it for your organization, for your product or service, for your customers, for your people, for all the social media platforms.

When a crisis hits, your organization is almost always going to be late to the game. It’s best if your message is pre-approved by your legal department, so templates are usually the best way to start communicating during a crisis.

Today, we have more than just the news outlets to rely on. Modern PR and communications professionals can be far more effective at getting their message out if they have a crisis communications plan and a boilerplate message ready to go for each situation. Livestreaming, podcasting, and the ability to be your own broadcaster can be extremely helpful during a crisis. This is how companies, organizations and individuals take control of the narrative and put out messages, on their terms. In our post-COVID-19 world, we’re seeing how even the biggest network news companies are producing from their living rooms and basements. So can anyone.

Crisis Communications Tips for Talking to the Media:

• Crisis Communications Tip: Do not repeat the negative in the question! We are taught to do this in most conversational settings, to let the listener know they have been heard. But this does not work with the media because it can be used as a soundbite or pull-quote. This is where CommCore’s media training and crisis communications training comes in.
• Crisis Communications Tip: Get rid of verbal crutches. Cure yourself from saying “um,” “er” and other filler words by recording yourself, practicing, and making better eye contact. More tips in the full podcast.

Click here to listen to the full podcast, containing more of CommCore’s crisis communications tips and tools to use when communicating during a crisis:

Get More Crisis Communications Tips:

• Crisis Communications Planning
• Crisis Communication Examples
• CommCore Crisis Communications Advice Featured in CNN Money
• Crisis Communications Case Study: CommCore Advises J&J During Tylenol Tampering Crisis
• Social Media & Crisis Communications
• Industry Focus: Discover CommCore’s Expertise in Your Vertical
• NYT Reporters Get Pressure Tested

Get Customized Crisis Communications Tips From CommCore Trainers & Consultants

We are available and can put you in touch with the right person to help with your specific crisis communications challenge.

To schedule a PressureTest™ Demo or get answers quickly, call us at (202) 659-4177 or email info@CommCoreConsulting.com   to contact our crisis communications firm today.