Do It Right or Do Damage Control

May 30, 2014 by Lisa Matheson
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Crisis Whisperer Lisa Matheson - NWS Baltimore Facebook SNAFU 05-27-14
We’ve all heard the old query – “If a tree falls in a forest with no one around, does it still make a sound?” Today, it could be: “If you push messaging on a channel few use, does it reach the intended audience?” The answer, of course, is no. The quandary is that there are so many communications channels. How do you chose the ones that will reach your audience, especially in a crisis when communication is critical? First, you have to know who your audiences Continue reading →

Spokesperson Training is Critical for Successful Crisis Communications

May 16, 2014 by Lisa Matheson
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Crisis Whisperer Spokesperson Training
Nothing makes a crisis situation go from bad to worse than a spokesperson doing a poor interview with the media. The Superintendent of Riverdale Local Schools in Hancock, Ohio, was interviewed by the local media after a teacher was caught on video manhandling a six year old boy in the hallway that has since gone viral. His interview is an example of how small gaffes can diminish a spokesperson’s credibility and authority–even if the management steps to address the crisis were handled properly. Watch the interview On Continue reading →

10 Crisis Lessons from the Movie “Gravity”

May 10, 2014 by Lisa Matheson
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Crisis Preparedness / Gravity movie / Lisa Matheson Crisis Whisperer
The movie “Gravity” is pretty much a 90-minute PSA for crisis preparedness.  While few of us will ever be faced with such an extreme environment, it’s always a good idea to plan for the worst case scenario. Ten Crisis Preparedness Lessons Understand your working environment Have a contingency plan Have a backup to your contingency plan Listen to instructions from the authority(ies) Train Know your equipment Have a lifeline Stay calm Have a fire extinguisher Never give up

Press Conference Tips: Responding in a Crisis

April 9, 2014 by Lisa Matheson
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Crisis Whisperer Press Conference Tips
Whether you are a communications pro or an expert called upon to provide insight to the situation, these tips will help you represent your organization (and yourself) in the best possible light. 1.  Prepare Pre-identify spokespersons for every shift Require annual media relations training for identified spokespersons and set expectations for all employees about being contacted by or speaking with the media Have pre-determined primary and backup areas for a press conference and make certain the backdrop is branded 2.  Before the Press Conference Assume Continue reading →