Tag Archives: Tips

Planning for Life’s Little Emergencies

May 23, 2014 by Lisa Matheson
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Crisis Whisperer Crisis in the Classroom
Crisis communications are not just for catastrophic events. The techniques used by crisis communicators help manage small events and can minimize them and their impact. In a story coming from Las Vegas, during a soft lockdown due to a suspicious person reported on or near the Ruth Fyfe Elementary School campus on May 14, a young girl was required to relieve herself in a classroom wastebasket. Naturally, she was embarrassed and her mother was incensed. Unfortunately, the Clark County School District responded to the situation 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 →