Simulation exercises for crisis communication teams give participants a realistic feel of having to communicate directly with multiple stakeholder groups in a highly stressful and escalating situation.
Participants in our crisis communication simulation exercises respond to different interested and involved parties as in a real crisis. They field telephone calls from reporters and other stakeholders, monitor and develop responses to online chatter, craft communication materials for various media channels, update talking points for crisis spokespersons, talk face-to-face with concerned stakeholders, and undertake media interviews.
The proliferation of online and social media changed the way in which an organisation-in-crisis communicates with its stakeholders, the media and observers. The speed and reach of online media mean organisations cannot expect to control the rapid and wide spread of news of a crisis. But social media also provide valuable channels for a company to use to quickly and directly engage with stakeholders during a crisis.
Many organisations do not plan effectively for the opportunities and threats that online and social media present for crisis management. Crisis communication simulations can be an effective test of the company’s strategy and capabilities for using online and social media in crisis management.