Taking control of the narrative is essential
One of the biggest battles you’ll fight in crisis management is the one to control the narrative surrounding whatever’s occurred. This doesn’t mean you can bury facts or cover up wrongdoing, but it does mean that you’re able to put your side of the story, and vital communications, in front of as many stakeholders as possible.
How can you take control? Try these three effective tactics:
1. Create a hub
Concentrating your communication efforts around a central hub, like a special website, makes complete information about a crisis much easier for everyone to find. This allows you to easily share long-form content, as well as letting anyone interested know exactly where to return for more information. Social media platforms can then be engaged to funnel stakeholders to your page.
2. Talk first.
Get ahead of the story. If you really want to take control, report on issues before someone else posts it to social media or you’re the featured story on the evening news. Don’t forget, quick, but ACCURATE, is key if you want to become the go-to source while swatting down damaging rumor and innuendo.
3. Make it easy for the media.
Anticipate what information the media will want and make it readily available (think Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How?). Assemble footage and images you would like reporters and news editors to use. Don’t forget to supplying several short, “tweetable”, quotes.
When you’re facing a crisis, a certain amount of damage is inevitable. Taking control of the story, however, will reduce the amount of damage you take, and the angles it can come from.
The BCM Blogging Team
https://www.bernsteincrisismanagement.com