'Cut and paste' communication

Under Pressure 16 February 2024

‘Cut and paste’ communication

Being crisis prepared and having a plan that is ready to be used is important. But it should never allow what I am calling the ‘cut and paste’ communication. What I mean by this are those times when rather than look at what is actually happening we make assumptions and act as we have done before.

When a crisis is underway the demands and need to move quickly are really important. There is a rush to say something and to grab the prepared statements that may exist. Messages need to consider the circumstances of what has happened and just grabbing and using them may lead to problems.

It is also essential to consider what is happening in the world. What does this mean for the response and communication? Is there anything that requires a change in the planned approach?

Ultimately, we have to be aware of the way situations impact on people and to be clear that everything has been done to help deal with what was happened. A recent example of ‘cut and paste’ communication was the details that the 999 call in relation to the Nottingham attacks in 2023 was released without the caller being aware. (Nottingham attacks: Witness still has nightmares after student killings - BBC News) I know that most people don’t aim to cause upset but their actions without considering the implications lead to that outcome.

The way to address this is to continue to plan and be ready to move quickly, but ensure that the plans are tested with challenging scenarios where flexibility and review is necessary. Ensure that you have considered the impact of the situation, who is most affected and what this means for the communication. Whatever happens, take a moment to reflect before you push ahead with communication.

Ukrainian Book Translation

The first book written by Amanda, Crisis Communication Strategies, has now been translated into Ukrainian. It was translated into Chinese shortly after publication in 2020 and now people can read it in Ukrainian. Thanks to Sergii Bidenko for sharing the details. Find out more here.

Crisis Communication in 2024 training

There are still a couple of spaces left for the half day crisis communication training looking at the issues in 2024 and how to prepare for the coming years. Subjects that will be covered are managing fake news, the impact of artificial intelligence, speed of modern crisis communication, influencing and polarisation. To find out more email office@amandacolemancomms.co.uk

In Brief:

• The Business Continuity Institute has published its Emergency and Crisis Communication report for 2024. It has shown that training and exercising of crisis communication plans is at ‘a record high’. Find out more here.

• In the aftermath of flooding in Massachusetts in September 2023 there has been a debate about whether it should be declared a disaster to enable accessing federal support. Residents are claiming they will continue to fight for the declaration. Read more here.

• PR News published an article recently looking at the different ways businesses and brands have managed the impact of leaked memos. Read more here.

• The Healthcare Communications Associations has called for honesty in the use of artificial intelligence within organisations. Find out more here.

• Reports have highlighted the concerns about where the next pandemic may come from and issues of Disease X that is being assessed by experts. The World Health Organisation started discussing Disease X as that which is currently unknown so it can be considered in risks and planning. Read more here.

• In a recent blog post, Amanda discussed the issue of cover ups and risk aversion in crisis response. Find out more here.

Diary Dates:

• Amanda is running her PRCA full day session on Managing an In-House team on 20 February. Find out more here.

• On 7 March, Amanda is running her popular Crisis Management webinar for the PRCA. It starts at 10.30am and will give a 90 crash course in all things crisis management and communication. Find out more here.

• On 10 April, Amanda is running the first crisis communication exercise giving people the opportunity of testing their decision making. The two hour session costs £50. If you are interested and would like to book a place email office@amandacolemancomms.co.uk