Business Continuity and Crisis Management

Crisis Communication and Media Handling

During a crisis, communication can either contain the damage or make it worse. This course covers crisis communication: stakeholder mapping, holding statements, message development, media relations under pressure, social media monitoring and response, internal communication, spokesperson skills and post-crisis communication.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

Download course PDF

Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

The public judges organisations by how they communicate in a crisis. You will learn to communicate quickly, clearly and credibly.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

Crisis communication simulations, statement drafting, media interview practice and case studies.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Map stakeholders and their information needs
Prepare holding statements and key messages
Handle media enquiries and interviews
Monitor and respond on social media
Communicate with employees during crises
Manage post-crisis communication

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Communication and PR managers
Crisis team members
Spokespeople
Senior executives
Social media managers

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Message development
Media handling
Social media response
Internal communication
Spokesperson skills

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Crisis Communication

09:00–10:08Principles
10:08–11:00Case studies
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Case studies (continued)
11:45–12:53Stakeholder mapping
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 2Messages

09:00–10:08Holding statements
10:08–11:00Key messages
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Key messages (continued)
11:45–12:53Approval processes
12:53–14:00Drafting workshop

Day 3Media

09:00–10:08Media expectations
10:08–11:00Interview skills
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Interview skills (continued)
11:45–12:53Press conferences
12:53–14:00Practice

Day 4Social Media

09:00–10:08Monitoring
10:08–11:00Response strategies
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Response strategies (continued)
11:45–12:53Misinformation
12:53–14:00Simulation

Day 5Internal and Post-Crisis

09:00–10:08Employee communication
10:08–11:00Recovery messages
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Recovery messages (continued)
11:45–12:53Lessons learned
12:53–14:00Action plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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