As the COVID-19 situation rapidly evolves, your organisation’s message to stakeholders, clients and the media has to evolve as well. In this video, I share another tip on how to come up with a winning message during these uncertain times – this is not the time to sound optimistic or make a prediction – STICK TO THE FACTS.
Why is it important to stick to the facts? I share more in video form here.
Remember, the message that you put out during this period of time must be specific.
Pre-empt — what are the basic questions people want to know? What are the basic facts? This is not the time for guess work though and neither is it a time to be optimistic in front of the media during a crisis – avoid saying “ oh things will be back to normal in two weeks” because you just don’t know. This is the time to ONLY STATE THE FACTS.
So in your message – talk about:
- What you are doing pro-actively as the head of the company?
- Who did you activate to solve the problem?
- What are the basic facts? (situational update)
- Think through some of the OBVIOUS QUESTIONS reporters will ask you?
- What is important to you?
- What else do you want people to know?
- What is interesting to the media or interesting to your target audience?
All you need are THREE main message points.
Don’t be afraid to say – ‘I don’t know’ especially in the initial response of the crisis. But do not make a prediction. Stick to what you know. You must have a relevant message for your stakeholders, employees and media .
Your messages will evolve as circumstances and facts change but how you handle the process is remarkably consistent. If you’d like to learn more about this topic, do connect with me at enquiry@yvonne-chan.com. I’d love to hear from you!
Good luck and stay safe.