Present a clear message when communicating in crisis
I came across a quote from artist Hans Hoffman on the Mr. Media Training blog and thought it would make for a particularly interesting Crisis Management Quotable. You see, when Hoffman shared the thought below, he wasn’t speaking about verbal or written communications, but rather abstract art, which he believed was a way to “get at the important reality”, yet it applies to what we do just as well.
“The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.” – Hans Hoffman
This applies to all communications, and especially crisis communications, where you are trying to cement key facts in stakeholder’s minds. Plot out your key points and hammer them in, avoiding the temptation to elaborate unnecessarily, and deflecting attempts from outsiders to derail your efforts. It’s not easy, but when you get it right your crisis management becomes immensely more effective.
Erik Bernstein
https://www.bernsteincrisismanagement.com