Having to draft an urgent communiqué is a critical task that may be necessary at any time. The speed with which the information reaches the public, as well as the clarity of the message, can make the difference between managing the crisis effectively or the situation spiralling out of control.
In today's article, we explain the criteria that must be taken into account to make it professional, impactful and aligned with the principles of the company it refers to.
The power of an effective speech in an urgent communiqué
When it comes to delivering an urgent message in person, e.g. at a press conference, the structure of the press release should follow certain guidelines:
- Clarity: direct and simple language should be used. The receiver must understand the message at first glance and there must be no confusion.
- Relevance: prioritising the most important information at the beginning of the presentation, using a pyramid approach
- Empathy: adapt the tone to the target audience, especially if it is a particularly sensitive situation
It is important to bear in mind that, in crisis situations, what any audience is looking for is accurate and unambiguous information that, at the same time, conveys trust and credibility.
Press communication in emergencies
Press communication must be swift and timely. Taking too long to clarify or provide information that clarifies the crisis situation could lead to speculation or reputational damage that would be difficult to reverse.
Therefore, having a pre-defined protocol for drafting and distributing an urgent communiqué can save valuable time:
- Identify the target: what do you want to achieve with this communication? The main message should be clearly defined
- Content of the article: a journalistic reporting structure should be followed that incorporates: a headline short and concise to summarise the situation, quotes official authorised spokespersons to reinforce the credibility of the message and information from contact to answer questions or provide updates
- Check before sending: errors in information or tone can lead to confusion or worsen the situation.
At InfluenceSuite, we know that speed and accuracy are essential in crisis management. That's why we work with our clients to design prevention, execution and post-situation communication strategies.