Crisis Communication Workshop

A program for leaders and communicators working under pressure — with a focus on non-aggressive communication methods and practical scenarios.

In a crisis (information attacks, reputational risks, emotionally charged conflicts, time pressure, “hostile” environment), communication either lowers the temperature and maintains trust — or increases tension. This workshop helps to act in a structured way: speak clearly, listen carefully, do not escalate conflicts and support the team, even when “everything is on fire.”

For whom

• Team leaders and managers
• Communicators, PR, SMM, spokespersons, press officers
• Media editors and managers
• Project coordinators in NGOs, humanitarian and government structures
• Teams working in high-risk environments or under constant public attention
  

What the workshop provides

• Action plan in the first hours of a crisis: how to gather facts, agree on a position, identify risks and audiences
• Non-aggressive communication in crisis messages: how to formulate messages without accusations and triggers, but firmly and to the point
• Conflict de-escalation: active listening, working with aggression, “difficult” questions, toxic info drives
• Internal communication under pressure: how to talk to the team in a way that reduces panic and maintains trust
• Reputation protection without self-censorship: how to talk about difficult things and not lose humanity
• Post-crisis debriefing: how to “close” a crisis, collect lessons and update protocols

 

Format and approach

The workshop is designed as a practical short program with an emphasis on developing skills: scenarios, role-playing, exercises, discussions and case analysis.

It can be held online or offline, and can be adapted to the needs of a specific team/context.

 

Indicative structure

• Crisis map: what happened / what is known / what is not known / risks of errors
• Communication framework: audiences, goals, “red lines”, tone and role of the leader
• Workshop: observations vs assessments; needs; clear requests; boundaries
• Difficult conversations: conflict in the team, conflict with a partner/donor/audience
• Public speaking in a crisis: short statements, Q&A, communication on social networks
• Communicator resilience: how to manage stress and not “break down” in messages (self-regulation, focus, prioritization)

 

Results for participants

• After the workshop, participants leave with a set of ready-made tools:
• template of the first message (first 60 min / 6 h / 24 h)
• matrix of messages and risks (what we say / what we don’t say / why)
• “de-escalation” scripts for difficult dialogues and internal communications
• crisis response checklist for the team

Duration of the training: 4-5 hours depending on the request.

Availability: upon request. It is possible to conduct online and on-site.