FIR Interview: Sarah Dean Forrester on Crisis Communication - Jan 29, 2008

Crisis communication is a hot topic. In episode #310 of The Hobson & Holtz Report on January 14, it was a primary discussion point, addressing the different types of communication crises.

FIR co-host Shel Holtz expanded on that discussion with Crisis communication fundamentals, a post that looked at the roots of a crisis, three major categories of crisis, why crises escalate, developing strategies and response guidelines.

During the Don’t Panic Guide to Crisis Communications conference in London on January 25, FIR co-host Neville Hobson spoke with conference speaker and communications consultant Sarah Dean Forrester who offered additional insight into aspects of effective crisis communication planning and management.

About our Conversation Partner

Sarah Dean ForresterSarah Dean Forrester is a Senior Consultant and Associate Director at Trimedia, one of the UK’s leading full-service public relations and communications consultancies, based in Manchester, England.

Sarah has worked in public relations and corporate communications since leaving journalism more than twelve years ago, in sectors including healthcare, education and the emergency services.

Her work has included liaising with and supporting in-house communications staff; designing internal and external communications strategies; identifying opportunities to engender debate around relevant issues and key messages; stakeholder engagement; devising and testing key messages and contentious Q&As; coordinating staff newsletters and bulletins; devising and managing content for the consultation websites; building relationships with editors and reporters; providing and devising presentation and media skills training for spokespeople; and editing and managing the production of magazines and newsletters.

Sarah’s career experience also includes working as Head of Press Office at Greater Manchester Police, where she managed a team of ten people dealing with operational crime, major incidents, homicides, high profile trials and the reputation of the Force.

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This FIR Interview is brought to you with Lawrence Ragan Communications, serving communicators worldwide for 35 years. Information: www.ragan.com.

Podsafe intro music - On A Podcast Instrumental Mix (MP3, 5Mb) by Cruisebox.

Posted by neville on 01/29 at 08:32 AM

  1. I really enjoyed this.

    Near the end, I noted that that Sarah said it isn’t worth training for a specific crisis, but to be prepared for a crisis in general. Off-the-shelf statements don’t work, but broad logistical planning is vital.

    Thanks Neville.

    Posted by Michael Allison  on  01/31  at  09:27 AM

  2. Michael:

    Not training for a specific crisis doesn’t mean not drilling, though. When I drilled executives at the companies where I was responsible for the crisis strategy, the executive team never knew what crisis was going to hit them. The goal of the drill was to make sure they were not falling victim to panic but rather adhering to the guidelines and putting the strategy into practice.

    Posted by Shel Holtz  on  01/31  at  03:24 PM

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