Leadership & Management

Leadership Communication in a Crisis

In a crisis, what leaders say and how quickly they say it can determine whether trust is preserved. This course prepares leaders to communicate during emergencies, incidents and reputational crises: first statements, messaging under uncertainty, speaking to employees, customers and media, and maintaining credibility through the recovery period.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

Download course PDF

Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Silence or confusion in the first hours of a crisis fills the space with rumours. You will learn to communicate with speed, empathy and accuracy.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

Crisis simulations, statement drafting exercises, media interview practice and case studies of crisis communication.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Understand how stakeholders react in a crisis
Prepare first statements quickly and accurately
Communicate honestly under uncertainty
Address employees, customers and media
Coordinate messages across channels
Rebuild trust after the crisis

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Senior leaders and executives
Communication and PR managers
Crisis team members
Department heads
Spokespeople

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Crisis messaging
Empathetic communication
Media handling
Message coordination
Trust recovery

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Crisis Communication Principles

09:00–10:08What stakeholders need in a crisis
10:08–11:00Speed versus accuracy
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Speed versus accuracy (continued)
11:45–12:53Leader visibility
12:53–14:00Case study analysis

Day 2First Hours

09:00–10:08Holding statements
10:08–11:00Facts, actions and care
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Facts, actions and care (continued)
11:45–12:53Internal first
12:53–14:00Exercise: drafting a first statement

Day 3Communicating Under Uncertainty

09:00–10:08Saying what you know and do not know
10:08–11:00Updates and timelines
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Updates and timelines (continued)
11:45–12:53Avoiding speculation
12:53–14:00Practice: briefing employees

Day 4Media and Public

09:00–10:08Media interviews under pressure
10:08–11:00Social media dynamics
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Social media dynamics (continued)
11:45–12:53Difficult questions
12:53–14:00Simulated press conference

Day 5Recovery

09:00–10:08Ongoing communication
10:08–11:00Apology and accountability
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Apology and accountability (continued)
11:45–12:53Rebuilding trust
12:53–14:00Crisis communication plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon UK certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon UK programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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