Crisis Response Interview Series
Communications professionals are navigating uncharted waters. That’s why the team at Slice has interviewed experts in the field to share advice and guidance on communicating during COVID-19.
Below, check out some of our highlight quotes and the full list of interviews.
Angelic Garcia, Hearst Radio
“Remain calm. We will all hit speed bumps as we transition to a remote work environment. Also, rest assured that we will bounce back. A lot of companies are losing revenue with cancellations and that can lead to uncertainty. You are not alone, the whole world is in this together.”
Laurie Roma, Universal Health Services
“Trust your gut, but always think things through before reacting, with a focus on the big picture. It’s like science class. Every action has a reaction, and even though things move quickly in a time of crisis, taking that moment to think about how people will react when they see your messaging is a necessary exercise.”
Amy Sitnick, Greenphire
“Buckle up. This is going to be here for a while. Get rest and take care of yourself, because our roles right now are so incredibly essential. We are the glue of our organizations, and help position our companies as being empathetic, responsive, and essential partners to our clients — hopefully creating enduring loyalty down the road.”
Brittany Connor, Terrain Cafe + Terrain Events
“In this particular situation, I’ve found that it’s important to seek second, third, and even fourth opinions on my communication. When you’re dealing with an unprecedented situation like this pandemic, there may not always be a “right way” to message, but there is more than likely a “wrong way.” Ask for help, run your verbiage by a few colleagues, and rework until it feels right.”
Eric Patten, NeuLife Rehabilitation
“In any crisis, you need a plan. Stick to the framework of the plan but remain able to adapt as it plays out. Remember what Jimmy Buffet said: “Breathe In, Breath Out, Move on.” In other words, stay calm and focused, and together we will get through this.”
John J. Clendenin, Unisys
“Two words… Take notes! It is just a matter of time until we see another crisis”
Tracy Brala, University City Science Center
“Create a framework for your communication (ideally beforehand) and stick to the plan. Just because everybody and their uncle is sending an email saying, “Wash your hands,” does not mean you need to do it too. Make sure you communicate when you have something meaningful to say, not just to say something.”
Joesph Master, Drexel University
“Everyone is green until they’re not. Look to your mentors. Watch how they respond calmly when others jerk their knees. My boss appears to get calmer the crazier things get.”
Mariann McDonagh, Erwin, Inc.
“Think about being relevant. Don’t let people tell you “no”. If you think you have a great idea, drive through it, and prove that it is a good idea. Be persistent.”
Katie Kristofic, SPI Pharma
“Take your crisis communication plan, apply the facts you know, and start to build it out. If you don’t have a crisis communication plan, start with writing one. Time is of the essence, however; if you haven’t done this exercise, you will be at a disadvantage through the whole experience.”
