Crisis Communications

A crisis rarely arrives on schedule.

An emerging issue, critical incident, leadership challenge or community controversy can quickly change the communications environment. Government leaders must make decisions while information is still developing, public attention is increasing and employees, elected officials, residents and the media are looking for answers.

In those moments, what you communicate matters.

So does how, when and why you communicate it.

Experienced Counsel

Trusted & Experienced counsel when you need it most.

Talk Write Communications provides strategic crisis and issues communications counsel specifically for municipal, county and public-sector organizations.

With decades of experience working inside government and public safety, we understand the realities leaders face when an issue moves quickly—from managing incomplete information and coordinating multiple stakeholders to maintaining credibility while responding to intense public and media scrutiny.

Crisis & Critical Incident Communications
Strategic guidance, messaging and coordination during rapidly developing situations.

Talk Write can provide strategic counsel and communications support for:

Emerging Issues
Identify communications risks early and develop a proactive strategy before an issue becomes a crisis.

Executive & Elected Official Messaging
Develop clear, consistent messaging for administrative and elected leadership.

Media Strategy
Prepare leadership for media inquiries, interviews, press conferences and heightened public attention.

Internal Communications
Ensure employees understand what is happening, what is expected and what information can appropriately be shared.

Community Communications
Provide residents and stakeholders with timely, accurate and understandable information.

Public Safety Communications
Support coordinated communications involving police, fire, emergency management and executive leadership.

Reputation & Public Trust
Help organizations communicate difficult decisions and complex issues while protecting long-term credibility and relationships.

Strategic Support Frameworks

BEFORE THE CRISIS

The best time to prepare for a crisis is before you're in one.

Crisis communications should not begin when the cameras arrive.

Talk Write works with organizations to evaluate readiness and establish the structure, protocols and tools needed before an incident occurs.

Preparedness services may include crisis communications plans, communications protocols, spokesperson identification, message development processes, leadership exercises, media training and coordination procedures for executive leadership, Communications, Police, Fire and other key departments.

The goal isn't to predict every crisis. It's to ensure your organization knows how it will communicate when one happens.

WHEN YOU'RE ALREADY IN IT

Sometimes you need another experienced voice at the table.

During a complex or rapidly developing issue, leadership can benefit from an independent advisor who is not managing the day-to-day response.

Talk Write provides experienced outside counsel to help assess the communications environment, identify risks, challenge assumptions, develop messaging and determine what needs to be communicated—and what doesn't.

We meet the organization where it is and provide the level of support leadership needs.

We've been on your side of the table. Government crisis communications is different.

Decisions must account for public records, operational realities, elected leadership, employees, public safety, legal considerations, media scrutiny and the expectations of the community—all while events continue to unfold.

Talk Write understands that environment because our experience comes from inside it.

We bring a steady perspective, practical strategy and an understanding that the objective isn't simply getting through today's headline.

Let's Talk Before You Need Us

LET'S TALK