This is a total emersion course designed to prepare those individuals who would be actively involved in an organization's response to a real crisis. Using a realistic scenario, participants learn how to develop key messages they'll need to get across during media interviews. After an introduction to crisis management, students break into two groups as a crisis scenario unfolds in real time. Each participant plays his or her role in this realistic scenario. In addition to reacting to the crisis, each student is interviewed periodically throughout the afternoon as the designated spokesperson for the crisis.
Observers assist teams.
Selected students may participate in impromptu news briefings. Near the end of the first day, the scenario is temporarily stopped, students review their actions during the afternoon and interviews are critiqued. Following a brief review of the previous day and an update on the current status of the crisis, the two groups prepare and then conduct news conferences, followed by public meetings and more interviews. Students and instructors evaluate performances, review actions and critique videotapes. Organizations are provided with a copy of the videotaped performances.