In any type of crisis, disaster or peril, trust is the most important element in successful crisis communications to the public.
This is according to John Born, who has had more than 30 years of experience in crisis communication.
Born served as the director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety for Gov. John Kasich and was on board during the Ebola crisis. He also previously served as colonel and superintendent of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, capping a 26-year career in law enforcement.
Although he admits that there are many different crisis communication styles among leaders, there are some fundamentals that are basic to all good communication. Born says that the spokesperson must be “truthful, consistent and trustworthy” in his/her messaging if he/she is to be believed by the public.
He also says that it is imperative that the messages presented by public officials be based on good science and be grounded in strong underlying facts.
He also adds that in today’s social media age, not only do crisis communicators need to talk directly to the public but they also must be able to counter erroneous narratives that breed on social media. It is necessary, according to Born, to do this immediately before a false narrative can spread.
Born also says that good crisis communication must be specific in what the public is being asked to do – for example, social distancing. The message must be repeated over and over repeating both the request and the underlying reasons for the request.
Born acknowledges that, although today many people get their news from biased sources at both ends of the political spectrum, that the public will eventually gravitate to the true facts and jettison political bias.
Born currently is working with the Scripps College of Communication and the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs at Ohio University.
Shake off the “Winter Blues” and kick the “February Doldrums” at work
Dr. Janice Collins, author, journalist, & educator talks student empowerment
‘QKatie’ gives update on her book “Cheese, Wine, and Bread” and its success.
Earl Johnson helps people find comfort after trauma and gives us his insight
“Joe Nuxhall: The Old Lefthander and Me” delivers pitcher/broadcaster’s insights
Washington gridlock is likely to continue as Trump’s GOP power grows stronger
The impacts of the Rittenhouse acquittals are analyzed by a judge and legal analyst
Career coach, author, podcaster Beverly Jones touts being ‘Happy at Work.’
African American Woman Forged Her Path in Public Broadcasting
Trump’s Grip on the Republican Party Tightens Even While Out-of-Office
Katie Quinn, Author & Media Personality, talks about Food/Life
“Positively No Outlet” – a Podcast that highlights small town Americans
The Trauma of George Floyd’s Death Still Reverberates
Conspiracy Theories Thrive as Journalism is on Life-Support Says Media Expert
Climate Change Policies Have Seen Great Change in Biden’s First 100 Days
Black Female Lawyer Eunice Hunton Carter Blazed Trails for Social Justice
Dave Thomas Foundation Celebrates Adoption Milestone During COVID-19
GOP Struggling to Chart the “Right” Course Post Trump Presidency
Rural Health Depts. Face Difficulties Getting COVID-19 Vaccine
Black Women and Girls are Too Often the Targets of Violence in America
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Jim & Bill (It‘s Another Day)
HauntingLive
Dr. Paul’s Worldviews
The Ben Shapiro Show
Morning Wire