MBE Group

Speaking opportunities at the right events don't come around constantly. When they do, the preparation that goes into them should match the opportunity they represent. A strong appearance builds credibility, opens doors and puts your company in front of the right people in a way that's very hard to replicate through any other channel.

Three quick tips:
• Start preparing earlier than feels necessary. Think three weeks, not three days.
• Know your first sixty seconds cold to confidently capture your audience.
• If your presentation includes Q&A, be sure to prepare for the questions you’ll be asked.

One of the more common mistakes in crisis management is treating the initial response as “one and done”. The story often continues to develop long after the first statement goes out. Stakeholders are watching to see whether the organization follows through on its commitments. Journalists are looking for what comes next. The absence of follow-through communication is often interpreted as an indication that the initial response was performative instead of genuine.

The organizations that come out of a crisis with their reputations intact are the ones that continue communicating with specificity, honesty and consistency for as long as the situation warrants it.