Improving crisis-response simulations: Using local context and incorporating crisis-response professionals

Abstract

Courses: Crisis Communication, Crisis and Issue Management, Writing for Public Relations, Public Relations Capstone.

Objective: This unit activity refines traditional simulation activities used in crisis communication education. By partnering with crisis management professionals and developing localized, multi-stage scenarios grounded in the university context, students learn to 1) create a single communication voice; 2) curb social media rumors; and 3) leverage the symbiotic partnership between the press and PR during times of crisis.