Program Overview

Crisis Communication Essentials

The Crisis Communication Essentials program is designed to teach individuals how to effectively communicate during a crisis to protect their organization's reputation and interact with the media in challenging situations.

Course Overview

The program consists of two half-day courses: Issues and Crisis Response and Media Training. These courses can be completed separately or in conjunction with each other.

Issues and Crisis Response

This half-day foundational course teaches individuals how to create a plan to manage the public side of any crisis or issue. The course ensures that participants have the skills to communicate effectively with their Board, stakeholders, people, and the media.

• Understand the difference between public issues and a crisis
  • Recognize the impact of issues and crises on an organization
• Plan for proactive and reactive responses
  • Develop a crisis management plan as part of a risk management strategy
• Identify key stakeholders and communicate with them
  • Create issues and crisis management plans
• Develop key messages
  • Integrate crisis communications with operational responses
• Plan for looking after the welfare of those impacted by a crisis

Media Training

This half-day course teaches individuals how to develop and deliver key messages effectively. Participants will learn to be credible in the media and develop the interview skills needed to be effective in front of the camera.

• Understand the makeup of the media in New Zealand
  • Research journalists and anticipate questions
• Structure key messages
  • Develop basic interview skills
• Learn the dos and don'ts of working with journalists

Course Facilitator

The course is facilitated by Steve Addison, an experienced media trainer with a background in journalism, and crisis and issues management.

Course Details

• Duration: 1 day (or half-day)
• Price: $1,050 pp (full-day), $525 pp (half-day)
• Next start date: Tuesday, 16 June 2026
• Location: Ilam campus, University of Canterbury

Group Discount

A 10% discount is available for groups of 3-5 learners.

Course Fees

The course fees include catering (all dietary requirements catered for) and booking fees.