Crisis Communication

Effective crisis communication begins with clear messages, steady leadership, and preparation before the moment of truth.

We are battle-scarred reporters who have covered our fair share of crises. It takes a lot to rattle us. We come to the table prepared, calm, and focused. Working shoulder-to-shoulder, we set clear goals, strategy and expectations, then thoughtfully guide your team toward success.

We think several steps ahead of the issue and monitor online chatter and media coverage to identify gaps, key audiences, and tools to effectively engage.

Rockford Gray brings perspective, experience and measurable results, focusing on Crisis Communication Planning, Crisis Communication Workshop Training, Press Conference Coaching, and Crisis Consulting.

Need immediate help?

Call (303) 799-3900 and Press Extension for Crisis Help Now.

Crisis Services

We offer a full range of crisis communication support built around the realities of high-stakes situations. Our team has decades of experience as reporters working inside major newsrooms. This insight shapes every plan, briefing, and training we deliver.

CRISIS COMMUNICATION PLANNING

You can’t plan for a crisis while you’re having one.

Your crisis plan needs a “break the glass” quality so you can take immediate action.
Proactively engage with key audiences, manage media, identify gaps in existing plans, and define clear actions for your crisis team.

Click here for a free review of your crisis plan >>

CRISIS COMMUNICATION TRAINING WORKSHOPS

We get it. Bad things happen. People make mistakes. The problem becomes worse when you don’t know what to say or how to say it. Let us help prepare you for your toughest day.

Don’t risk your reputation with an inadequate, panicked, or insensitive response. The best response tends to be counterintuitive and leans into caring for what we call the “victim dimension.”

That’s why many of our clients say, “When you have a crisis, call Rockford Gray.”

In a crisis, you will be judged on how you handle that crisis as much as on the incident itself. It is vital your team understands what will be expected of them and why “No Comment” is never the answer.

Our Crisis Communication Workshops incorporate training and a customized hands-on simulation to prepare your team to thoughtfully respond. We guide your team toward a clearer understanding of the issues at stake in a crisis, what to say to reporters when you don’t have all the answers, how to anticipate the media’s behavior, address stakeholders, and preserve your reputation.

Workshops are highly interactive and tailored specifically to the issues your team will likely face. We focus on organization, teamwork, strategic thinking, decision-making, and – of course – communication.

Sleep well knowing your team is ready.

Click here for a free review of your crisis plan >>

PRESS CONFERENCE COACHING

There may come a time when your top executives are called on to speak about a serious issue or incident that puts your organization’s reputation at risk. When the stakes are high, make sure your executives are ready.

Contact Rockford Gray for highly customized coaching designed for your difficult issues.

Let’s get started.

CRISIS CONSULTING

It takes a lot to rattle us. In crisis communication, steadiness matters, and we show up prepared, calm, and focused. Working shoulder-to-shoulder with your team, we help set clear goals and strategy, then guide you through each step of the response with purpose and confidence.

Our consultants think several moves ahead. We track online chatter and media coverage, identify key audiences, spot gaps before they become problems, and identify opportunities.. This approach works to support clear, consistent communication and helps neutralize the crisis.

We bring perspective, experience, and measurable results when they matter most.

Learn how we can work together >>

"Rockford Gray has supported us for years in ongoing crisis media training for key staff, as well as in response to tragic events. Jennifer and Gil have provided valuable insight and coaching, and stood beside us in moments of crisis. Most importantly, they've helped us incorporate our values into a practical strategy for crisis communications that aligns with who we are and protects the long-term health of our organization."

Katie Baum Mettenbrink, NOLS Risk Management Director

“I loved how personalized this course was to our agency.”

Federal Government Employee

Crisis Experience

Injury or fatality

Workplace violence

School shooting

Legal issue

Social media, online review site attack

Education

Entertainment / Unscripted talent

Construction

Healthcare

Resort / Hospitality

Public private partnerships (PPPs)

Data breach / ransomware

HIPAA violation

Congressional inquiry

Leadership transition

Executive allegation

Shareholder

Employee issue

Contract dispute

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI)

Ballot initiative

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS CRISIS COMMUNICATION?

It is the practice of delivering clear, accurate, and timely messages during high-pressure or unexpected situations to protect your organization and maintain public trust.

WHO IS CRISIS COMMUNICATION FOR?

Crisis Management Teams, Executives, department heads, spokespeople, front-line responders, and any leader responsible for speaking on behalf of an organization.

CAN YOU REVIEW AN EXISTING CRISIS COMMUNICATION PLAN?

Yes. Rockford Gray offers crisis plan reviews to ensure your strategy is current, actionable, and aligned with communication best practices.

CAN TRAINING BE CUSTOMIZED?

Absolutely. All workshops and coaching sessions are tailored to your organization’s structure, audience, and potential crisis scenarios.

HOW LONG DOES CRISIS TRAINING TAKE?

A typical Crisis Communication Workshop lasts 3-4 hours, depending on whether we include mock news conferences. The ideal class size is 5-15 people.

WHAT DOES YOUR CRISIS TRAINING WORKSHOP INCLUDE?

Rockford Gray’s Crisis Communication Workshop begins with a customized 90-minute training presentation that incorporates your organization’s crisis plan. We include how to buy time in a crisis, address what we call the “victim dimension” of a crisis, manage your organization’s message, keep the media and audiences informed and engage with key audiences in a meaningful way.

WHAT DOES THE TRAINING INCLUDE?

Training typically includes an upfront training segment and a customized crisis simulation exercise. This is a team exercise designed to prepare Crisis Team Members, test your crisis plan, identify gaps in planning, and improve overall crisis response outcomes.