IABC Crisis Communications SIG: The Human Side of Crises: Trauma-Informed Communication

Crises are about people. In a natural disaster, act of violence, cybersecurity breach or another high-stakes event, communicators may be engaging with survivors, families, employees, communities and leaders who are experiencing fear and uncertainty. Stress can affect how we think, process information, make decisions and respond to messages. At the same time, the way organizations communicate in a crisis can help reduce stress, support recovery and build trust.

In this session, we will explore the human side of crisis management. While clinical expertise is outside the scope of the discussion, we’ll draw on insights from brain science and psychology to examine trauma-informed approaches to communication, from leading with empathy and reducing the risk of re-traumatization to building trust when emotions run high. With a diverse panel of practitioners from within and beyond the crisis communication field, we’ll consider how a greater understanding of human responses to stress can strengthen internal and external communication during high-stakes situations.