Foundations of Crisis Communication

In this Foundations of Crisis Communication course, you’ll learn how to lead through chaos when something serious disrupts your business. Whether it’s a product failure, a public backlash, or a cybersecurity breach, your response shapes how your company is seen. A strong message builds trust, but silence or delay can make things worse.

You’ll explore real examples from companies that got it right—and those that didn’t. You’ll break down what happened, why it mattered, and what leaders said to gain or lose public confidence. You’ll learn the different types of crises and assess the impact they can have. The course will also teach you to match your message to each group, from employees and investors to customers and the media.

You’ll also understand what leadership looks like during a crisis, so you are prepared to build a crisis team and create a clear communication plan. By the end of this course, you’ll be ready to lead with calm, clarity, and purpose—even when the pressure’s on.

• Define crisis communication and explain why it matters in high-pressure situations
• Identify different types of business crises and assess their impact
• Describe leadership responsibilities during a crisis, both internally and externally
• Recognize the structure and roles of an effective crisis communication team
• Develop key parts of a practical crisis communication plan