The document provides guidance on effective crisis communication and media response. It discusses key lessons for television interviews such as people remembering the organization more than the individual. It also outlines the standard news story format and how to create themes to address in a concise soundbite. The presentation emphasizes being prepared, staying on message, and avoiding technical jargon when responding to media inquiries.

1. Crisis Communication – Media Response “ Crisis Communication – Media Response” Derek Deroche & Noelle Runyan National Weather Service Kansas City/Pleasant Hill, MO Presented with material from “ The Heart In Communicating” by Richard Brundage

2. WELCOME “ Crisis Communication – Media Response”

3. LEAPFISH “ Crisis Communication – Media Response”

4. THE FOUR INSTANT LESSONS OF TV “ Crisis Communication – Media Response” 1. Almost none of the viewers will remember your name. 2. Almost all of the viewers will remember your organization. 3. Very few will remember a single point you make. 4. But all will decide promptly whether they like you or not.

5. NEWS STORY BREAKDOWN “ Crisis Communication – Media Response” 1. “Stand Up” Open: Running Time: 00:10 2. Story Development: Running Time: 00:08 3. Intro to Interview: Running Time: 00:08 4. “Sound Bite”: Running Time: 00:12 5. Story Re-development: Running Time: 00:08 6. “Stand Up” Close: Running Time: 00:10 Total Running Time: 00:56

6. ALCOHOL TAX “ Crisis Communication – Media Response”

7. TELEVISION HOURGLASS FORMAT “ Crisis Communication – Media Response” Open Story Development Intro to the Soundbite Soundbite Story Redevelopment Close

8. NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE “ Crisis Communication – Media Response”

9. EXAMPLE “ Crisis Communication – Media Response” Homeowners in a subdivision are complaining about a Doppler radar being too close to their homes. They are worried about the radiation from it, and also the fact that some felt it was driving down the resale value of their homes.

10. BRIDGING CHART “ Crisis Communication – Media Response” 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Answer Question 4 sec . Bridge Reporters Name Theme #1 4 sec 8 sec Total Sound Bite Running Time: 12 sec. 2 themes Theme #2 4 sec 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11. CREATING THEMES “ Crisis Communication – Media Response” The only equation of the day (unusual for the NWS) Themes = Objectives The good things we want to get across to the viewer. Pretend you are talking to a 3 rd grader that asked “The kids at school said you are hurting them with the radar. Are you??

12. CREATING THEMES - EXAMPLE “ Crisis Communication – Media Response” Homeowners in a subdivision are complaining about a Doppler radar being too close to their homes. They are worried about the radiation from it, and also the fact that some felt it was driving down the resale value of their homes. Theme #1 (4 sec) We can see inside the cloud and can see the hook signature, that tells us a tornado is coming… Theme #2 (4 sec) It gives us more warning time than we’ve ever had, and lets me do my mission to protect lives and property…

13. BRIDGING CHART “ Crisis Communication – Media Response” 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Answer Question 4 sec . Bridge Reporters Name Theme #1 4 sec 8 sec Total Sound Bite Running Time: 12 sec. 2 themes Theme #2 4 sec 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

14. COMMON BRIDGING PHRASES “ Crisis Communication – Media Response” "As I said before Mary”...... "John, what's really important here"…. "But Mary, we don't want to overlook the fact that"…. "And John, remember"…… "Mary, I can't emphasize enough"……. "That's certainly part of the issue Mary, but rounding it out is"…… "And John, I'd be remiss if I didn't emphasize that"….

15. PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER “ Crisis Communication – Media Response” Homeowners in a subdivision are complaining about a Doppler radar being too close to their homes. They are worried about the radiation from it, and also the fact that some felt it was driving down the resale value of their homes. Theme #1 (4 sec) We can see inside the cloud and can see the hook signature, that tells us a tornado is coming… Theme #2 (4 sec) It gives us more warning time than we’ve ever had, and lets me do my mission to protect lives and property…

16. TELEVISION HOURGLASS FORMAT “ Crisis Communication – Media Response” Open Story Development Intro to the Soundbite Soundbite Story Redevelopment Close

17. THREE ESSENTIALS FOR MEDIA RESPONDING “ Crisis Communication – Media Response”

18. WINTER STORM “ Crisis Communication – Media Response”

19. INFORMATION GATHERING – THE 5 SENSES “ Crisis Communication – Media Response” ……… 1.0% Taste ……… 1.5% Touch ……… 3.5% Smell ……… 7.0% Hearing ……… 87.0% Seeing 87% of your audience will determine your credibility by body language alone! ……… 87.0% Seeing

20. TONY DANZA “ Crisis Communication – Media Response”

22. “ Crisis Communication – Media Response” This slide has been intentionally left blank.

23. Thank You! “ Crisis Communication – Media Response” Derek Deroche & Noelle Runyan National Weather Service Kansas City/Pleasant Hill, MO Presented with material from “ The Heart In Communicating” by Richard Brundage

24. Example Interview “ Crisis Communication – Media Response” Derek Deroche & Noelle Runyan National Weather Service Kansas City/Pleasant Hill, MO Presented with material from “ The Heart In Communicating” by Richard Brundage

25. GROUP ACTIVITY “ Crisis Communication – Media Response” A significant storm was predicted and heavy rain fell upstream from your area. Reports of significant rainfall were received an Flash Flood Warnings were issued. Within a short time, upstream gages showed water levels well above flood stage. Emergency managers were notified to evacuate the downstream areas. People were warned, but many did not heed the message since only lighter rain fell in their area and they didn’t see any water in the local streams. Shortly thereafter, the rushing water arrives and rescues are required to save lives. When all is done, three people die. One was an emergency responder trying to rescue a person in a car. The local media has called and wants to interview you about the “surprise flooding”.