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WNC Business

Master Crisis Communication with Western Carolina University’s Division of Educational Outreach

Mar 19, 2025 08:27AM ● By WNC Business
In today’s fast-paced world, an organization’s reputation can be shaped in a matter of
minutes. The key to navigating crises effectively? Mastering the art of crisis
communication.

Western Carolina University invites you to an affordable, one day intensive and hands-
on course designed to equip you with the essential skills to lead with confidence,
safeguard stakeholder trust, and ensure transparency in times of crisis.

Why This Course?
From natural disasters to PR nightmares, crises come in many forms. In this course,
you'll gain invaluable insights into managing communication before, during, and after a
crisis. Whether you’re a seasoned communication professional or stepping into the field,
our expert-led training will provide the strategies you need to stay ahead of the storm.

Through a combination of theoretical insights, real-world case studies, and hands-on
exercises, you'll learn how to:
  • Develop a Crisis Communication Plan – Anticipate potential crises and craft a strategic response plan before disaster strikes.
  • Deliver Clear, Impactful Messaging – Communicate effectively with internal and external audiences, maintaining trust and credibility.
  • Be a Strong, Effective Spokesperson – Represent your organization with poise and confidence during high-pressure situations. 
  • Work with the Media – Conduct press conferences, manage interviews, and collaborate with media partners to ensure accurate reporting. 
  • Leverage Social Media – Use social platforms to control the narrative and reach key audiences quickly.
Through this course you’ll also learn how to understand different types of crisis, how to navigate the media environment, how to identify and understand your audience, experience spokesperson training, learn to craft appropriate messages, create a plan for crisis communications, and experience a press conference simulation.

Our expert instructor, Bill Davis, has extensive experience in teaching and training
media relations teams, having served as a Public Information Officer for over 13 years
in Law Enforcement and serving in a PIO role during his 21 years in the Navy. Bill has
spent time traveling the country educating and advising teams on the best practices of
media relations during a crisis.

Who Should Attend?
This course is ideal for professionals in public relations, law enforcement, emergency
management, corporate communications, and government agencies. Whether you’re
leading a crisis response team or preparing for future challenges, this training will
ensure you’re ready to respond with confidence and clarity.

Register Today!
Thursday, April 4 |  9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Location: Western Carolina University’s Asheville Instructional Site at Biltmore Park
Cost: $169 per registrant
Don’t wait for a crisis to test your communication skills. Be prepared. Be proactive. Be
the leader your organization needs. Secure your spot now at learn.wcu.edu/professional-development-dates

Source: Western Carolina University Educational Outreach.
Business & Professional Services, Education Crisis Communication Public Relations Professional Development Western Carolina University
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