No News Is Good News: An Activity of Using Social Media in Crisis Communication

Keywords: managerial communication, crisis communication, social media

Abstract: This activity allows students the opportunity to consider how they might use social media to address situations of crisis communication by participating in a challenging, in-class simulation. This activity helps students further develop the managerial skills of creating a strategy, implementing a plan, and communicating with recipients. As designed, the activity encourages group discussion and debate, along with physical movement around the classroom. Each of the steps of the activity facilitates engagement and deep discussion on topics such as cultural expectations, organizational culture, responding in a crisis, and tone in public relations communication.