If the last two years have taught us anything, it’s that communicating difficult technical concepts to stressed audiences presents a major challenge.
The task is made easier, though, with the right tools, and a major tool arrived with the recent publication of Dr. Vincent Covello’s latest book, Communicating in Risk, Crisis, and High Stress Situations: Evidence-Based Strategies and Practice.
Brand-New Material and Case Studies Addressing Our Current World
In the opening note from series editor Ryan K. Boettger, readers learn that Drs. Boettger and Covello had met in 2019, before the pandemic, to discuss the creation of an evidence-based book in which Dr. Covello would discuss his successes and challenges in the ever-daunting world of risk, crisis, and high-stress communications.
Needless to say, the arrival of COVID-19 called for a reimagining of the project. Not only that, but the project was also delayed because Dr. Covello’s expertise was so badly needed, and he found himself working extensively with state health directors and governors on health communications.
Returning to the project, Dr. Covello was able to share insights and experiences from the post-COVID world, providing case diaries, principles, and techniques honed in the crucible of a worldwide event that affected nearly all areas of life.
What You Find Within
A glance at the table of contents shows the breadth of information covered in the work, with the chapter breakdown as follows:
- The Critical Role of Risk, High Concern, and Crisis Communication
- Core Concepts
- An Overview of Risk Communication
- Development of Risk Communication Theory and Practice
- Stakeholder Engagement and Empowerment
- Communicating in a Crisis
- Foundational Principles: Perceptions, Biases, and Information Filters
- Foundational Principles: Trust, Culture, and Worldviews
- Best Practices for Message Development in High Concern Situations
- Communicating Numbers, Statistics, and Technical Information about a Risk or Threat
- Evaluating Risk, High Concern, and Crisis Communications
- Communicating with Mainstream News Media
- Social Media and the Changing Landscape for Risk, High Concern, and Crisis Communication
More information about this must-have resource can be found at the publisher (Wiley) site here.
Pathway Prompt: What section of the book are you most excited about?
Communicating Effectively When Feelings, Fears, and Facts Collide
More information about risk, high-concern, and crisis communication can be found in Dr. Covello’s video-based course Pathway to Risk, High-Concern, and Crisis Communication.
This master class introduces communicators to the tools and techniques for communicating effectively—while providing greater insight into why audiences react the way they do during times of stress.
The course comprises nine video lectures and accompanying text modules, plus supplemental materials for putting valuable lessons into practice. More information about the course, including group rates and partnering opportunities, can be found by emailing info@pathwaycommunication.com.
Dr. Vincent Covello
Dr. Vincent Covello, director of the Center for Risk Communication, is one of the world’s leading experts and practitioners on risk, high-concern, and crisis communication. He is the author of more than 150 articles in scientific journals and the author/editor of more than 20 books.
Resources
Covello, Vincent T. Communicating in Risk, Crisis, and High Stress Situations: Evidence-Based Strategies and Practice. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, 2022.
