COVID-19 Crisis Communication for Reopening the U.S.

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What comes after we “flatten the curve” of COVID cases? New York Times opinion writer Charlie Warzel warns that, without a clear communication strategy for what’s next, people will distrust leaders.

Warzel cites six communication guidelines from the report of a working group at The University of Minnesota, The Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRP).:

  • Don’t Over Reassure.

  • Proclaim Uncertainty

  • Validate Emotions—Your Audience’s and Your Own

  • Give People Things to Do

  • Admit and Apologize for Errors

  • Share Dilemma

Discussion:

  • How should U.S. officials communicate now? What do they need to accomplish, and how well are our current leaders meeting the challenge? In other words, do you agree with Warzel that our leaders are falling short?

  • Read the entire report. What other principles does the group recommend?

  • Analyze the report: the audiences, objectives, writing style, organization, and so on. What are the strengths, and how could it be improved?