How Leaders Find Their Voice in a Crisis
No leader ever really expects the moment to arrive.
That call from comms, the breaking news alert, the sudden demand for a statement when emotions are high and details are unclear, but it comes, and when it does, the words you choose, the calm you project, and the belief behind your message will define how people remember you.
I’ve coached enough leaders to know that it’s never just about what you say. It’s the energy you carry into the room.
The steadiness of your breath. The conviction that you believe what you’re saying, even if it’s hard to hear. These things can’t be faked in the moment; they are forged in rehearsal, reflection, and readiness.
Not only do my team and I help executives craft scripts, but we also put leaders through simulation labs and storytelling drills that stretch them beyond their comfort zone.
We recreate tension, ambiguity, even hostility because that’s what a crisis feels like. I’d rather they feel that heat with me in the room than for the first time on live television or radio.
When a leader learns to own their message, to anticipate how it will land, to find the line between transparency and responsibility, that’s when communication becomes leadership.
It’s not about perfection. It’s about presence. It’s about knowing who you are, what you stand for, and how to hold your nerve when the air gets thin.
Because in those moments, people aren’t just listening to your words, they are measuring your composure. They are looking to see if they trust you.
So, if you lead people, if you shape culture, if you hold responsibility for the public voice of your organisation, then ask yourself:
How do I show up when the pressure peaks?
Do my words align with my actions, even when it costs?
Am I rehearsing for the day when clarity and calm will matter most?
When crisis calls, it is less about your time to prepare and more about delivering what’s already in you.
I offer a bag of tools from Power Hours to Storytelling Labs that help clients build confidence, clarity, and credibility long before the lights come on.
Feel free to reach out if that resonates.
