The Mass Shooting Playbook Introduction by Bruce Hennes, Hennes Communications… A mass shooting is not just a tactical emergency. It is a communications crucible. This article introduces the Mass Shooting Playbook, a research-driven, practical handbook for leaders and communicators responsible for communities under threat. Built on real-world cases, it offers checklists, clear roles, and guidance […]
By Julia Minson, writing for The New York Times A Harvard researcher describes a fraught conversation about immigration with her conservative, veteran father-in-law and shares the behavioral-science playbook that kept it constructive. The takeaway isn’t “win the argument,” but keep the relationship intact. She explains why curiosity beats persuasion, how to signal respect while disagreeing […]
Crisis communications is a sub-specialty of the public relations profession that is designed to protect and defend an individual, company, or organization facing a public challenge to its reputation. Crisis communications is aimed at raising awareness of a specific type of threat, the magnitude, outcomes, and specific behaviors to adopt to reduce the threat. […]
Fires, tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, arson and active shooters can all affect houses of worship. With incidents occurring with little to no warning, many houses of worship are developing and updating plans and procedures to ensure the safety and security of their congregations, staff, and facilities. Training and planning exercises may enhance the disaster preparedness – […]
For the third consecutive year, Hennes Communications has been named one of the top U.S. crisis communications firms by Chambers and Partners, the world’s leading independent legal research and rankings organization. Hennes Communications is one of only 20 communications consultancies in the United States included in the prestigious 2025 Chambers Crisis & Risk Management guide. […]
Introduction by Bruce Hennes, Hennes Communications I was a proud Boy Scout in the 1960s. Growing up in Ohio near Camp Manatoc—once considered by many to be the second-best Boy Scout camp in the country, after Philmont—we learned how to hike, haul water, pitch tents in the dead of winter, practice gun safety, work as […]
Editor’s Note: This must-read article reveals how real disasters test — and prove — he power of crisis communications training. From the Key Bridge collapse to the Nashville shooting, Tropical Storm Helene, and California wildfires, it shows how classroom lessons become life-saving action and how every response reshapes future teaching. Blending insight, authenticity, and […]
By Micah Gibson, April Sramek, and Emily O’Connor, writing for the American Society of Association Executives Communications professionals must adapt to working among all departments, especially at associations, where teams are often small and require cross-collaboration. This article provides tips on how to get started clarifying your team’s role or strengthen existing internal partnerships, using […]
By Bruce Hennes, Hennes Communications In today’s high-stakes environment, rising to the C-suite is one challenge. Navigating a full-blown crisis is another entirely. Leading an organization into financial success, operational growth or market dominance does not automatically prepare you for the turbulence of public scrutiny, viral misinformation or emotional social media backlash. While your boardroom […]
By Thom Fladung, Hennes Communications • Understand what the orders mean – and don’t mean • Review policies and procedures now, with your legal counsel involved • Keep communicating – including when you’re not sure what’s next • Take a deep breath The news coming at school administrators and school boards has been fast and […]