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The Blame Game
Don’t point fingers in a crisis. It’s a tempting knee-jerk reaction, especially when you are in the right. Nevertheless, it is a risky move and a huge crisis communications error.
Rather, try to take the high ground. If you find yourself in a debate—whether an actual debate or a pseudodebate via the news media or social media outlets—try to explain your argument in a compelling and positive light, letting the audience draw its own conclusions. Look for examples in the Jeffersonian model of arguments: state your position so that there is no possible conclusion other than the one you are drawing.
This has the same effect as pointing a finger, but without actually doing it.
If this is a public health or safety issue, a better ...
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