Communicating in Times of Turmoil

Turmoil seems to be a major force in the world today. Just look at what is going on in Egypt: demonstrations, mobs, violence, confusions, calls for civility. Aspects of that seem to be spilling over into others parts of the Middle East as well. It is exciting largely because of the possibility that the end-result of this turmoil may be greater freedom for the people of that region. At the same time, it is worrisome because the end-result could be the opposite of greater freedom: more entrenched dictatorships, more hotbeds for terrorists and a greater suppression of people. Thus, among the demonstrators it is not surprising to see confusion and fear coupled with the great passion currently being exhibited. This can be a dangerous combination, particularly if direction and credible information are not part of the mix.

In such situations, effective communication can be a major tool for helping people turn their passion into positive action and feel more comfortable with the change underway. This is why it is not surprising that those fighting the demonstrators have been trying to cling to their positions of power by stifling the flow of information and compromising efforts by the demonstrators to connect with each other. By derailing communication, these so-called leaders are able to keep the demonstrators confused, ill-informed and easier to control. Effective communication can provide the demonstrators with valid channels of communication as opposed to negative ones that range from random acts of violence to censoring or stopping the flow of information. Further, effective communication can help instill demonstrators with a greater sense of purpose, direction and desire to achieve a return to normalcy.

One aspect of effective communication often is messaging, coming up talking points designed to reach specific audiences. But in the case of what is happening in Egypt, establishing a range of safe and credible communication channels is equally essential. People need to know how to communicate as well as what to communicate. The two go hand-in-hand. Just look at any successful public or strategic communication effort and you will see these two elements. No matter how vast or energizes demonstrations, revolutions or massive movements might be, they are ultimately judged by the message around which they were created and by how well that message was shared with others.