Keeping Cool on the Hot Seat: Dealing Effectively with the Media in Times of Crisis Paperback – August 29, 2011

Judith Hoffman has done a wonderful job outlining what every potential spokesperson needs to know when dealing with the media. Her counsel on how to prepare for a crisis is extremely valuable, as are her strategies for working with reporters when the news is bad. Keeping Cool on the Hot Seat is a great and helpful read.

Judith Hoffman's book is a dive into layers of wisdom. It is a thoroughly researched and perfectly organized guide for dealing with the media in times of crisis, and it is even deeper and more thought provoking than anticipated. Unexpectedly, personal life lessons prevail. While its fifth edition was published in 2011, the basic principles espoused continue to ring true for any level of businesses working with the media on critical news issues. The hidden jewel (discovered on my strangely compelling need to read it a second time) is that any reader can literally open to any page and find a life lesson and sound advice for one's personal life! The melding (and accountability) of one's corporate leadership and one's personal values is intriguing. The next edition of this book could have a subtitle: "Communicating Clearly and Effectively with the Media and Anyone of Any Age in Any Situation at Any Time."

Interesting read. Well thought and insightful experiences.

Excellent read.

efficiency!

Keeping Cool on the Hot Seat is a must-read for anyone in the field of communications, or anyone in business who may need to deal with the media. And this latest edition offers a new critical chapter, "Social Media - Learn to Embrace It." As a public relations and crisis communications professional, I have kept the previous edition and now the latest edition of this book on my desk.This book is an easy read with specific tips and even worksheets that can be used right away to help prepare readers to deal with the media in times of crisis. My company, Strategic Communications, was honored to be able to establish a relationship with the author Judy Hoffman and contribute to this 2011 edition of the book.

Judy Hoffman has been a great resource to our organization for developing our crisis communication plans as well as training our people throughout the US. This book is an easy read and a very helpful training tool to not only develop your plans, but also some nice do's and don'ts when the media shows up on your door step. If you manage a business you should be prepared for the various emergencies that could occur whether it be a plant fire or a "postal" employee.

In the highly competitive world of economic development, confidentiality and immediate response is the key to success. The competition is stiff and a media leak can be the end of a project if it's handled improperly. Judy Hoffman provides clear, concise guidelines on how to handle a crisis and keep you prepared and on-point during interviews and inquiries. This is a must-read, PRIOR to a crisis. Be prepared. I highly recommend this book.