Knowing Your Audience

Knowing Your Audience: Communication Regarding Trapped Chilean Miners

Michael Cole

BCOM/275

February 10, 2014

Theodore Koontz, Jr

Knowing Your Audience: Communication Regarding Trapped Chilean Miners

As you may be aware, 33 of our workers are currently trapped in our San Jose mine in Northern Chile. The miners are trapped 2,300 feet underground with little to no food or water. It is of great importance that we be mindful of the sensitivity of all when conducting communications on this very delicate situation. A rescue mission is currently underway, and we are working with authorities to retrieve these men in the shortest time possible.

Because there are many different factions of the company and public involved, this message needs to be effectively communicated to a broad audience. Family members will need to be handled with care because of the emotional volatility of the situation. All communications to any family should be of a positive nature. We need to keep in mind that no blame should be placed on any one person or entity without all of the facts gathered first. It is also important to keep workplace communications during this time positive and free of derogatory comments of defaming. Any fallacies communicated can have a negative effect on the situation. Because of the sensitivity of the situation, we need to specify who can and who cannot talk to the media, failure to do so will only cause further problems.

It is important to consider the potential needs of the families of the trapped employees during this time. ABC has already reported that Mrs. Ramirez is stating her husband is weak and that she sent him a message wishing him strength and telling him she loves him (Huges, 2010). Before we issue an official statement, a Grief Councilor needs to be obtained and on standby to adequately provide emotional support to the families. Under no circumstance should any details involving death or negative aspects of the situation be communicated to...