Communicate carefully, coordinate with counsel, and stick to verified facts. Acknowledge the inquiry, note cooperation, and avoid speculation or selective disclosure.
Before speaking externally about an investigation, what should you do first?
Tell employees to delete informal messages.
Offer a detailed timeline of suspected violations.
Post a CEO video promising a specific outcome.
Align messaging with legal counsel to protect privilege and accuracy.
Which holding line is most appropriate when an inquiry becomes public?
“We blame a single employee and consider it closed.”
“No comment.”
“We did nothing wrong and the regulator is overreaching.”
“We’re aware of the inquiry, are cooperating with authorities, and will update when we can.”
What spokesperson model works best during an investigation?
Let outside commentators set the narrative.
Any executive can answer as they wish.
One trained spokesperson with approved Q&A and escalation paths.
Crowdsource answers from social media.
If information could be material for investors, which principle applies to updates?
Wait for rumors to fade.
Tell employees first and ask them to repost.
Share only with one analyst under NDA.
Avoid selective disclosure and use broad, simultaneous channels when required.
What should you avoid saying while facts are still developing?
Definitive statements about causes or outcomes.
That you are cooperating with authorities.
That you will provide further updates.
That you have appointed a special counsel.
What internal directive is essential once an investigation starts?
Delete older chats to reduce discovery size.
Preserve documents and prohibit deletion of business communications, including off‑channel.
Let each team decide record‑keeping rules.
Encourage staff to use personal apps for speed.
How should you treat rumors and misinformation about the investigation online?
Ignore everything to avoid drawing attention.
Debate every commenter in real time.
Threaten critics with legal action broadly.
Monitor, correct with verifiable facts, and point to your official update page.
When a regulator requests confidentiality, what is the safest communication posture?
Publicize the letter to show transparency.
Crowdsource legal strategy on community forums.
Honor the request and coordinate any necessary disclosures with counsel.
Speculate about the scope to fill the silence.
Which content is appropriate in a public FAQ during an investigation?
Employee blame before due process.
Internal emails and chat excerpts.
Predictions of penalties and timelines.
Scope, process steps, and where updates will appear—without legal conclusions.
What should marketing teams do with scheduled campaigns during a high‑profile inquiry?
Pause sensitive creatives and review tone for fit with the news environment.
Increase frequency to drown out coverage.
Run humorous takes to appear relatable.
Launch unrelated promotional stunts to distract.
Starter
Ground yourself in facts and designate one spokesperson before engaging externally.
Solid
Nice—now pressure‑test your holding lines with legal and investor‑relations scenarios.
Expert!
Impressive—your approach protects privilege, complies with disclosure rules, and builds trust.
