Psychology
Crisis Communication and the Legitimacy of Executive Power
Quick fact
During the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, President Kennedy's clear and measured televised address is credited with maintaining public calm and bolstering his legitimacy, while later leaders who miscommunicated during disasters saw approval ratings plummet.
Why this is interesting
We've all seen leaders step to a podium during a crisis, but what determines whether that speech emboldens a nation or sparks a revolt? Why does the same message work for one leader and backfire for another?