At this time of the calendar year, we often look at the corporate leadership speech or the year end speech. And it's typically delivered by a corporate leader. However, today we've witnessed a crisis speech and it's a huge crisis speech. A disaster speech, if you like. Now, we have reported on disaster speeches in the past, such as the Boeing apology speech. But also speeches that turned to disasters. That's another thing altogether. However, it's a special occasion when you have to give your crisis speech.
How to Give Your Crisis Speech in Style
Because the current Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, has given a crisis speech where he focused his attention upon a number of appalling decisions involving Lord Mandelson. The same Lord Mandelson who was a Labour Party apparatchik and former Minister in the governments led by Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.
Because there's a whole set of damning conclusions about Lord Mandelson that are currently being aired. And there's also a criminal investigation by the Metropolitan Police in London.
What to Expect in Your Crisis Speech
But what should we expect in a crisis speech? Well, it's typically given when a corporate or political leader tries to make good a situation which is rapidly getting out of control. And a problem that's probably going to get worse.
Certainly the current Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, did look a forlorn and pathetic figure when he gave his speech at the Pride in Place event in Hastings, East Sussex. The site of another crisis, albeit in 1066.
Unlike King Harold who didn't survive the battle of Hastings, Keir Starmer is desperately clinging to his job as the First Minister of his Majesty's government. And it's still only February 2026. So that's one in the eye for Keir.
I am sorry.
Sorry for what was done to you.
Sorry that so many people with power failed you.
Sorry for having believed Mandelson’s lies and appointed him.
And sorry that even now, you are forced to watch this story unfold in public once again.
Give Your Crisis Speech and Make it Count
There's no denying that this Keir Starmer speech was a best effort. A best effort by his speech writers. Though its delivery was typical for the current Prime Minister and the seal clapping of his Labour party audience was fulsome, it didn't resonate with his wider audience. For they really want to hear a resignation speech.
QUENTIN LETTS: Starmer's speech was stodgy porridge https://t.co/a5SH5hOd1o via @DailyMail
— Quentin Letts (@thequentinletts) February 5, 2026
Of course your apology has to be a key part of your crisis speech. No matter the quote attributed here to Admiral Lord Fisher. He was a military man and definitely of a different age!
Never Deny | Never Explain | Never Apologise
Admiral Lord Fisher
Tips To Help You Give Your Crisis Speech with Style
In your crisis speech, you have to apologise and you have to explain. Since by this stage it really is too late. But, of course, there are also other considerations. So, you can always consider these things for your own disaster/ crisis speech.
- 1Language, you need to use the right language and capture the mood of the nation or the organisation.
- 2Explanation. You need to provide a full and frank explanation for what has happened, why it happened and what is going to happen next.
- 3Apology. Apologies are necessary, particularly if there has been bad form or malign actions by key individuals. Apologise.
- 4Pace and pauses. Your pace needs to be measured. You cannot rush such a speech and you certainly need to put attention into the key pauses in your speech that draw attention to the key points you are making.
- 5Short sentences. Keep the sentences short. This is no time for flowery language or rhetorical devices. No way, it just is not the time.
- 6Denial. You can try denying things, but it won't work. You have to face up to the facts.
- 7Sincerity. Aim to be sincere. If you can't be sincere, then fake it. That certainly appears to be the rule for most political disaster speeches.
In politics, sincerity is everything. Once you can fake that, you’ve got it made
Groucho Marx
Boost Your Own Public Speaking Skills
When you need help, advice and assistance with your public speaking, you will find plenty of public speaking tips, tips for speakers and presentation tips here on this site. And when you want to take your own skills that little bit further, you can always enroll on an online public speaking skills course. Plus, if you need to get ready for an important speech and you need some personalised coaching or perhaps a course for your own team at work, then please do not hesitate to get in touch.
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