In crisis communications, what is the purpose of a holding statement?

• A. Internal memo not shared externally.
• B. A prepared statement used to acknowledge a situation while gathering facts and preparing a full response.
• C. The final press release after resolution.
• D. A post-crisis summary.

Answer: (B)

A holding statement is an early, prepared public message issued at the onset of a crisis. Its purpose is to acknowledge that something has happened, express concern for those affected, and indicate that the organization is gathering facts and preparing a full response. This approach helps control the narrative by providing a vetted, official voice, reducing speculation, and setting expectations for how and when more information will come.

It buys time to assess impact, verify details, identify next steps, and outline how updates will be communicated and where to find official information. It’s designed to be concise and suitable for immediate publication across channels, ensuring stakeholders hear from the organization quickly even before a complete plan is in place. It’s not the final press release after resolution, nor the post-crisis summary, and it isn’t an internal memo—its role is to inform the public and stakeholders promptly while the full response is being developed.