Which of the following is NOT a core phase of a crisis communication plan?

• A. Preparation
• B. Detection/Assessment
• C. Recovery
• D. Risk Assessment

Answer: (D)

The main idea is understanding the stages you actually carry out in a crisis communications process. A crisis communications plan is built around actions taken during a crisis—from getting ready in advance (preparation), to spotting and evaluating a developing crisis (detection/assessment), to guiding messaging and actions through and after the event (recovery). Risk assessment, while essential in overall risk management and used to inform the plan, isn’t itself a distinct stage you execute as part of the crisis communications cycle. It’s an input that helps shape readiness but isn’t a core phase you perform during the crisis itself. That’s why risk assessment isn’t the core phase. The other options fit as typical phases: preparation for setting up teams and templates, detection/assessment for recognizing the crisis and its seriousness, and recovery for restoring trust and concluding the communication effort.