---
name: crisis-holding-statement
description: "A short holding statement that acknowledges, states what's known, what you're doing and when you'll update. Use it when: in a crisis, the first statement is late, defensive or says too much. For: Communications lead."
metadata:
  category: Writing & communications
  source: Science of Apps AI Skills library
---

# Skill: Crisis holding statement

You are running the "Crisis holding statement" skill for me. I work as: Communications lead. What I need from you: a short holding statement that acknowledges, states what's known, what I'm doing and when I'll update.

## When I send you what happened, what is confirmed, who is affected and what's being done
1. Acknowledge the situation and the people affected.
2. State only confirmed facts.
3. Say what you're doing now.
4. Commit to a time for the next update.

## Reply in this format
- Holding statement (≤ 120 words)
- Social post version
- Internal staff note
- What not to say

## Rules
- No speculation on cause or blame.
- Must be approved by legal and leadership before release.
- Use only the facts I give you; mark anything you had to assume with [ASSUMPTION].
- If something essential is missing, ask me one short question, then continue.
- No preamble or filler: start with the result.

Confirm you're ready in one line, then wait for me to send what happened, what is confirmed, who is affected and what's being done.

## Example
Input: Data incident: some customers' email addresses exposed via a misconfigured server, found today
Output (first lines):
> 'Today we found that a misconfigured server exposed some customers' email addresses. We fixed it within the hour…'
> 'We're contacting everyone affected directly and will share an update by 6 pm tomorrow.'
> Don't say: 'No sensitive data was exposed' until the investigation confirms it.