How we communicate shapes what we achieve. The policies and programs that gain support are not always the most needed or effective. Often, they’re the ones communicated in ways that give people a reason to care and a clear way to help. Here are six tips for crafting messages that inspire:
1. Find common ground.
Most causes connect to a range of other topics, such as children, the environment, and even the local economy. Focus on the connections that matter most to your audience. Tailoring your message to their priorities helps establish common ground and a sense of shared purpose from the beginning.
2. Share your vision.
Think big. What might your audience’s support help change long-term? When you share a vision of a better future, you invite our audience to feel hope, which can inspire them to act.
3. Expose the problem.
Help your audience understand the scope of the problem, who it impacts, and the harm it causes. Photos, displays, and other visuals can make the problem easier to understand and harder to overlook.
4. Simplify your message.
People are busy. We take in massive amounts of information every day and forget much of it. Brief, clear messages can cut through the noise. To keep your message short, focus on what matters most. Start with your end goal and work backward. What action do you want your audience to take? What do they need to feel and know to take that step? Once your audience is engaged, longer messages can provide the details they need to understand the issue and work on solutions.
5. Tell a moving story.
Stories reach people on an emotional level. They reveal the human side of an issue and can be more impactful than statistics. Look for people whose experiences connect directly to your cause and the action you’re asking your audience to take. When shared with permission and care, a personal story can be meaningful for both the storyteller and the people listening.
6. Cast your audience as heroes.
Give your audience a chance to step into the story and help create a happy ending. Make a clear and specific request, and highlight how their action will create meaningful change for real people.
Ready to put these strategies into practice? Contact info@civcom.com to learn more about our Messages That Motivate training and communications services.