For all the pixels spilled about what you need to do and have to do as a nonprofit leader, there is nothing as important as HOW you deliver your message.
The words you choose, the tone of voice you select, the pacing of your speech; all of these deliver as strong a subtext to your message as the actual point you are making.
Think about this in less subtle terms: when someone is yelling, what do you hear? When someone is so timid and shy and they speak so softly, what do you recall about what they said?
Amid the cacophony of:
- the phone
- text
- website
- radio
- TV
- cable
- Facebook, like me!
- This competition!
- That urgent issue!
- Your signature
- Your donation
- NOW!!!!!!!!!!
What do you remember?
When crafting your message – whether it is an ask, information sharing, a position paper, essay, column, press release or whatever – consider your message and tone as carefully and thoughtfully as you choose your mission statement.
Consider how those words are couched and repeated- and how they will be seen and heard. Are you powerful, combative, supportive, inclusive, exclusive, focused, vetted, passionate, forward looking or protecting and embracing the past?
Short and to the point
There is little time for explanation any more but every point needs an arrow; assuring that point will hit home depends on how straight and true is the arrow and its feathers. Your content is critical, your tone is crucial.
Thoughtful communications are the best communications.
Need help crafting or refining your message? Get in touch here or call us on 310 828 6979
Cindy Lauren is the Principal of Lauren Associates – non profit consulting
As well as advising Executives and Boards on all aspects of nonprofit management, the firm specializes in developing fundraising solutions for all sizes of organizations.
Image Credit:
bow and arrow by Leo Reynolds on Flickr.