Keeping people informed

Underpinning every effective communications programme is a set of key messages. They should sum up what you are trying to say in as few words as possible. They are the ‘pegs’ on which the rest of your communications hang. Onto these key messages you can attach case studies, news releases, brochures, anecdotal stories.

When you know what your key messages are off by heart, you will find communications suddenly becomes very easy and enjoyable. Every situation, whether it is at a conference or meeting, is another opportunity to get across your key messages.

We are not proposing you mimic key messages parrot fashion. They are meant to be there as a structure and an aide memoire.

Like good story-telling, it is part of the intrinsic nature of key messages that they should be told in subtly different ways by different people – but always as variations on theme. In this way, the content and spirit of your key messages will be gradually accepted and passed on by your audience.

If key messages are so important, then you can understand why it pays to spend a lot of time thinking through what the essence of your message is. We can help you do this and help you find the right words to really make your key messages come alive.

Getting everyone to ‘buy in’ to your key messages is a vital part of the process. We find developing your key messages alongside media coaching works particularly effectively. When you have to say your key messages out loud, on camera and in front of your colleagues, you suddenly find out whether they really make sense and carry impact or are just a lot of hot air!

Certain key messages carry with them, emotional, verbal and cultural baggage. We can help you be aware of the implications of what you are saying on different audiences.

From your key messages, we can build a complete brand and communications campaign.

Some people say three key messages are the right number, others say five. It is just a question of how many you, and your audience, can comfortably remember.