The scoop on great communication
If you’re anything like the people on our team, you love a good snack – especially ice cream. (Mmmm… ice cream.)
But have you ever noticed how a great thing can quickly become too much?
Picture this: You’re at an all-you-can-eat sundae bar. You start off strong with two scoops of vanilla and a touch of chocolate drizzle. Perfect. But then… the sprinkles catch your eye. And marshmallows. And peanuts. Ooh, strawberry sauce! And you have to add Smarties. Before you know it, your sundae has turned into a colourful, chaotic mountain that’s more confusing than delicious – and probably a one-way ticket to a tummy ache.
Communication can be a lot like that.
We work with lots of organizations that roll out fantastic new programs or even update their current policies and benefits to better align with their peoples’ needs. They’ve got so much to share and it all feels important. But when you say everything all at once, the message can end up like the sundae – overwhelming, messy, and hard to digest.
We see this all the time. We get it. Everyone wants to make the most of their one shot at grabbing attention in a busy inbox so they’re inclined to cram three, four, even five different themes into one message. But giving them the “big messy sundae” can mean that people aren’t sure what to focus on so they often tune out.
Keep it simple (and sweet)
Next time you’re creating a communication, take a pause and ask yourself:
- What’s the main point I want to get across?
(That’s your star – it should be front and centre) - Do the rest of the sentences support the main point?
(Remove the ones that don’t support, enhance, or build on it) - Will people care?
(They need to know what’s in it for me/us to be truly engaged) - Can I say this more clearly or in fewer words?
(Don’t be afraid to trim unnecessary words)
If time allows, test your message with a few people before sending it broadly. You’ll be surprised at the variety of perspectives you get and how helpful that feedback can be in honing your core message.
And remember: most communication doesn’t need to be “one and done.” If your message is part of a larger rollout or ongoing initiative, resist the urge to say everything at once. Instead, plan a series of bite-sized messages that build understanding over time.
A strong communication strategy and roadmap can help you do this comfortably. Check out the article The symphony of communication strategy and planning to learn why it’s such a game-changer.
Make your communication simpler, stronger, and more meaningful
Need help with crafting, tailoring, or refining your communication so you can gain and keep your peoples’ attention? Whether you’re looking for strategic advice or end-to-end support, our team of experts can help. Visit our Communication Consulting page for more details.