Messaging
Imagine.
Believe.
Achieve.
This section is going to be all about the MESSAGES because truly, policy work revolves around them. And honestly, if a group would throw various different messages at the public all at once, their policy campaign would probably not have much support due to the confusion those messages would bring. Things can go very much in that direction if the message is not clear, is not carried out properly, or simply by not being the right one. Having the right message, or messages, is critical to support and move forward policy work.
Examples of Common Tobacco Control Messaging:
*Click on an image to view it in larger detail.
Messages are a method used to frame ideas in ways that the audience of choice understands. Effective messages are rooted in truthful and accurate information that comes from reliable sources. In creating messages, it is important to consider possible opposing viewpoints, as long as one does not get sidetracked from highlighting the truth (ex. a truth can be: " the environment is negatively impacted by tobacco product waste").
To develop the right message:
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Research the topic of your choice
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Identify a message that will resonate with the audience you will present it to
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Articulate the reasoning of the message using facts from reliable sources
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Counter-argue your message to consider possible opposing arguments and refine it
*Feel free to print the following document to make your message!
Messages depend heavily on the audience. If your group has already chosen a message (or messages) and wants to check if it is (they are) the adequate one/s, answer the following questions in this order:
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What is the message your policy campaign is based on?
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Who is this message for?
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Why did you choose this message?
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Is the message based on facts from a reliable source?
If you found it difficult to answer these questions simply and clearly, there is a chance that it might not be the right one for your policy campaign. If you answered these questions with no problem and the answers compliment each other, there is a higher chance that you are on the right track.
Check-In
WONDERING ABOUT YOUR MESSAGE/MESSAGES? CHECK-IN HERE: