I often speak with my consulting clients about the importance of knowing their audience and communicating in a way that connects with these people.
Although the principles of good communication are the same everywhere, the audience you’re trying to reach should influence what your message is, how you deliver it, and the medium you use.
Here in Gippsland – a rural region experiencing significant challenges and change – my experience shows there’s a particular style of communication that connects.
Here are my five top tips:
1. Use plain speak – no corporate waffle or jargon. Say what you mean.
2. Don’t try to spin bad news or a negative message into a positive one. Gippslanders can smell BS a mile away. Tell it like it is. Be clear and direct. They may not like your message, but they’ll respect your honesty.
3. Be empathetic. Put yourself in their shoes and acknowledge the challenges facing the region. Empathy is everything.
4. Don’t make promises you can’t or don’t intend to keep (Gippslanders have heard it all before and have a low tolerance for grandstanding).
5. Face-to-face communication is important. You’ve got to get amongst the people. Build relationships, go to community events, speak with service clubs, walk the streets. Make a connection and your message is more likely to be heard.
For advice on how to make your message connect, contact me at leah@methmac.com.au.
Leah Mether is a communications specialist and Director of Methmac Communications. She is also a proud Gippslandian and has extensive experience working with clients across a wide range of industries in the region.
#communication #regionalvictoria #proudgippslandian #gippsland
