SayING It Smarter: Clear and Compelling Messages in 2025
Yesterday, my son discovered a typewriter in his grandparents' attic. The one thing he couldn't believe? "It's so loud! Every button!"
The typewriter had me thinking about how precise we used to be with our words, lest we need to whip out the WhiteOut or start over altogether. It's an appropriate reflection for this time of year, as a new one dawns: A season of fresh starts and big dreams. It’s the perfect time to take stock of our communication habits -- let's make sure they're not as clunky as an antique typewriter.
Whether you're drafting the church newsletter, writing social media posts, or emailing your colleagues, clear and compelling messages are the lifeblood of connecting with your community. The problem? We’re often overwhelmed by information, leading to messages that are either too cluttered or too vague to inspire action. The solution? Start 2025 with a focus on saying it smarter. Here's how.
Start With One Clear Purpose: In a world of short attention spans, clarity is king. Before you type a single word, ask yourself: What do I want people to do, feel, or know after reading this? A single clear purpose ensures your message isn’t competing with itself.
Write for the Skimmers: Not everyone will read every word you write—and that’s okay (She keeps telling herself…). Check out this guide on The Art of Brevity by the Nielsen Norman Group, which explains how concise writing boosts engagement. Make it easy for readers to grasp your main points at a glance:
· Use headings and bullet points.· Bold or underline key phrases.
· Break long paragraphs into digestible chunks.
Find Your Fresh Voice: Today’s audiences respond to – or maybe even require – authenticity and personality. Don’t be afraid to infuse your messages with warmth, humor, or vulnerability—it’s what makes your ministry relatable.
Embrace Feedback as a Gift: A new year is a great time to revisit how your community responds to your messaging. Are they opening your emails? Showing up for events? Responding to calls to action? If not, consider asking for feedback—your audience might have valuable insights into what resonates. Brené Brown’s thoughts on feedback and leadership in Dare to Lead offer practical ways to see feedback as a growth tool, not a critique.
Clear, compelling communication isn’t about perfection—it’s about connection. By focusing on clarity, catering to skimmers, and embracing authenticity, your words can carry your ministry further in 2025. Let this be the year your church says it smarter—and let us know how we can help along the way. Share your tips, challenges, or favorite tools for communication in the comments below.
