Advice For Delivering Your Message by Ruby Veridiano
Speaking at Fordham University, 2010.
I often get emails from fellow aspiring writers and speakers
asking advice on how to get started on the journey to spreading a message. What
I love about the people who email me is that they often have a social mission
to accomplish, and a thirst for serving communities. First off, that’s dope.
Being message driven is a courageous and purposeful mission, and you never know
who you will influence.
While I’m no expert and still feel like I’m learning
along the path, I’m happy to share some of the steps I’ve taken to build my
work. Feel free to take in what you find helpful:
1.) Create A Mission Statement.
Creating a mission statement lays out the blueprint of
who you are and what you stand for. Search for mission statements from
companies and organizations you admire, and use those as models for your own.
When you know the WHY behind your WHAT, everything will fall into place.
2.) Know Who Your Audience Is, and COMMIT to
them.
The other plus of knowing exactly who you are is the
ability to identify the audience your work speaks to. When you know whom you
are talking to, you will know how to shape your messaging and create the proper
visuals to communicate your idea. Once you know who they are, commit to them by
being consistent in your content and delivering something that fulfills their
needs.
3.) Be Purposeful with your Social Media.
Sure, it’s neat that your boss annoyed you this
morning or your cookies crumbled the wrong way at lunch time. But is
broadcasting that really contributing to the greater good of the world? Social
Media is the New Media. My friend Joy Heriales-Yip calls
Facebook the new television- billions of eyes are on it every day.
That being said, if you are building a brand or a
personality that has a purpose, make sure that everything you are sharing on
Facebook or Twitter is in aligned with your message, or in some way enriching
your community.
4.) Develop Your Visual Communication.
Rev Run always says,
“dress how you want to be addressed!” That statement not only goes for the
clothes you put on, but how you “dress” your image online. Make sure the photos
you use, the logos you create, the images you use in social media, and the
websites you design reflect your mission statement. This is another tool you
can use to serve your audience.
5.) Build with Allies.
See who out there
shares your mission. Reach out to them, build with them, collaborate with them.
Most importantly, support them! If you want to begin speaking to young men,
seek out a local organization who serves that group. Approach them and ask if
you can collaborate on a program together. From there, things will snowball,
and other opportunities will come your way.
Use social media
to communicate and network with thought leaders and influencers in your field.
You never know just who your words might reach, and how far your audience can
grow. If you start thinking about Social Media as a tool, you can use
it effectively to create change.
Hope this helps! Feel
free to re-share on FB, Twitter, and wherever else if you found this helpful.
If you have other questions, reach me on FACEBOOK or on
Twitter @rubymsuniverse.
Learn more about this BOSS on Facebook and Twitter and visit her website at rubyveridiano.com
Learn more about this BOSS on Facebook and Twitter and visit her website at rubyveridiano.com
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