Developing and Using Key
Messages
Overview
This session will cover how to:
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Develop key messages
Tailor messaging for every situation
Test messages with targeted audiences
Deliver your messages
What are Key Messages?
• Key messages explain your study or research in simple,
clear language that spurs interest in your work.
• They should be:
– Concise
– Easy to understand
– Focused
– Relevant
– Nonjudgmental
The Importance of Key Messages
• Prepared messages help you remain consistent and organized
when speaking with the media and stakeholders.
• Simple, well-developed messages will resonate with nonscientific audiences.
• A message framed in terms of study benefits is often helpful:
“Our study is testing whether doctors in remote regions can safely use a
simpler, less-expensive blood test to monitor the well-being of patients
who are taking potent anti-HIV drugs. If so, we could ensure that more
people have access to these life-saving drugs.”
Developing Key Messages
• What do you need to communicate?
– Why are you conducting a study? Who might benefit?
– What questions or concerns will your audience have?
– How is your study unique?
• What are the three or four most important points you want
to convey to your audiences?
– Create short sentences free of jargon.
– Use active voice rather than passive voice.
“We are conducting a research study to see if taking a pill
every day can safely protect women against HIV infection.”
Creating Supporting Messages
• Each key message should have a list of supporting messages.
– Supporting messages can use facts and examples to reinforce the
principle messages. Sophistication and detail will vary by audience.
Key Message:
“We are conducting a study to see if taking a pill every day can safely protect
women against HIV infection.”
Supporting Message:
“The pill, called oral tenofovir or TDF, is currently being used to treat people
already infected with HIV.”
Tailoring your Key Messages
• Each audience should receive the message in the form that will
best resonate with its members.
– Policy implications for policymakers
– Big picture for lay audiences
• Your language should match your audience.
– Locally relevant analogies can help audiences relate to your
messages.
– Provide the level of detail suited to your audience’s needs.
Continued on next slide
Tailoring your Key Messages
• Follow a three-step process to produce messages that address
situations that arise during a study.
– Identify the situation.
– State clearly how you are addressing the situation.
– Actively demonstrate your concern.
– Provide information about future impact.
• Active listening is imperative to tailor your messages.
– Take seriously news and rumors from religious leaders,
community members and advocates.
Organize Your Messages
• It can be useful to organize your messages in a table or grid.
• A graphic can guide users through the logic of the messages and
provide an easy, one-page reference.
Figure
7.2
Test your Messages
• Read your message out
loud. Does it sound
conversational? Is your
language simple?
• Test your messages with
members of the intended
audience and with staff
who work closely with
that audience.
Delivering Key Messages
• Base your communications strategy on your key messages.
Incorporate them into communications tools.
• Reinforce messages with study staff.
• Update your message to reflect changes in your study.
• Share your messages with colleagues who are conducting or
supporting similar research.
Continued on next slide
Delivering Key Messages
Box 7.2, pg. 127
Message “Bridging”
• Bridging: Using a phrase that moves the direction of the
interview into your territory.
– Acknowledge the question.
– Then switch, or “bridge,” to your message.
“This trial will break new ground in the field. For example…”
“That’s not my area of expertise, but I think your audience would
be interested in knowing that…”
Be Prepared
“Preparation is everything in
communication. Know your
audience. Decide what you want
to say and what you want to ask
before you begin communicating
at any level – on a conference
call, at the podium, or in media
interviews. Simpler is better.”
– Ward Cates, Distinguished
Scientist and President Emeritus,
FHI 360
Summary
• Key messages are short, simple statements that convey the
main points you want people to remember.
• Effective messages are tailored, refined and tested to ensure
they respond to the needs and concerns of different
audiences.
• Your key messages provide the building blocks for your
materials and communications activities throughout your
study.
For More Information
• [email protected]