Viral is a term that gets tossed around by many people today but that seems to lose something in translation. Rather like its biological counterpart, a viral message is one that will stick with people being easily remembered. A viral or sticky message can have a great deal of impact when properly crafted. This raises one simple question however. How can you create a sticky message that will have the impact you desire?
It can be extremely simple to do if you follow these six S’s when crafting your sticky message!
Straightforwardness – While your sticky message may relate a tale, you can lose the attention of listeners if you do not keep things straightforward. For example, when holding a presentation on the benefits of using strong interpersonal skills in a work environment, why overly water down this message by hiding it within too many unnecessary layers?
Surprise – Intersperse your message with visuals design to snag and hold the attention of your listeners. For example, a slide showing a sad faced dog shown during your presentation on interpersonal skills may seem slightly out of place but odds are that it would be remembered by those in attendance when other points may be lost altogether.
Solidity – Give your audience something definite to which they may relate. Using vague terms and phrases can further water down your message. Rather than speaking about “unacceptable behaviors” that have no place in workplace interaction, spell it out for your audience. Show them exactly what sorts of behaviors are unacceptable. Odds are your sticky message will take hold much more easily.
Standing – Make sure that you properly qualify your ability to speak on your chosen topic. By starting your sticky message off with a quick blurb letting your audience know where you stand your message will have a much more credible tone.
Sentiment – Everyone has an emotion that is easily accessed. By addressing your audience’s sentiment, you will help build a strong base which can help them to more readily remember your message. As with the photo of the sad dog mentioned in Surprise, there are ways to properly go about using the sentiment of your audience to make your message stick. One key to this is to know the demographics of your audience. You will then be in a better position to decide what their sentiment may be.
Story – Every loves a story and for good reason. A well crafted story sticks with you better than anything else. By interspersing stories throughout your message you will help to create memories that will stay with your audience.
When you first sit down to create your sticky message, try laying out the six S’s. Make notes beside each one on how you may incorporate it into your talk or presentation. By doing so you will be able to build a sticky message that won’t be easily forgotten and that will present your position without having to resort to sleight of hand or gimmicks that could sacrifice your integrity as a speaker.
Please feel free to contact Effective Connecting for more info on how you too can create a sticky message that will last!