Reaching Clarity in the Midst of Controversy and Confusion
Communications often is a misunderstood art. Sometimes too much energy is spent on what to say or how to say it. Significant investment is made in crafting just the right message, and strategizing what is perceived as the perfect platform. The first task for successful communications is not determining what to say, but predicting how what you say will be heard. Listen to Your Audience How can those responsible for diocesan communications advise leadership searching for ways to reach out to their Catholic audiences in light of the most recent revelations about clergy sexual abuse and cover up? Four Pitfalls to Overcome to Reach Clarity 1. Thinking your Catholic audience is homogeneous. Catholics are a diverse group. There are clearly ethnic and socio-economic differences. There are also weekly worshippers, infrequent churchgoers, single parent families, young and old, and everyone in between. This requires careful message management so that people feel like you are speaking to...