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NLC Congressional City Conference | Washington, DC| March 11-15, 2017
Congressional City Conference
Key Take-Aways
NLC University – Let’s Talk Climate: Messages to Motivate March 12, 2017 9:00am – 12:00pm
Presenter: Daniel Barry (202-441-9420) Americans are inherently tribal in nature, and look to community leaders, such as pastors, politicians, and others, for cues on what behaviors and attitudes to adopt. To empower community leadership on climate change, and to help leaders build support for climate solutions throughout society, ecoAmerica has created Let’s Talk Communities & Climate, a comprehensive climate communications guide for community leaders. This guide includes four parts: 1) the current state of Americans’ climate change attitudes and beliefs; 2) tested words, phrases, and messages that build resonance and motivation for climate solutions within communities; 3) talking points for leaders to make climate change and solutions personally relevant for their citizens and community leaders, and; 4) a step by step process for crafting a successful personalized message, including an effective sample message. Key Takeaways: Explore relevant trends in climate opinion and values, and how these trends do -- and should -- impact public engagement. Share and discuss the latest polls, opinion research, data, and linguistic analysis on American climate opinions, values and public engagement. Reveal specific messages and framing that can gain advocates and campaigners greater success in reaching people “where they live.” We provide an overview of ongoing climate opinion research and analysis, describing recent trends and the current state of play in public concerns and attitudes. Our presentation will detail the utility of polling and marketing analysis in forming climate communications efforts, tailoring message frames and content toward target audiences. We will describe how specific learnings from opinion and values research have been integrated into effective climate communications, and how these materials have become refined through ongoing research and analysis. Participants will engage in Q&A, and will be directed through exercises to aid in their understanding of effective climate messaging.
Let’sTalkCommunitiesandClimate:CommunicationsandEngagementGuidance
March12,2017Washington,DC
DanielBarryCommunitiesDirector
ecoAmerica#NLCU
Agenda
I. WhoWeAre
II. UnderstandingYourAudiences
III. EffectiveMessagingandMessengers
IV. WorkshoppingClimateCommunications
V. LocalClimateEngagement
VI. OpportunitiesforFollowUp
Mission:Buildacriticalmassofinstitutionalleadership,publicsupport,andpoliticalwillfordefinitiveclimatesolutionsintheUnitedStates.● Shiftthenationalnarrative● Buildcollectiveimpact● Provideprograms+resources
ecoAmerica
ecoAmericaPrograms
200+ecoAmericaLeadersinclude…
Hon. Ralph Becker34thMayorSalt Lake City, Utah
John ClevelandPresidentInnovation Network for Communities
Hon. Linda LangstonPartnershipDirectorNational Association of Counties
Nils MoeManaging DirectorUrban Sustainability Directors Network
Steve NicholasVP for U.S. ProgramsInstitute for Sustainable Communities
Hon. Greg Nickels (ex-officio)51st MayorCity of Seattle
Jonathan ParfreyExecutive DirectorClimate Resolve
Brendan ShaneNorth America Regional DirectorC40 Cities
Angie FyfeExecutive DirectorICLEI USA
Adele SimmonsVice Chair and Senior ExecutiveMetropolis Strategies
Kate MeisExecutive DirectorLocal Government Commission
Colin WellenkampExecutive DirectorMRCTI
7
PathtoPositive• NATIONAL:
NLC/C40/USDN
• REGIONAL:MRCTI,LGC,GL&SLC
• LOCAL:LA,SLC/SummitCounty,Chicago,TwinCities,BrowardCounty
PartII:UnderstandingYourAudiences
▪ Provideoverviewofclimatecommunicationsresearch
▪ Exploregapsbetweenourandouraudiences’climatechangeunderstanding
▪ Considerframesthatresonatewithyouraudience
ThePublicandClimateChange(2016)
Percentageofadults,bystate,whothinkglobalwarmingishappening.Credit: YaleProgramonClimateChangeCommunication,GeorgeMasonCenterforClimateChangeCommunication
ThePublicandClimateChange(2016)
Percentageofadults whothinkhumansarecausingtheEarthtowarm.Credit: YaleProgramonClimateChangeCommunication,GeorgeMasonCenterforClimateChangeCommunication
ThePublicandClimateChange(2016)
Percentageofadults whothinkscientistsagreeonthecauses.Credit: YaleProgramonClimateChangeCommunication,GeorgeMasonCenterforClimateChangeCommunication
ThePublicandClimateChange(2016)
Percentageofadults whothinktherearesmartwaystofixglobalwarming.Credit: YaleProgramonClimateChangeCommunication,GeorgeMasonCenterforClimateChangeCommunication
ThePublicandClimateChange(2016)
Percentageofadults whotalkaboutglobalwarming...Credit: YaleProgramonClimateChangeCommunication,GeorgeMasonCenterforClimateChangeCommunication
Americans’Priorities
Source: January 2016 Survey of National Priorities, Pew Research Center
ThePublicandClimateChange– U.S.Polling
FourinsixAmericansbelieveclimatechangeishappening.
ThreeinsixAmericanbelievehumansarethecause.1
1 Leiserowitz, Maibach, Roser-Renouf, Feinberg, & Rosenthal, 2015
Ninety-sevenpercentofclimatescientistsbelievehumansarecausingclimatechange. 2
OneintenAmericansunderstandsmorethan90percentofclimatescientistsbelievehumansarecausingclimatechange. 3
2 Doran & Zimmerman, 2009
Peoplewhobelievescientistsdisagreeaboutclimatechangearelesslikelytosupportclimateaction. 4
3 Leiserowitz, Maibach, Roser-Renouf, Feinberg, & Rosenthal, 2015
4 Ding, Maibach, Zhao, Roser-Renouf, & Leiserowitz, 2011
Roughlyonein10Americanssaytheyare“veryworried”aboutclimatechange. 5
Sixin10Americansaytheyareatleast“somewhatworried”aboutglobalwarming.
5 Leiserowitz, Maibach, Roser-Renouf, Feinberg, & Rosenthal, 2015
MotivatedAvoidance
Fear
Confirmationbias
Technooptimism
Conflictavoidance
Competingpriorities
Socialnorms
Systemjustification
Fatalism&resignation
Climate change is wreaking havoc on the planet and its species. Global mean temperatures are rising at and alarming rate. Forest, deserts, and wildlife are all being profoundly affected by large shifts in climate, according to a new report from the intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Temperatures and sea levels are rising rapidly in the Arctic. This is causing aquatic habitat loss and putting more and more species at risk of extinction. In addition, coastal ecosystems are on the decline. Coastal zones are vulnerable to severe ocean acidification, rises in sea level and temperature, stronger storms, and coral reef bleaching. Invasive species that do not survive in cold waters are now adapting to temperature changes and competing with native species. Mangrove trees in Florida and snow crabs in Alaska are species that have already begun to decline because of climate change effects. According to activists, the future looks dire unless the world takes drastic and immediate action to regulate emissions from carbon dioxide, methane, and other greenhouse gases.
ClimateChangeCrisisThreatenstoIrrevocablyChangeLifeonPlanetEarth
WhatDoPeopleHearAboutClimate?
We have been warning about this for years, and did too little to stop it.
Subtext: it’s your fault for not listening to us
WhatDoPeopleHearAboutClimate?
The scientists agree that this is happening.
Subtext: you are ignorant if you disagree, or are uncertain
WhatDoPeopleHearAboutClimate?
You need to act now to save polar bears and stop global sea level rise.
Subtext: forget about your own needs, think about the planet
WhatDoPeopleHearAboutClimate?
If we don’t stop burning fossils fuels we cannot stop this from happening.
Subtext: you must abandon your way of life to save the planet
WhatDoPeopleHearAboutClimate?
Last month was the hottest month on record.
Subtext: too late, you blew it, and we’re all going to die
Weather disasters are going to keep getting worse.
Subtext: too late, you blew it, and we’re all going to die
WhatDoPeopleHearAboutClimate?
EvolutionofClimateMessaging
Armageddon Social BenefitsGlobalWarming Opportunity
V2V1 V3
FamilyandFreedom
PersonalRelevance
SALIENCE, CLIMATE IMPACTS: With your own eyes. Link to daily/local lives.
UNAMBIGUIOUS SOLUTIONS: Proven solutions that solve the problem and benefit the economy, our health and our security.
AGENCY, EMPOWERMENT: Our nation, community, and companies can act.
MORAL IMPERATIVE: Responsibility to our children, families, and communities.
ecoAmericaResearch
Methodology
metaanalysis
focusgroups
onlinedialtests
OversampledAfricanAmericans.Hispanic/Latinos;health,faith,business,highered;climateadvocates.
1 2 3 4
nationalphonesurvey
WhyClimateValues?
Climate >>> Weather
Values >>> Opinions
Frames >>> Messages
Exceptionalism,compassion• Wecanallmakesmallstepstomaketheworldbetter(94%)• Peoplecanbethesolution(90%)• Compassionforthosewhoaresuffering(86%)Personalrightstocleanenvironmentforall• Cleandrinkingwater(84%)• Cleanair(83%)• Safeneighborhood,freeoftoxics(79%)• Accesstonaturalspaces,parks(75%)Responsibilitytodosomethingaboutclimate• Companiesthatpollute(81%)• EPA(78%)• Me(75%)
WhatResonatesWith75%ofAmericans?
• PeopleFollowTheir“Tribes”
• MyFamilyFirst
• Won’tAbandontheDream
• BenefitsAreEssentialforAction
• ClimateActionIsEliteandAlienating
TopClimateValuesInsights
PartIII:EffectiveMessagingandMessengers
▪ Learn15-stepprocessformessagedevelopment
▪ Exploreimportanceofstakeholdermappingandengagement
Communication Guidance
Communication Guidance
3535
Writing a letter to an editor Giving a speech
Informal conversation Talking with elected officials
36
Armageddon Social Benefits Global Warming Opportunity
‘08 >’08
Family and Health
Personal Relevance
<‘08
Message Evolution
15StepsBreakdown
11. Haveatleastonepowerfulfactfromatrustedmessenger
12. Ditchdoomandgloom
13. Usestoriestostrengthenengagement
14. Stayabovethefray
15. Messagedisciplineiscritical
5. Emphasizesolutions
6. Inspireandempower
7. Focusonpersonalbenefit
8. Endwithyour“ask”
9. Sequencematters
10. Describe,don’tlabel
1. Startwithpeople,staywithpeople
2. Connectoncommonvalues
3. Acknowledgeambivalence
4. Makeitreal
BuildRapport
Inspire&Empower1. StrengthenMessage
• Showyouraudienceyoucareaboutthem
• Startfromtheirperspective
• Usetangible,relevantconcerns
• Movefrompeopletoclimate
1. Startwithpeople,staywithpeople
Proprietary 38
• Understandyouraudience’sprioritiesandconcerns
• Commonvaluesarepowerfulmotivators
• Buildrapport
2. Connectoncommonvalues
Proprietary 39
• Peoplehavedifferentlevelsofclimateconcern
• Respectdifferentperspectives
• “Someofusaremoreworriedaboutclimatechangethanothers...”
3. Acknowledgeambivalence
Proprietary 40
• Focusonlocalrealitiespeoplecanseewiththeirowneyes
• Assumetherealities,don’targuethescience
• Useoneortwoexamples,pivotquicklytosolutions
4. Makeitreal
Proprietary 41
• Highlighttheco-benefitsofsolutions,likehealthandcommunity
• Uselocalexamplesthatshowrealsolutionsarealreadyhere
• Avoidmessagesofsacrifice
5. Emphasizesolutions
Proprietary
• Doomandgloomdoesn’tmotivate,butitcanalienate
• Focusonhopeandopportunity
• Wecan makeadifference
• Americacanleadonclimate
6. Inspire&empower
Proprietary
• Personalrelevance
• Climateactiondoesn’tcomewithacostonlifestyle
• Always emphasizetheco-benefitsofsolutions
7. Focusonthepersonalbenefit
Proprietary
7. Focusonthepersonalbenefit
Pocketbooks Health Community
• Turnawarenessintoaction
• Giveexamplesthatalignwithyouraudience’sgoals
• Makeaskaccessible
• Provideoneortwoideas
8. Endwithyourask
Proprietary
9. Sequencematters9. Sequencematters
10. Describe,don’tlabel
11. Haveatleastonepowerfulfactfromatrustedmessenger
12. Ditchdoomandgloom
13. Usestoriestostrengthenengagement
14. Stayabovethefray
15. Messagedisciplineiscritical
1. Startwithpeople,staywithpeople
2. Connectoncommonvalues
3. Acknowledgeambivalence
4. Makeitreal
5. Emphasizesolutions
6. Inspireandempower
7. Focusonpersonalbenefit
8. Endwithyour“ask”
• Usetheirlanguage,notyours
• Jargonandlabelsconfusepeople
• Avoidtermslikemitigationoratmosphericcarbondioxide
• Themostpersuasivelanguageisvividandfamiliar
10. Describedon’tlabel
Proprietary
10. Describe,don’tlabel
REPLACE EMBRACEClimate change, climate crisis, global warming Damage to the climate
Stop/mitigate/slow down climate change Create healthy and safe communities, protect our families’ and children’s health
Renewable energy, green energy, domestic energy Local/locally made clean energy, home-grown energy, clean energy, made right at home
The planet, polar bears Families, our children, and future generations
Economy Good for [city or state], good for people
Creates jobs (on its own) Saves money and creates jobs
Dirty energy, fossil fuel energy Dirty fuels, out-of-date fuels, outdated fuels
Rely on fossil fuels, relied on dirty energy Use, used dirty fuels
Government taking steps to curb pollution Rules and fines fines on
Build resilient communities Build stronger communities
Country HomeProtects the environment Best place for our families
• Afactwithrelevantandemotionalpower
• Trustedmessengerslendcredibility
• Useamemorablefactorquotefromtrustedsource
11. Haveatleast1powerfulfactfromatrustedmessenger
Proprietary
• Diremessagescausefatalism
• Negativityleadstoemotionalnumbinganddisengagement
• Inspirewithsolutionsandbenefits
• Empoweraction
12. Ditchdoom&gloom
Proprietary
• Storiesmakemessagesrelevantandvivid
• Theyenhanceempathyandrapport
• Theyopensaudiencetonewperspectives
• Weaveinapersonalstory
13. Usestoriestostrengthenengagement
Proprietary 52
• Focusonthebigpicture
• Don’twallowinorgetsidetrackedbydetails
• Avoidblameandarguing
• Distractionsloseyouraudience’sattention
14. Stayabovethefray
Proprietary 53
• Stayonyourtalkingpoints
• Repeatkeypoints
• Don’texplainthesamethingindifferentways
• Beconsistent
15. Messagedisciplineiscritical
Proprietary 54
Before
After
APersonalStory
Questions?
PartIV:WorkshoppingClimateCommunications
▪ Practicehowcommunicationsinformsthewaywepresentchallenges,opportunities,andsolutionstocitizensandstakeholders
TheLocalLeadersCommunicationsCompass
StakeholderMapping
StakeholderMapping(cont’d)LikelySupport Neutral AnticipatedOpposition
ClimateChangeCrisisThreatenstoIrrevocablyChangeLifeonPlanetEarth
Climate change is wreaking havoc on the planet and its species. Global mean temperatures are rising at and alarming rate. Forest, deserts, and wildlife are all being profoundly affected by large shifts in climate, according to a new report from the intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Temperatures and sea levels are rising rapidly in the Arctic. This is causing aquatic habitat loss and putting more and more species at risk of extinction. In addition, coastal ecosystems are on the decline. Coastal zones are vulnerable to severe ocean acidification, rises in sea level and temperature, stronger storms, and coral reef bleaching. Invasive species that do not survive in cold waters are now adapting to temperature changes and competing with native species. Mangrove trees in Florida and snow crabs in Alaska are species that have already begun to decline because of climate change effects. According to activists, the future looks dire unless the world takes drastic and immediate action to regulate emissions from carbon dioxide, methane, and other greenhouse gases.
Discussion
REPLACE EMBRACE
Climate change, climate crisis, global warming Damage to the climate
Stop/mitigate/slow down climate change Create healthy and safe communities, protect our families’ and children’s health
Renewable energy, green energy, domestic energy Local/locally made clean energy, home-grown energy, clean energy, made right at home
The planet, polar bears Families, our children, and future generations
Economy Good for [city or state], good for people
Creates jobs (on its own) Saves money and creates jobs
Dirty energy, fossil fuel energy Dirty fuels, out-of-date fuels, outdated fuels
Rely on fossil fuels, relied on dirty energy Use, used dirty fuels
Government taking steps to curb pollution Rules and fines fines on
Build resilient communities Build stronger communities
Country HomeProtects the environment Best place for our families
SuccessfulTestedMessage
We all want to live in the best place for our families. And communities across America are learning that smart investments in sustainable energy like wind and solar provide a healthier environment, attract new business, create jobs, and build stronger communities. We see climate change, and we can’t just wait for politicians in Washington to solve our problems. Right now, in our own communities, we can reduce pollution, improve our health, and create new jobs that can’t be outsourced, by producing and using clean energy. We can protect our cities by leaving dirty fuels behind. A community with sustainable solutions is the place I want to call home.
GroupExercise– pickoneofeach
1. Letter to the editor
2. Blog + social media piece
3. What do you DO?
1. General public
2. Elected officials
3. Local business leaders
4. Faith community
5. Young adults
1. Green infrastructure
2. Adaptation plan
3. Clean energy
4. Emergency preparedness
Topic Audience Communications Piece
1 2 3
1. Green infrastructure
2. Livability plan
3. Clean energy commitment
4. Emergency preparedness
Suggested Topics1
1. General public
2. Elected officials
3. Local business leaders
4. Faith community
5. Young adults
Audience2
1. Letter to the editor
2. Blog + social media piece
3. Policy Statement
4. What do you DO?
Communications Piece3
Brainstorm!
1. Letter to the editor
2. Blog + social media piece
3. Policy Statement
4. What do you DO?
1. General public
2. Elected officials
3. Local business leaders
4. Faith community
5. Young adults
1. Green infrastructure
2. Adaptation plan
3. Clean energy
4. Emergency preparedness
Topic Audience Communications Piece
1 2 3
20min
Are you drafting yet?
15min
Time remaining
10min
Time remaining
5min
Time remaining
Topic1
Audience2
Communications Piece3
Let’s share
WorkshoppingClimateCommunications:KeyTakeaways
• Identifywinnableissuesbasedonlocalcontext&constraints
•Mapimpacted stakeholders,researchtheirviewpoints
•Developmessagingbasedonprioritystakeholders&communityresearch
•Communicateprogressandopportunities withcityleadershipoften
•Createcommunityengagementstrategy
PartV:LocalClimateEngagement
● Putcommunicationsprinciplesintopractice
● Hearourwordsthroughthelensofnon-experts
● Craftacoremessage,understandhowitinformscommunicationsacrossplatforms&audiences
Goals
UnderstandWhyEngagementWorksBasicandNecessaryEngagementTools
• Valueslanguage&‘TheIn-LawTest’• How“frames”canworkforandagainstus• Craftanduseacoremessage• Brushuponinterviewbestpractices
Communityengagementishow communityinstitutions,leaders, andindividualsbuildongoing,
permanentrelationshipsforthepurposeofapplyingacollectivevisionforthebenefitofacommunity.
Communityengagementisbothaprocessandanoutcome.
WhyEngagetheCommunity?
Involvingcommunitystakeholdersinthedevelopmentoflocalclimate,energy,andsustainabilitygoals,policies,andprogramsshouldbeahighlycreative,energizing,andrewardingexperienceleadingtosignificantimprovementsinprogramdesignand
outcomes,aswellascommunitybuy-in.
WhyEngagetheCommunity?
HowToEngagetheCommunity?
HowToEngagetheCommunity?TopLineTipsforSuccess:MakeiteasyShowYourLeadershipInteractwiththeCommunityWelcomeandEmpowerNewVoicesIDandSupportOtherLeadersEngagewithPopularExistingCommunitiesShowcaseandPromote“LittleL”LeadersRewardContributorsMakeitPublic– shareandposttheresults
HowToEngagetheCommunity?StepstoSuccessfulEngagement:Assess– evaluateyourengagementneeds,goals,andcapacityDefine– whatissuccess?Is“goodenough”goodenough?Map– wholivesinyourcommunity:whataretheirneeds?Identify– communityinstitutionsandleadersthatcanhelpRecruit– securefirmcommitmentsfromvisibleleadersEngage – provideopportunity,context,content,support,aidReward– keepleadersandcitizenswithyouthroughrewardsTrack– collectdataandsuccessstoriestoshowyourprogressShare– yoursuccesseswillinspireothersandleadtomoreRepeat– goodengagementisaprocess,notagoal– REPEAT
PathtoPositiveCommunityEngagement:StepstoSuccess
Basic Engagement
• Statement: Publish and post a statement of climate leadership dedicating the local government to solutions for mitigation, preparation, and community engagement.
• Integration: Establish climate as a departmental priority within relevant agencies across local government, assigning staff to lead and coordinate priorities.
• Branding: Establish a brand for climate engagement that is recognizable and accessible to citizens and stakeholder.
• Web site: Post climate priorities prominently on the mayor’s web site, as well as on the web sites of relevant government agencies
PathtoPositiveCommunityEngagement:StepstoSuccess
Deep Engagement
• Recruitment: Seek out stakeholders and community leaders for support of the climate leadership statement and community engagement efforts
• Convenings: Bring leaders and stakeholders together to discuss solutions and explore providing mutual support for community and sector specific solutions and engagement.
• Process: Launch a robust program to seek and incorporate community ideas through an engagement process that leverages stakeholder commitments and leadership.
• Resources: Avail your community of resources that support solutions through local government programs and policies and by making them accessible through stakeholders.
• Media: Create and push media that promotes leaders and solutions.
PathtoPositiveCommunityEngagement:StepstoSuccess
Deeper Engagement
• Staffing: Dedicate staff capacity to broadening leadership through dedicated engagement activities and recruitment.
• Goals: Establish engagement goals and metrics for success that permit evaluation of engagement activities and allow for improvements.
• Events: Plan and host public events to showcase community leaders and solutions.
• Promotion: Design and promote local tours, maps, photos.
FRAMING
● Framesaresetsofvaluesthatinformhowweseetheworld,howwethinkaboutcomplexissues,andevenbasicfacts.
● Theyarepowerfulshortcutsthatallowuscommunicatealotofinformationinashortamountoftime.
● Frameshelpusreachouraudiencequicklyandtheyhelpourmessageresonate.
FRAMINGThe“FreedomFrame”WorkingAgainst Us
● Governmentregulationoffossilfuels● Governmentpickingwinnersandlosers
FRAMINGThe“FreedomFrame”
WorkingFor Us
● Righttocleanair&water● Democratizationofenergyortransportation
YourFramingChallenges
1. Howcanyouconvincinglymessageurgencywhenyouarefacinguncertaintyabouttheseverityandtimingofexpectedimpacts?
2. Howdoyoutalkaboutmitigationandadaptationinthesameconversation?
3. Whatarethebestmessagingtipsforuseinacommunitywhere“climatechange”isatabooword?
4. HowdoIbalancediscussionofcostsandbenefits?HowdoItalkabouttheiterativenatureofplanning?
“TheIn-LawTest”
● Simple,clear,valueslanguage.
● Concreteexamplesbetterthanabstractions.
● Nojargon!Avoidtechnicalterms&acronyms
“TheIn-LawTest”
“Decarbonization iscriticaltocombattingclimatechangeandwillhaveapositiveimpactonhumanhealth.”
Relateittopeople’slives:
“Burningfossilfuelscausespollution.Pollutioncausesasthma.Reducingfossilfuelsisgoodforkids.”
Acoremessage...
● Communicatesthemostimportantideaaboutyourinitiativeorpolicyinoneortwosentences.
● Uses accessible,values-basedlanguage.
● Informstherestofyourcommunications.
“Localgovernmentsarethefirstlineofdefensefromextremeweather,whichisbecomingmoresevereasclimatepollutioncausestheclimatetochange.
Citiesarealreadyexperiencingandpayingfordamagecausedbyincreasedsevereweather.That’swhymorethan50localgovernmentsfrom28statesaresupportingtheCleanPowerPlan—becauseit’scriticaltothesafetyofourcommunities.”
Exampleofacoremessage
“PresidentObama'sCleanPowerPlanisessentialtoreduceournation’sgreenhousegasemissions.TheSupremeCourtmustchoosebetweenhelpingcitiesfightclimatechangeorstandingsquarelyintheirway.”--LosAngelesMayorEricGarcetti
CoreMessageinAction- QuotesfromSpokespeople
“AtacitylevelinsouthFlorida,evenacountylevel,thereisnopartisanissuehere.Everybodyonthefrontlinerecognizestheneedandtheyknowthatthey’vegotthepoliticalcovertodowhatittakes.Theirconstituentsaren’tgoingtovotethemoutforcrossingthepartyline,forexample.”
-- CityofMiamiCommissionerKenRussell
CoreMessageInAction- OpEd
CitiesAretheFrontLinesforActiononClimateChange
Jackie Biskupski is the Mayor of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Cindy Lerner is the Mayor of Pinecrest, Fla.
CoreMessageInAction- SocialMedia
REPEAT,REPEAT,REPEAT,REPEAT,REPEAT
ManagingOppositionDuringPublicOutreach● Prepare electedandcommunityleaders forpossible
opposition● Enlistsupportersasthirdpartyvalidators● Updatemessaging inresponsetoconcerns● Considerhosting townhallsoreducationalforums● Early and ongoingmediaengagement
TalkingtoJournalists&InterviewSkills
GroundRulesOfftheRecord
● Thereportercannotreferenceyourconversationinthestory.
OnBackground● Thearticlecanreferenceyourconversation,butnot
byname.● “SourceswithknowledgeofCouncilproceedings
speculate…”OntheRecord
● Youcanbequoted,yourname willbeinthestory.
BeforeYourInterview
1. Agreeonalengthoftime.Sticktoit,cuttheinterviewoffatthatpoint.
2. Agreeonthetopic,getasenseoftheirangle&thequestionsthey’relikelytoask.
3. Preparationiskey.Anticipatehardquestions.Developtalkingpointsandpivots.
• Thejournalistisnotyourprimaryaudience
• Their audienceisyouraudience
• Mediaistheconduit
Remember...
WhenSpeakingwithJournalists...
Befriendly,butremember:Thisisaprofessionalexchange
Aninterviewisnotacasualconversation.It’syourchancetogetyourmessageout
Everywordcounts
WhenSpeakingwithJournalists...
● Repeat.Repeat.Repeat.Repeat.Repeat.
● Speakincomplete,shortsentences
● Onceyou’vemadeyourpoint,stoptalking
● Befriendlyandcordial
ToughQuestions
Ifyoudon’tknowtheanswer…● It’soktosay“Idon’tknow.”
Never restate anegativeframe orquestion.Knowhowtopivot.● Whatwe’rereallytalkingabouthereis…● Thetruthis…● Let’slookatthefacts…● Idon’tknowaboutthat,butwhatIcantellyouis…
VocalTips
Speakatanaturalvolume,butslowerthanusual
Emphasizekeywordstopreventmonotony
Repetitioncreatesrhythm(countoffpointsonfingers)
KeyTakeaways
• Speakslowly,inplainlanguage.Nojargon.•Haveaclear10-secondmessage.Repeatitoften.• Beconcise.Lessismore.•Onlyusenotesifappropriate(radio,phoneinterviews)• Pivot!Neverrestateanegativequestion•Remember:Youcontroltheinterview.•Befriendly,polite&professional.
BestPracticesforHandlingBadPress
• Follow-upwithreporter.FactualError?Askforacorrection
• Releaseastatementtosettherecordstraight• Correctquicklyusingsocialmedia• ReframeissuewithaLettertotheEditor• OfferapersonaltakewithanOp-Ed• Pitchpro-activestorieselsewheretogetbackonmessage• Engagelocaleditorialboards
LeverageVictoriestoGrowSupport
● Trackyourearnedmediaandshareitamongyourstakeholders
● Amplifypositivepressoversocialmedia
● Buildmomentumacrossmediaplatforms
PartVI:OpportunitiesforFollow-Up
▪ Developingcommunicationsstrategiesisanongoinganditerativeprocess
ecoAmericaResources
● AmericanClimateValues2014● Let’sTalkCommunitiesandClimate
• reportreleaseinFebruary2017• webinarsandbriefings
● PathtoPositiveCommunities• impactandengagementresources
Questions?
Questions?Contactus.
NameTitleOrganizationEmailHashtag