Sightline Flashcards

Video: Five Tips for Talking About Polluted Stormwater

02/06/2012

How do we talk about polluted stormwater so people get why it's important and see what steps we can take to fix it? Luckily there's lots of messaging research out there to tell us what works and what doesn't work. We've boiled it down to five simple tips to keep in mind. I talk you through them in our first ever video Flashcard. Like all our Flashcards, it's short--just under three minutes!

Tips from Bill Clinton: Talking About Government

green jobs, clean energy economy, government, budget and taxes
12/12/2011

Whatever you think of Clinton or the 46-point policy plan he outlines in the book, the direct assertions in his new book that government is a key part of the solution is both refreshing and necessary. For all of us who talk about policy solutions on a daily basis, here are some talking points from the former president.

The Economy: Operating Instructions for Communicators

framing, economy
09/29/2011

Cognitive linguistics expert and communications strategist Anat Shenker-Osorio reminds us that these familiar expressions aren't merely flowery language; our words actually shape what people think the economy is, how it should work, and what economic policies seem logical or right.

Summer Reading: Messaging Tips We Like

messaging
08/17/2011

Lots of great messaging tools and tips come across my desk as well--stuff that's already pretty short and easy to digest. It's not exactly what you'd hope to take with you on a beach vacation, but for your summer reading (and viewing) pleasure, here are a few of my favorite bite-sized messaging resources from the last few months.

A Checklist for MESSAGE DISCIPLINE

values messaging
06/30/2011

You already know that if you want your words to stand out, your messages must be simple, memorable, and connect to your audiences' emotions and shared values--their hopes, fears, dreams, and sense of right and wrong. Even for veteran communications professionals, sometimes it's good to review the basics. So, here's a quick checklist for whipping your communications into shape.

How to Talk About Polluted Runoff

water, values messaging
04/01/2011

More and more often, experts are called upon to explain toxic runoff issues to a reporter or talk about stormwater pollution on television. For a few crucial minutes, they have an opportunity to convey to the public both the size and urgency of the problem and the importance--and multiple benefits--of solutions for our communities' health. Are you one of those experts? These messaging tips are for you!

Lessons From "The Great Communicator"

values messaging, framing, storytelling
02/22/2011

Whether you agreed or disagreed with his politics, you have to admit that Ronald Reagan was a masterful communicator. He cemented in the American consciousness the powerful conservative brand that still thrives today. Sightline brings you 5 durable lessons from The Great Communicator, insights compiled from some of our favorite messaging experts.

Driving Demand for Energy Upgrades

energy and climate, framing
01/24/2011

When it comes to curbing global warming emissions, energy efficiency is often touted as “low hanging fruit.” Since savings on utility bills pay back the up-front costs of many efficiency investments, it shouldn’t be hard to convince people that efficiency is a smart idea—right? Not so fast. What messages help drive demand? This month’s Flashcard is a quick guide.

Budgets and Taxes: Dos and Don'ts

opinion research, government, budget and taxes
11/30/2010

New research from FrameWorks Institute not only identifies the dead-end frames to avoid when talking about taxes and budgets, but also offers empirically-tested alternatives that pave the way to more productive conversations about the role of government. Here is Sightline's "pocket guide" for communicators.

Talking Dirty Fuels

energy and climate, opinion research, oil addiction
10/26/2010

Recent research by the Natural Resources Defense Fund identifies the language that most powerfully underscores the danger of dirty fuels and builds on the public's enthusiasm for clean, safe, renewable alternatives that will never run out.

Reframing "Big Business"

opinion research, sustainable business, framing
09/01/2010

The term “big business” works as a sledgehammer, when what’s often needed is a more refined tool—if not a scalpel, then perhaps a carving knife. The task for progressive communicators, then, is to identify powerful language that evokes the negatives behind the “big business” frame, without reinforcing the (false) idea that all business is bad business.

Frank Luntz on Cap and Trade

cap and trade, energy and climate, opinion research
07/02/2010

GOP pollster and powerbroker Frank Luntz has arguably done the most to thwart policy that would curb global warming pollution. After all, he’s the one who advised the Bush administration to make the lack of scientific certainty a primary issue in the climate debate—a strategy that's had devastating effects. So, it's quite a surprise to find Luntz working on the side of climate policy—and in particular cap and trade. But his research shows Americans are ready and he's offering messaging tips to move policy forward.

Imagine, Consider, Think About

messaging, framing
06/24/2010

The human brain is hardwired to remember and respond to visual cues. Simple verbal triggers encourage your audience to "see" a concrete and memorable message.

Who me? An environmentalist?

energy and climate, opinion research, values messaging
05/01/2010

Americans say that they care about the environment, yet even the "greenest" Americans hesitate to call themselves environmentalists--and they don't get involved with green issues nearly as much as one might expect. Here are strategies for engaging the "low hanging fruit" in our sustainability policy efforts.

Paychecks with a Purpose: Patriotism, duty, pride

energy and climate, green jobs
03/01/2010

Patriotism, duty, and pride: these values underlie a powerful but underutilized set of messages to bolster support for green jobs investments. Green-collar work offers a crucial mission that's not typical for construction or manufacturing jobs. These are paychecks with a purpose. One Iraq war veteran, now an engineer with a solar company, put it this way: "...when you say you work in renewable energy, it's like you're a hero."