Communications Tools

Amy Spitalnick
Communications Advisor
Office of the Mayor

Strong Messages

 

 




Message Triangle

 

Message Triangle
We are using the tools of government to fight
inequality – and lift up families across the city.
We are managing government effectively to
ensure a safe, clean, economically strong NYC,
further improving quality of life.

We are innovating for the future in all our
neighborhoods, pushing the envelope for new
ways to keep NYC the greatest global city of the
21st century.
5

 Delivering the Message

CONNECT
with your audience’s concerns

LEAD
to your point
DISTINGUISH
from the alternative

6

 Delivering the Message

 

Delivering the Message
Bridges
Bridging moves you to your key message
CONNECT to underlying concerns, then LEAD to your message

Examples:
“That’s a good question, and what’s really important is…”
“ I totally understand that concern. That’s why….”
“That’s a complicated issue. What I do know is…”
“What’s important to remember is…”
“Let me answer you by saying that…”
“We’ve talked about many issues today. I think it boils down to these three
things…”
“What I really want to point to is…”
“I want to make sure is clear….”

8

 Delivering the Message
•Sparklers – help you distinguish
•Facts
•Statistics
•Anecdotes or Examples
•Quotes from Others
•Analogy or Comparison
•Personal Experience or Story
•Use of Imagery

9

 Delivering the Message
291,800: new private-sector jobs in NYC since Mayor de Blasio took office.
2: years NYC has experienced record lows in crime along with a steep drop in stop-and-frisk use.
68,547: four-year-olds getting a head start with full-day, high-quality pre-K.
113,874: middle school students enrolled in afterschool programming – twice as many than under the prior
administration.

53,000: affordable homes being built or preserved – enough for 130,000 New Yorkers.
863,464: IDNYC cardholders now with access to City services and the peace of mind that comes with a recognized
government ID.
22%: drop in traffic fatalities fueled by comprehensive street safety plan Vision Zero.

$15: guaranteed minimum wage to City employees and contracted non-profit workers.
500,000: more New Yorkers have paid sick leave.
20,000: City employees – and growing – who can take paid leave to care for a new child.

98.8%: of the City workforce now under contract, compared to none when Mayor de Blasio took office.

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 How to Prepare for an Interview
Five Keys to Effective Communications
 Audience

 Confidence
 Values

 Personalization
 Nuance

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