Master Class #109: Adding a Personal Touch

In an era filled with endless online content, much of which is developed by AI, it can be hard to stand out. That's why one of the best ways to get your message across is a good-old-fashioned in-person event. If you're looking to reach your audience without getting screens involved, here are a few options to consider:

• Ground-breakings and ribbon cuttings: If your organization is involved in the opening or building of any new facility, outdoor space or business, being there the moment it opens to the public is a great way to build public trust. And, if you can, stay for more than a quick photo-op. Stick around, talk to people, really make your presence known.  If the public sees your pride at the ribbon cutting or ground-breaking, they are more likely to respond enthusiastically.
• Town halls and fireside chats: It's one thing to respond to comments on Facebook. It's another to organize an in-person question and answer session where you can interact with the people you are trying to reach directly. A real conversation almost always builds more trust than a back and forth on social media. It lets people see more than just an online persona; they see a human.
• Speeches: A long form speech may seem like an antiquated form of communication, but with short form, digital content dominating the information space, a long form speech to an in-person crowd gives you a great opportunity to cut through the noise. Not only can it move a crowd; it can also be repurposed into clips and shorter videos, giving it life well beyond its delivery.