How many times have you received a piece of direct mail or an email and didn't read it? Probably many times, right? But don't feel guilty about it. More often than not, it's because of HOW the letter was written. It's not because you are too lazy to read the content. 

Remember, it is not a question of WHAT but a question of HOW. 

Unfortunately, there are hundreds of organizations wasting their precious time sending letters that instantly turn off readers. In this episode, we’ll explain what to consider when writing and how you can win your audience.  

Part One of ‘Who’s Hearing Your Message’

Let's talk about two significant concepts that you need to embrace when you write. First is the Adaptive Communication, and the second one is the Process Communication Model (PCM) by Dr. Taibi Kahler.

You probably know by now how we want to maximize adaptive communication, most notably for businesses. For those who might need a refresher, adaptive communication means that you tailor your message depending on someone's personality, needs, and abilities.  An example is avoiding technical terms or jargon if you are speaking to someone outside of your industry. 

By using the principles of adaptive communication, you will be more careful and cautious with your language so that your readers can fully understand what you meant. 

Process Communication Model, on the other hand, explains that we all have different personality structures made up of multiple personality types, as identified below. 

• Feeler 
• Thinker 
• Believer 
• Dreamer 
• Funster or a Rebel 
• Promoter   

While we all have these in our system, we are naturally able to energize only two or three traits. It means one person can be more of a 'feeler' than a 'thinker.' Others can be a 'dreamer' and a 'promoter.' There's no perfect mix, and one personality doesn't mean it's better than the other. 

Now, how can we use this concept when writing? Say, for example, you are a non-profit organization. What if you have a diverse audience with different types of personalities? How would you construct your newsletters or direct mails? 

By using the base concept of the Process Communication Model, the best practice is to ensure that your letter addresses the needs of different people. It would help if you used varying languages. Perhaps, use specific colors as well.  You have to understand which channel of communication most people prefer. That way, you can tap a considerable percentage of your audience.    

"Before someone reads your message, they might have already been turned off and won't even read the paragraph." - Cindy Hunt (02:30-02:36)

In the podcast, you will see how they compared the structure of an actual letter from what is actually recommended. From there, you will notice a lot of discrepancies. Now, this is not to say that the letter was wrong. However, it could have been better.  

If the right concepts were followed, they could gain more traction. It will be more effective.

Part Two of ‘Who’s Hearing Your Message’

"People need time to reflect and react spontaneously." - Cindy Hunt (07:51-07:56)

Most successful leaders, celebrities, and other renowned icons have understood the importance of knowing your audience. It's how they create their speeches or letters to the public. It's not about the content itself, but how they constructed the message in written form. 

As for you, take advantage of learning these principles. That way, you can substantially improve your communication, reduce conflicts, and even motivate and persuade your audience. 

How to Get Involved

Today's workplace is filled with diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and skills. This can catapult creative problem solving but result in communication challenges and conflict that derail a company's fast-paced progress.

Adaptive communication enables people to understand one another and quickly resolve conflict—regardless of background, demographics, age, or educational level. Employees gain the tools to lead innovation, generate support for ideas, and reduce communication breakdowns. 

Want to increase your organization's productivity, increase collaboration, and communicate so your message is heard? Learn more here - https://www.journeous.com