Your Messaging Must Be More Than Informing
In an era of nonstop news cycles, political disinformation, and media overload, the ability to communicate clearly has never been more critical. For unions, activists, and grassroots organizations, messaging is not just about informing—it’s about inspiring action, mobilizing communities, and cutting through the noise.
Yet, too often, important messages are buried under jargon, vague statements, or overly complex explanations. When clarity is lost, so is the opportunity to make an impact. In uncertain times, the most effective communicators are those who can distill their message down to its most powerful form—direct, honest, and impossible to ignore.
Why Clarity Matters More Than Ever
We are living in a time of crisis-driven communication. The COVID-19 pandemic, economic struggles, political unrest, attacks on labor rights, and authoritarian threats to democracy have all made it harder for the public to process and trust information. This has led to a communication landscape filled with:
- Disinformation and propaganda – Politicians and corporations flood the media with misleading statements to confuse or demoralize the public.
- Information overload – The average person scrolls through hundreds of headlines and social media posts daily, making it hard to focus on any single message.
- Emotional exhaustion – Activists and the general public alike are often overwhelmed, making them more likely to tune out anything that feels too complex or demanding.
In this environment, the best way to get people to listen is not to shout louder or throw more facts at them. Instead, it’s about delivering a message that is immediately understandable, emotionally resonant, and impossible to ignore.
The Lessons of History: Clarity Wins Movements
History proves that movements with clear, powerful messaging succeed.
- The Civil Rights Movement: “I AM A MAN.” Four simple words, printed on signs held high by striking sanitation workers in 1968. That clarity cut through the noise and forced America to confront the basic dignity of Black workers.
- César Chávez and the United Farm Workers: The rallying cry “Sí Se Puede” (“Yes, We Can”) gave farmworkers hope and a clear sense of purpose.
- The Labor Movement: “An Injury to One Is an Injury to All.” This timeless slogan distills the essence of union solidarity in just a few words.
These messages worked because they were clear, direct, and emotionally powerful. They didn’t require lengthy explanations. They didn’t assume the audience was already on board. They simply stated a truth in a way that could not be ignored.
What Clear Messaging Looks Like
Whether you are writing a union newsletter, a campaign email, or a social media post, clarity starts with a few key principles:
1. Lead with What Matters
People don’t have time to dig for the point. Make it easy for them.
- Weak opening: “In light of recent developments regarding workplace policies and in keeping with our ongoing discussions, we would like to address the concerns raised…”
- Strong opening: “Your employer just took away your right to fair overtime pay. Here’s how we fight back.”
The second version is clear, urgent, and impossible to ignore. If you don’t grab attention immediately, you’ve lost the reader.
2. Use Simple, Powerful Language
Activists and union leaders often have to communicate about complex issues—legal rights, policy changes, corporate tactics. But complexity doesn’t mean we need to use complicated words.
- Bad example: “This legislative amendment seeks to mitigate the ramifications of employer-driven arbitration agreements by establishing a framework for collective recourse mechanisms.”
- Good example: “This new law stops employers from forcing workers into unfair contracts that take away their rights.”
Simple words don’t dumb down the message—they make it stronger.
3. Avoid Jargon and Insider Language
Every movement has its own terminology, but using too much of it can alienate people. If your message is only understood by insiders, it’s not an effective message.
For example, a union might talk about “grievance procedures” or “contract negotiations.” But to a new member or the general public, these terms might not mean much. Instead, explain them in human terms:
- “If your boss fires you unfairly, here’s how we fight to get your job back.”
- “We’re negotiating to make sure you get better wages, benefits, and protections at work.”
If you must use a technical term, define it in plain language.
4. Make It Personal and Relatable
People don’t connect with abstract ideas. They connect with stories and emotions. Instead of saying, “Corporations are exploiting workers,” tell the story of one worker facing unfair conditions. Instead of writing, “We must protect voting rights,” share the story of a voter who faced obstacles at the polls.
For example, instead of this:
“Legislative changes may impact worker rights by shifting employer obligations.”
Try this:
“If this law passes, your boss could fire you without cause—and you wouldn’t be able to fight back.”
One version sounds like a bureaucratic memo. The other makes it personal and urgent.
5. End with a Strong Call to Action
A message that doesn’t inspire action is a wasted opportunity. Your final words should always answer the question: What should the reader do next?
- Sign a petition?
- Show up to a rally?
- Call their senator?
- Talk to a coworker?
Instead of ending with “We must stand together.”, try “Call your union rep today to learn how you can fight back.” The more specific the ask, the more likely people will follow through.
How a Copy Editor Can Strengthen Your Message
Even the most passionate activists and organizers sometimes struggle with clear messaging. A copy editor is not just someone who fixes typos—they are an ally in sharpening your message so that every word carries weight.
As a copy editor specializing in activist and labor writing, I help clients:
✅ Cut out unnecessary words that weaken their impact
✅ Restructure content so that the most important points come first
✅ Eliminate jargon and make messaging accessible to everyone
✅ Strengthen emotional resonance while keeping facts accurate
✅ Ensure calls to action are strong and effective
Because in uncertain times, your message must be a beacon—not a blur.
Final Thought: Clarity Is a Tool for Change
The most powerful messages don’t come from shouting the loudest. They come from knowing exactly what you need to say and saying it in a way that cannot be ignored.
In a time of rising authoritarianism, attacks on labor rights, and an overwhelming flood of information, clear writing is more than just a skill—it is a tool for change.
If you’re ready to sharpen your messaging and make every word count, let’s work together. Because your cause deserves to be heard—loud and clear.