Imagine gearing up for a board meeting or prepping an important update for your community. As you read your impact statement, it just feels off, formal, a bit distant, even hard to follow. What you want instead is to be clear, sincere and relatable, so people really understand and feel the impact of your work. If that sounds familiar, we created this guide for you. We help teams communicate clearly, and we know simple, human language works.<\/p>\n
Every group has its own priorities. Are you writing for members, policymakers, reporters or families in your neighbourhood? Each audience wants something a bit different and uses language in their own way.<\/p>\n
Try mapping your audiences: jot down who you\u2019re reaching, what matters most to them and the language they actually use. Keep this list handy every time you sit down to write.<\/p>\n
Starting with these questions makes every message clearer, more personal and far more effective.<\/p>\n
Agree with your team on the kind of voice you want to share across all channels. We aim for straightforward, warm and credible. If something sounds wooden or packed with buzzwords, it\u2019s time to revise. Build a go-to list of words and phrases, for example, say interest holders or neighbours, and use support instead of leverage.<\/p>\n
Pin these examples up somewhere visible. Whenever a sentence feels off, ask yourself if you\u2019d actually use it in conversation with a friend. If not, rewrite it.<\/p>\n
Jargon clouds your message. Keep it specific and honest:<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Youth Opportunities Program provides comprehensive wraparound services to underserved youth.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOur Youth Opportunities Program helps teens like Jay find jobs, finish school and feel good about what they can do.\u201d<\/p>\n
Take one of your program blurbs and see if it passes this test. Would your neighbour, board member or local parent instantly understand it? If yes, you\u2019re set.<\/p>\n
Data only works if people remember and relate to it. Strong messaging always pairs numbers with a specific story.<\/p>\n
Number + Name + Change<\/p>\n
\u201cWe achieved a 26 per cent increase in service access among underserved populations.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis year, 34 more families like the Smiths got help faster, thanks to new partnerships with local schools.\u201d<\/p>\n
There\u2019s research (link<\/a>) showing people remember stories far better when you attach them to real numbers. Try using this simple prompt: \u201c[Number] [who], including [first name], [what changed].\u201d<\/p>\n Stories work best when the people in them are treated with dignity. Always:<\/p>\n Borrow a few ideas from efforts like the Survivor\u2019s Hope Case Study<\/a>. Gathering stories in safe, familiar spaces and on the storyteller\u2019s timeline builds real trust and respect.<\/p>\n Let people experience your impact with real voices and images:<\/p>\n5. Collect and Share Stories With Care<\/h3>\n
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6. Use Formats That Feel Real and Relatable<\/h3>\n