#NPMC chat – July 31, 2014

Welcome to #NPMC chat, everyone! Our topic today: keeping spokespeople ‘on message’  http://ow.ly/zNOoP 

Welcome to #NPMC chat, everyone! Our topic today: keeping spokespeople ‘on message’  http://ow.ly/zNOoP 

Let’s start with intros. Pls tell us a little about you. Already see @StateofDMG @Kelgon @btrfly12 @OPgrrl, I believe? #NPMC

Warning: Excessive tweets for #NPMC nonprofit marketing chat on spokespeople. Tho I'm leaving it early to go on a mother$@&%* sailboat tour.

I’m Marlene Oliveira, of Nonprofit MarCommunity and #NPMC chat. Also copywriter & communications consultant to nonprofits at moflow.

Hi #npmc. My focus is healthcare/cancer nonprofits and I co-mod #gyncsm a monthly GYN cancer tweet chat.

@girardinl Poor you! #NPMC

@mo_flow Hi all! I work in MarComm at a national health charity. #NPMC

#NPMC Intro: Hi! I'm the Communications Manager for @HealthConnctOne, a national, Chicago-based non-profit supporting new moms/fams.

I do e-marketing and manage our web properties at a small nonprofit, the Pulmonary Hypertension Association. #NPMC

Hi everyone! I'm a mktg specialist for a small nonprofit #NPMC

Awesome crew already. Love that summer is not slowing this chat down! #NPMC

Please keep the intros coming in while we dive into Q1... #NPMC

Q1 Do you currently work with spokespeople at your nonprofit? If yes, describe? If no, why not? #NPMC

#NPMC I'm a marcom consultant, freelance writer & editor, and trainer, heavy on digital strategies. Fog-bound in San Francisco!

For those new to #NPMC chat, we’re using Q/A format - we post questions using Q1, Q2, etc. You respond by using A1, A2, etc. Thx!

Q1 No, another person in our office works with our spokespeople. #NPMC

A1 At former place, they stayed away from spokesperson for yrs after poor contract, are just now testing waters again #npmc

A1 Messengers yes, spokespeople mostly just in short bursts for galas, conferences, videos #NPMC

A1. Yes. Internal staff (executive) and external (volunteers, health pros) #NPMC

Q1. Staff & Board are all spokespeople here. Sometimes we collaborate on what to say, sometimes not. Flexible. Challenging. #NPMCNPMC

A1 i think the expectations weren't clear on either side and some inexp in how to utilize the person #npmc

#NPMC Ah, I see we already have different definitions of "spokespeople"! vs "messengers"

Interesting mix in terms of working with spokespeople (successfully)... #NPMC

@girardinl What's yours? #NPMC

@girardinl We do! I just realized that. #NPMC

Q1b Can you share examples of great experiences working w/spokespeople? Yours or something you'd like to emulate? #NPMC

A1 CEO or other staff with clearance from CEO #NPMC

@mo_flow OMG to fit this in 120 characters... #NPMC

Perhaps we should step back - are most here using 'spokespeople' to describe anyone speaking on behalf of org/representing? #NPMC

Q1b. When we align a volunteer's story with org's messaging = authenticity. Comes across in media interview. #NPMC

Q1b. When we align a volunteer's story with org's messaging = authenticity. Comes across in media interview. #NPMC

@OPgrrl I'm worried about going down a semantics rabbit hole here. But, I'm a writer. We're prone to do that! #NPMC

RT @SherryCalder Q1b. When we align a volunteer's story with org's messaging = authenticity. Comes across in media interview. #NPMC

We use spokespeople to reinforce a message. Experts who may be internal or external. #NPMC

#npmc Sounds like a good start for any NP - define spokesperson broadly and then provide training & talking points to as many as can

#npmc Sounds like a good start for any NP - define spokesperson broadly and then provide training & talking points to as many as can

Also lurking on #NPMC as I participate in another Twitter chat!

@girardinl With you there. Which perspective for 4 the chat, tho - internal messengers speaking externally or external spokespeople? #NPMC

A1 train spokespeople with messages but also encourage them to say "I don't know" and have them follow up #npmc

A1 train spokespeople with messages but also encourage them to say "I don't know" and have them follow up #npmc

A1b I did a spokesperson training for a board for org that had a new name&brand. They appreciated the brand strategy insight #NPMCNPMC

Just noticed that #NPMC is happening now and the topic is a great one!

@OPgrrl I'm thinking let's conflate "messenger" & "spokesperson" for purposes of chat. @mo_fmo_flow will discuss more later! #NPMCNPMC

Hearing a lot of 'training' and 'alignment' when it comes to successfully working w/spokespeople. #NPMC

Hearing a lot of 'training' and 'alignment' when it comes to successfully working w/spokespeople. #NPMC

So much this RT @sburket A1 train spokespeople with messages but also encourage them to say "I don't know" and have them follow up #npmc

@girardinl so important to include the board! #npmc

Q2 What can a strong, aligned spokesperson program make possible for your org? #NPMC

RT @mo_flow Hearing a lot of 'training' and 'alignment' when it comes to successfully working w/spokespeople. #NPMC

@mo_flow yes. Especially if spokespeople are external. Training is imp to make them comfortable if representing your organization. #NPMC

@btrfly12 Yes, they were a priority audience in the comms strategy, as "knowledge intermediaries" #NPMC

MT @SherryCalder Especially if spokespeople are external. Training is imp to make them comfortable if representing your organization. #NPMC

A2. Bring a human angle to your issue or story. Help others understand in a broader way. i.e. not just key messages #NPMC

A2. A strong, aligned spokesperson program can engage new audiences on an org's issues, and build support for org. #NPMC

A2. A strong, aligned spokesperson program can engage new audiences on an org's issues, and build support for org. #NPMC

RT @mo_flow Welcome to #NPMC chat, everyone! Our topic today: keeping spokespeople ‘on message’  http://ow.ly/zNOoP 

A2 Help maintain a sense of calm during a crisis. We just discussed this while reviewing our agency's disaster plan #NPMC

A2 Help maintain a sense of calm during a crisis. We just discussed this while reviewing our agency's disaster plan #NPMC

Luv MT @SherryCalder A2. Bring human angle to your issue or story. Help others understand in a broader way. i.e. not just key messages #NPMC

A2 More diversity in audiences org can reach, especially if spokesperson is influential w/ or has access to specific group #NPMC

Yes! RT @OPgrrl A2. A strong, aligned spokesperson program can engage new audiences on an org's issues, and build support for org. #NPMC

A2 good spokespeople can spread knowledge of your org and also start/nurture personal relationships #npmc

A2 good spokespeople can spread knowledge of your org and also start/nurture personal relationships #npmc

Good point! MT @Kelgon A2 Help maintain a sense of calm during crisis. Just discussed this while reviewing our agency's disaster plan #NPMC

@Kelgon So true! Not enough orgs establish a crisis communications plan & chain of decision. #NPMCNPMC

A2 like framing it as a program - something formalized and budgeted, etc. Having consistent messaging w/ human side = engagement #npmc

RT @OPgrrl A2. A strong, aligned spokesperson program can engage new audiences on an org's issues, and build support for org. #NPMC

RT @sburket A2 good spokespeople can spread knowledge of your org and also start/nurture personal relationships #npmc

Very insightful. Hearing spokespeople can bring human angle, broader more diverse appeal/understanding/reach... #NPMC

Very insightful. Hearing spokespeople can bring human angle, broader more diverse appeal/understanding/reach... #NPMC

RT @mo_flow Very insightful. Hearing spokespeople can bring human angle, broader more diverse appeal/understanding/reach... #NPMC

Also hearing: spokespeople can spread knowledge, nurture relationships, bring sense of calm. Much food for thought! #NPMC

Also hearing: spokespeople can spread knowledge, nurture relationships, bring sense of calm. Much food for thought! #NPMC

Q3 What would spokespeople and internal players need to believe and value for this potential to be reality? #NPMC

RT @mo_flow Also hearing: spokespeople can spread knowledge, nurture relationships, bring sense of calm. Much food for thought! #NPMC

RT @mo_flow Very insightful. Hearing spokespeople can bring human angle, broader more diverse appeal/understanding/reach... #NPMC

A3 Already heard spokespeople need to feel comfortable, informed, have permission to say 'I don't know'. What else? #NPMC

A3 Already heard spokespeople need to feel comfortable, informed, have permission to say 'I don't know'. What else? #NPMC

A3. To realize these visions, all spokespeople would need to feel they were playing for the same team, working towards the same goal. #NPMC

A3. It's not always a one size fits all approach. Different issues require diff spokespeople, i.e. not always the CEO or Pres #NPMC

MT @SherryCalder A3 It's not always a one size fits all approach. Different issues require diff spokespeople #NPMC

A3 as foundation, there has to be buy-in to what branding is and does for an org #npmc

A3. Important to identify the most appropriate spokesperson on a case by case basis #NPMC

A3. Important to identify the most appropriate spokesperson on a case by case basis #NPMC

A3 Staff need to be assured that spokespeople won't go rogue. Trust comes thru training, checking in, transparency #NPMC

A3 Staff need to be assured that spokespeople won't go rogue. Trust comes thru training, checking in, transparency #NPMC

RT @SherryCalder It's not always a one size fits all approach. Different issues require dif spokespeople, i.e. not always the Pres #NPMC

A3 Must be confident along with comfortable & informed #NPMCNPMC

RT @mo_flow Also hearing: spokespeople can spread knowledge, nurture relationships, bring sense of calm. Much food for thought! #NPMC

A3 spokespeople have to be fully behind the mission #NPMC

Heads up to my tweeps - timeline will be flooding. I'm participating in last half of #NPMC chat. :)

A3. Hopefully your brand is authentic. Easier to have buy-in when your brand really represents you. #NPMC

Too many awesome answers to Q3 to RT. Keep those insights coming! #NPMC

#NPMC late to the party! Laarni here - Comms/Outreach from @Springtide_VAW.

We're going through a re-barnding process soon... #NPMC

@mo_flow talented group :) #NPMC

A3 certainly harder to reap benefits of spokesperson program if org doesn't have written vision/impact plan to start from #npmc

Indeed! RT @SherryCalder @mo_flow talented group :) #NPMC

agreed! @btrfly12 A3 certainly harder to reap benefits of spokesperson program if org doesn't have written vision/impact plan #npmc

Sounds like spokespeople/internal need to feel aligned on vision/goals, buy into brand, understand the right person for opp. #NPMC

Sounds like spokespeople/internal need to feel aligned on vision/goals, buy into brand, understand the right person for opp. #NPMC

Hi all, great convo! A2: clarity & consistency in how we're seen/understood. Can also bring across the 'human' element #npmcnpmc

@btrfly12 Agreed! #NPMC

RT @nancyquinn A3. Hopefully your brand is authentic. Easier to have buy-in when your brand really represents you. #NPMC

@StateofDMG @SherryCalder Yes, spokesperson shldn't always b staff/board. Shld come from w/in community u r trying to persuade. #NPMC

Q4. What steps can you take to help spokespeople/internal players feel aligned/stay on message? In your day to day? #NPMC

@girardinl and the 'experts' who can share real experiences about the issue/topic #NPMC

#NPMC Alas! Gotta get to that sailboat. A great chat as always, thanks @mo_flow !

@girardinl Thx for joining! #NPMC

A4 For our recent Conference one of our keynote speakers did her speech for staff & got feedback. We found it effective. #npmcnpmc

A4. Talked already about training, spokesperson selection...perhaps key messages, policies, guidelines. Agree? Disagree? #NPMC

A4 periodic updates/ref's to the Key Messages doc - to make sure it stays in ppl's minds & remains on point - not just filed away #npmcnpmc

A4. Involve them in a project, engagement, seek input & work together on an issue or opportunity to meet goals #NPMCNPMC

Brilliant: practice! MT @StateofDMG A4 For our recent Conference one of our keynote speakers did her speech for staff & got feedback. #npmcnpmc

A4 Our recent training included specific things NOT to say #NPMC

A4 keeping people on message depends a lot on their respect for the expertise of the communications professionals #NPMC

A4 keeping people on message depends a lot on their respect for the expertise of the communications professionals #NPMC

A4 We often pull speakers from word of mouth of people who did well somewhere else first. #npmc

RT @sburket A4 keeping people on message depends a lot on their respect for the expertise of the communications professionals #NPMC

MT @btrfly12 A4 periodic updates/ref's to the Key Messages doc - to make sure it stays in ppl's minds & remains on point #npmcnpmc

A4: we don't have 'spokespersons' but have speakers fr our programs. we prep them weeks/days before public presentation #NPMC

A4. We're considering Key Messages and Guidelines, defined by loose consensus... #NPMC

@btrfly12 Folks are receptive to using it? #NPMC

RT @SherryCalder A4. Involve them in a project, engagement, seek input & work together on an issue or opportunity to meet goals #NPMCNPMC

A4. Also important to identify spokespeople in *advance* of a project launch/release. Helps w/ response times to media #NPMC

A4. Also important to identify spokespeople in *advance* of a project launch/release. Helps w/ response times to media #NPMC

So true RT @sburket A4 keeping people on message depends a lot on their respect for the expertise of the communications professionals #NPMC

A4: written scripts are helpful, but audiences connect better to authenticity and deep personal stories of transformation #NPMC

A4: written scripts are helpful, but audiences connect better to authenticity and deep personal stories of transformation #NPMC

A4 again, love the idea of messaging being a program - something that is formal and integrated into yearly flow of the org #npmc

A4s also coming in fast. The archives of this chat will = 'how to work with spokespeople' post. :) #NPMC

@mo_flow Found ppl receptive w/ that being take-away from training and then as prep and reference for media opp's #npmc

A4: helpful to have 2 parts of presentation: (1) facts/numbers/stats/outcomes then (2)stories/human side of said facts. #NPMC

Nice re: key msgs MT @btrfly12 Found ppl receptive w/that being take-away from training and then as prep and reference for media opp's #npmc

Nice re: key msgs MT @btrfly12 Found ppl receptive w/that being take-away from training and then as prep and reference for media opp's #npmc

A4 key messages often starting point for drafting various communications - then inject w/ personal story and personal "flavor" #npmc

A4: Training, providing ongoing info. Ensure all you put out - everything they see & read - is on message because they'll absorb it #NPMCNPMC

A4: Training, providing ongoing info. Ensure all you put out - everything they see & read - is on message because they'll absorb it #NPMCNPMC

A4b. To @sburket's point re: respect of comms professional, any other thoughts on how to build that? #NPMC

Q4b Put another way, how do we build spokespeople's trust/belief in *us* as professionals not just in org? #NPMC

Q4b Put another way, how do we build spokespeople's trust/belief in *us* as professionals not just in org? #NPMC

RE respect of comms professional - don't be shy, folks, brag about what you know. Cite examples. #NPMC

RE respect of comms professional - don't be shy, folks, brag about what you know. Cite examples. #NPMC

RT @sburket RE respect of comms professional - don't be shy, folks, brag about what you know. Cite examples. #NPMC

A4b Execs can b skeptical of what they don't understand; provide knowledge of the proven best prac's & what u bring to table #npmcnpmc

A4b. Relationship building. Can't always go to spokespeople with hand out, find ways you can help them too. #NPMC

A4b. Takes time. Learn where your spokepeople are coming from. Address concerns. Show respect. Offer new ways to reach THEIR goals. #NPMC

A4b. Takes time. Learn where your spokepeople are coming from. Address concerns. Show respect. Offer new ways to reach THEIR goals. #NPMC

Can I just say again how amazing this conversation is? Makes me want to get you all together in a room. #NPMC

Can I just say again how amazing this conversation is? Makes me want to get you all together in a room. #NPMC

Q5. What stood out for you in today’s chat? What do you want to put into practice? #NPMC

RT @SherryCalder A4b. Relationship building. Can't always go to spokespeople with hand out, find ways you can help them too. #NPMC

MT @OPgrrl A4b. Takes time. Learn where spokepeople coming from. Address concerns. Show respect. Offer new ways to reach THEIR goals. #NPMC

@mo_flow Sounds like an excuse for a #NPMC networking event/conference!

@mo_flow Yes, please :) #NPMC

@Kelgon @OPgrrl my thinking cap is on. Some way, one day. :) #NPMC

A5. Lots to say about the topic! Training, alignment, planning #NPMC

A5. I appreciated the insights about matching spokesperson to oop and building belief in brand, mission, ourselves. #NPMC

A5. I appreciated the insights about matching spokesperson to oop and building belief in brand, mission, ourselves. #NPMC

A5. One #NPMC takeaway: Spokesperson training w/ Key Messages handout as prep and reference for media opp's

A5. One #NPMC takeaway: Spokesperson training w/ Key Messages handout as prep and reference for media opp's

And...our time is up! Thank you everyone for a great chat! Chat archives will be posted soon at  http://ow.ly/qmZRO  #NPMC

Save the date/time for next #NPMC Chat: Thursday, September 25 at 1 pm ET. – *no chat in August*!

Save the date/time for next #NPMC Chat: Thursday, September 25 at 1 pm ET. – *no chat in August*!

A5 idea of fostering larger pool of spokespersons & really matching the right person to each given situation #npmcnpmc

Thanks everyone! Have a great day. #NPMC

@OPgrrl @mo_flow yes, please x 2 #npmc

Thanks for letting me be a part of #NPMC. Thanks for hosting again, @mo_flow

I love these #NPMC chats! This one fab, as usual. Thank you everyone, both for ideas and for affirmation. :)

Thanks @mo_flow #npmc Thanks, all.

Have a great weekend/rest of summer #npmc'ers :)

Had to cut out in the middle. Look forwad to reading the transcript1 #NPMC