Session 1: Best Practices. Third Thursdays: Communications Best Practices

Transcription

1 Third Thursdays: Communications Best Practices

2 Welcome Welcome Introductions Name Church Position Title Volunteer or Staff What is the worst spelling mistake you ve ever made in a communication piece?

3 How do we communicate? How does YOUR Church communicate today?

4 How do we communicate? Church Communications Audit

5 How do you communicate? What are you already nailing what things is your church GREAT at right now? What 3 things do you think could use immediate improvement? What were you surprised by? What overwhelmed you?

6 Effective Communication Correct Clear Concise Are people reading it? Are people using it? Consistent Call to Action

7 Audience Who is your audience? Who is your audience today? Insider to church New to church Community member (unfamiliar with church)

8 Audience One piece of content, multiple uses/forms/audiences Start with the website Everything one needs to know should be there, in one place Parcel out the pieces as needed based on use/form/audience

9 Audience Website: novaumc.org/spiritual-formation

10 Audience Bulletin Announcement Spiritual Formation Sessions for Church Leaders September 20 February 21 April 12 from 7:00-8:30 p.m. Bishop Lewis has challenged each of us to be a Disciple of Jesus Christ who is a lifelong learner who influences others to serve. Anyone from an Arlington or Alexandria church who is in leadership or wants to grow spiritually is invited to participate in Spiritual Formation. On September 20, 2017 Graham Standish will offer Becoming a Spiritually Vital Leader at Dulin UMC. On February 21, 2018 Rev Brian Brown will offer Anatomy of Peace at Annandale UMC. On April 12, 2018 Sue Nilson Kibbey will offer Breakthrough Prayer at Centreville UMC. Each session costs $10/person. Register for all three sessions together for $25. Learn more and register at NoVaUMC.org/Spiritual-Formation.

11 Audience Verbal Announcement: during worship We have a great opportunity to deepen our spirituality and see 3 incredible speakers in the coming months! Our districts are offering spiritual formation sessions for church leaders. Mark your calendar for Wednesday night, September 21 and plan to listen to Graham Standish, author of Humble Leadership, speak on Becoming a Spiritually Vital Leader. Registration is available online and there is more information in your bulletin.

12 Audience Social Media Cover Photo Initial Post

13 Social Media Additional Posts

14 Flyer/Poster

15 Audience Bulletin Inserts [targeted ]

16 Audience Targeted s

17 Audience Additional forms: outdoor banner, announcement slides, etc.

18 Audience Your turn! Fall Festival Saturday, October 7 9 a.m. 7 p.m. My Church, 1234 church lane ( ) Bounce house, pumpkins for sale, pie eating contest, hayride, chili cookoff Funds benefit youth ministry

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20 Clear, Concise, etc. One or two fonts only. NO CLIP ART This is REALLY And not particularly effective.

21 Clear, Concise, etc. Some Examples

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25 Clear, Concise, etc. Sources for artwork that is legal to use PAID: Istock.com Graphicstock.com Shutterstock.com Adobe images Depositphotos.com DROPBOX! FREE: pixabay.com Your Congregation!! pexels.com (everyone has a camera!) openresources.org flickr.com/photos/umcommunications/sets

26 Clear, Concise, etc. Images continued Use Caution Google Images Flickr Anywhere else! It is illegal to just use an image from the Internet!!!

27 Clear, Concise, etc. Whitespace Less is MORE! Just because you CAN doesn t mean you SHOULD

28 Deadlines and Your Job(s) You are the communicator! Own that! Deadlines are FIRM Create a plan and stick to it Knowing there will be a few bumps as it is implemented

29 Your Communications Plan Calendaring with Pastor and Staff Creating a plan to match months/themes Write it down! Make it available to staff and volunteers Make sure it supports the mission Make a style guide

30 What else do you want to learn? What topics do you want to cover?