1 5 2 3 4 Message Box Adapted from NSF Becoming the Messenger Theme/Concept/Idea What is the issue/question? Who cares? What were your main findings? Why are your results interesting?

Message Triangle Adapted from NSF Becoming the Messenger First assess your audience by answering the following: My audience is (there is no such thing as a general audience): My message is targeted to this type of person in the audience (describe as though you are addressing one person): Relative to what I’m talking about, he/she currently knows, believes, or does: This makes him/her more likely to be supportive or resistant to my message: My target audience will respond most favorably if I make my points in the context of (e.g. politics, science, economics, business, personal involvement, etc.): Relative to what I’m talking about, I want her/him to know, believe or do: Three things my audience should know (or three questions they might ask) about my subject are: a) b) c) Arguments and evidence that support my assertions/answers:

With the audience in mind, consolidate your message into a message triangle by: Placing the key idea you want the audience to take away in the center of the triangle. Situating 3 questions you believe your audience will have at the 3 corners of the triangle. Developing answers to the questions and support for you answers in the form of factual evidence, assertions, anecdotes, and 3rd party assertions. Talking Point 1 Supporting Evidence Talking Point 3 Supporting Evidence Talking Point 2 Supporting Evidence Main Message