RESISTING THE URGE TO ADD EXTENSIVE DETAILS TO EVEN THE SMALLEST POINTS

Strategic Communications Series #5

Education leaders are teachers first, foremost, and forever. Given that, there is a natural tendency amongst us to inadvertently be so good at communicating our ideas that we become ineffective communicators. What? I know, I know, that sounds like a perfect example of poor communication.

What I mean to say is that education leaders often violate the communication commandment: Thou Shalt Speak and Write in Simple English.

I always remind myself that less is more. I learned that concept and subsequent strategy as a dissertation chair providing editorial and citation support to my students. Much like a dissertation, language used to communicate with education partners should be active, not passive., and mindful of the audience. If it's too complicated, it likely will not serve its purpose. Write not to impress, but to communicate a message.

Here are some examples of a series of messages sent prior to the reopening of school after COVID-19 to a community of education partners, including community members, parents, students, and staff.

July 25, 2021

July 18, 2021

July 11, 2021

July 4, 2021