[ATTW-L] adapting voice messages for different audiences

[Dragga, Sam]

If you are looking for a class exercise on adapting information for different audiences, consider a visit to 5calls.org<https://5calls.org/>.  At this site you will find sample voice messages on a variety of pressing topics for individuals to leave with their elected representatives. The sample voice messages differ by topic, of course, but are otherwise one-size-fits all: that is, the voice message on a given topic is identical for every elected representative regardless of their location, professional background, voting history, political affiliation, etc.

As a collaborative or individual project, students could choose from the available 50+ topics, investigate pertinent factors of their elected representative’s profile, and revise the generic voice message to make it more specific to the designated audience and thus potentially more cogent—all while trying to make sure the message is still clear and concise.

For example, on the topic Save the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), here is the generic message:

Hi, my name is [NAME] and I’m a constituent from [CITY, ZIP].

I'm calling to urge [REP/SEN NAME] to protect federal funding for the National Endowment for the Humanities. Eliminating federal support for the arts and humanities will not only damage our cultural legacy and harm American families, it will also weaken the US economy and cost the US jobs.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

IF LEAVING VOICEMAIL: Please leave your full street address to ensure your call is tallied
A voice message adapted for a specific representative might mention prominent local recipients of NEH awards or the impact of the arts on a community’s economy, reputation, and vitality.

Sam

Sam Dragga
Professor Emeritus
Texas Tech University
sam.dragga at ttu.edu
1-806-543-6099

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