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  • March 2016
  • Technical Note
  • HBS Case Collection

Lighting the Fire: Crafting and Delivering Broadly Inspiring Messages

By: Tsedal Neeley and Tom Ryder
  • Format:Print
  • | Language:English
  • | Pages:12
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Abstract

Communicating persuasively is a critical skill for leaders of any team or organization. Yet, connecting and resonating with an audience can nevertheless be a challenging task. We outline how to effectively mobilize groups through the power of communication. This note will serve leaders and members of diverse groups as they find their voice to inspire, unite, and engage others through messaging. With multiple examples as a backdrop, we highlight four key components of effective messaging in this note: 1) Structuring Messages and the Persuasive Story Pattern, 2) Appealing to the Audience, 3) Persuasively Communicating through Rhetorical Devices, and 4) Delivering Clear and Captivating Messages.

Keywords

Messaging; Communication; Leading; Public Speaking; Persuasion; Rhetorical Devices; Communication Intention and Meaning; Forms of Communication; Communication Strategy

Citation

Neeley, Tsedal, and Tom Ryder. "Lighting the Fire: Crafting and Delivering Broadly Inspiring Messages." Harvard Business School Technical Note 416-046, March 2016.
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About The Author

Tsedal Neeley

Organizational Behavior
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  • The VideaHealth AI Factory: CEO Florian Hillen on Speed, Scale, and Innovation By: Tsedal Neeley
  • AI vs Human: Analyzing Acceptable Error Rates Using the Confusion Matrix By: Tsedal Neeley and Tim Englehart
  • The VideaHealth AI Factory: CEO Florian Hillen on Speed, Scale, and Innovation (B) By: Tsedal Neeley, Levi Stroud, Ruth Page and Dave Habeeb
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