engaging the audience
TRANSCRIPT
Engaging the AudienceEngaging the Audience
Knight Center for Specialized JournalismDecember 2, 2009 Angela Connor
Author, “18 Rules of Community Engagement”
Common Buzzwords and PhrasesJoin the conversation Crowdsource the news Be transparent Be authentic Monitor the Conversation Leverage social mediaIt’s About Relationships Fan us on Facebook You must engage the audience
What it all really means is….
TALKto
People
•Be inclusive
•Be accessible
•Share your knowledge
•Provide access
•Make people smarter
•Make connections
And THIS is what you already DO!
Community, definedcom⋅mu⋅ni⋅ty [kuh-myoo-ni-tee] –noun, plural -ties. 1.a social group of any size whose members reside in a
specific locality, share government, and often have a common cultural and historical heritage.
2.a social, religious, occupational, or other group sharing common characteristics or interests and perceived or perceiving itself as distinct in some respect from the larger society within which it exists (usually prec. by the): the business community; the community of scholars.
Summer 1973
What Constitutes Community?
Can you build community through your beat?
YES!!!
Broadcasting vs. Conversing Present the facts in your
standard format
Provide images and video
Select quotes from your sources
Select data that fits in your format and subject
Pre-determined elements from editors and reporter
Foster discussion of the facts and allow opinion
Solicit images and video in addition to your own
Additional access to sources via live chats, podcasts, etc…
Access to complete databases.
Soliciting questions and desired content for stories.
A FEW Rules of EngagementAsk questions
Use your influence
Provide useful information and content
Support your audience
Stroke a few egos
Get to know the community
Pour on the compliments
Know the culture and respect it
A FEW Rules of EngagementMake it personal
Seek expert advice and opinions
Ask for help
Accept and respond to criticism
Make small talk
Showcase and acknowledge good work
Don’t try to please everyone
Realize your work is never done
Encourage two-way conversations
Show some personality
The Community Responds
Build Community Through INTERACTION
Respond to Comments “Thanks for sharing. I think you raise good points…”.
Ask Questions “Tell me more about that”
Share a personal story I know what you mean, that happened to me once
when…”
Build Community Through ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Discuss with your co-workers and peersShare their content Connect elsewhereLink to their posts Use @ Mentions on FB and TwitterThank publicly for a news tip
Questions to ask yourself What is the value add to this story?
How can I get the audience involved?
What will they want to DO after reading/viewing this content?
How will I respond to criticism?
Managing the Conversation
Let’s talk about Comments!
Common Community KillersRudeness Arguing with visitors Stealing ideas, refusing to credit othersIgnoring commentsBeing pushy and pompous
8 Rules of Community EngagementProvide really useful contentStroke a few egos Ask Questions Ask for help Seek expert advice and opinionsAccept & respond to criticismMake Small TalkRealize your work is never done
TakeawaysGive people what they want
More information Exclusive details Interactive content A chance to communicate with you More time with your sources
Be present
Talk to people WHERE they are
Become a user advocate
Angela Connor Stay in touch with Stay in touch with me:me: E - [email protected] - @communitygirlC – 919.607.0435