September - Crafting Powerful Messages

Module 1: Crafting Powerful Messages runs both in-person at Gracey Room (Merced Library) and live on Zoom. Can’t make it? Catch the recording later or do the online workshop option at your own pace.

Message Makeover Month

How to Participate

Option A – Live + Zoom Attendance (September 6, 1:30–4:30 PM)

• Join our live “Message Makeover” workshop in person or online via Zoom.

• Take part in interactive activities:

  • Analyze examples of advocacy messaging.

  • Draft and revise your own persuasive message with real-time feedback from peers and facilitators.

  • Participate in live polls and share your ideas.

• Access the event’s handouts and resources during the session.

• Submit your final message for the “Most Persuasive Message” contest.

• Submit your feedback for this month's lesson.
  
  

 Option B – Asynchronous Online Engagement

• Watch the workshop recording and review all resources at your own pace.

• Complete the “Message Makeover” Interactive Quiz (practice writing your advocacy message and get instant feedback).

• Participate in the September Padlet activity by sharing your message and commenting on classmates’ posts.

• Submit your message via the online form to enter the “Most Persuasive Message” contest.

• Submit your feedback for this month's lesson.

Module Overview

Objectives: 

Learn to craft persuasive advocacy messages using ethos, pathos, and logos.

Overview: 

Welcome participants and explain the importance of persuasive messaging in advocacy.  

Outline of Key Concepts: Briefly introduce the rhetorical appeals:

• • Ethos: Credibility and trust

  • Pathos: Emotional connection

  • Logos: Logical argument

ACTIVITIES

Message Creation Workshop

Interactive Mini-Lesson: Breaking Down Persuasive Messages

• View the video below with crafting advocacy messages in mind.

• Participants discuss in pairs or small groups, noting advocacy messages from the video or thinking of their own:

  • Which elements of ethos, pathos, and logos are present?

  • Why are these elements effective?

Persuasive Speaking Roleplay

Persuasive Speaking Role-Play

Duration: 15 minutes

Objective:
Participants will practice persuasive speaking skills by role-playing advocacy conversations using ethos, pathos, and logos.

Activity Outline:

Introduction & Instructions (2 mins)

• Briefly remind participants about the importance of ethos (credibility), pathos (emotion), and logos (logic) in persuasive communication.

• Clearly explain the role-play scenario:

  • Person A is an advocate speaking about an important community issue.

  • Person B is a decision-maker or community member needing to be persuaded.

Role-play Preparation (3 mins)

• Participants pair up quickly.

• Assign each pair a scenario (e.g., advocating for affordable housing, improved community parks, pet-friendly shelters, mental health support).

• Participants quickly discuss roles and plan their persuasive approach, noting how they'll incorporate ethos, pathos, and logos.

Role-play Activity (6 mins total; 3 mins per speaker)

• Each participant takes a turn practicing persuasive speaking (about 2–3 minutes per person).

• Listener actively engages, asks questions, and provides immediate feedback.

Quick Group Reflection (3 mins)

• Bring everyone back together to share quick insights:

  • What persuasive approaches worked well?

  • How did it feel to integrate ethos, pathos, and logos?

  • Any immediate learnings or challenges?

Craft the Most Persuasive Message Contest

Guided Activity: Crafting Your Advocacy Message

• Participants choose an advocacy topic they're passionate about.

• Guided worksheet:

  • Identify your core message (what are you advocating for?).

  • Identify your audience (who are you speaking to?).

  • Clearly state your persuasive goal (what outcome do you hope to achieve?).

  • Draft a concise message incorporating ethos, pathos, and logos.

Module 1: Crafting Powerful Messages

Ethos, Pathos, Logos:
3 = All used & clear / 2 = Two or partial / 1 = Lacks clarity or missing

Clarity & Focus:
3 = Clear, focused / 2 = Mostly clear / 1 = Unclear or unfocused

Relevance:
3 = Strong real-world tie / 2 = General tie / 1 = Weak or missing

Mechanics:
3 = Error-free / 2 = Some errors / 1 = Many errors, unclear

"Most Persuasive Message" Contest 

FEEDBACK

September Feedback

REMOTE ACTIVITIES

🚀 What's Next?

Join us next month for "Officially Speaking!" on October 4th, where we'll dive into effectively communicating with local leaders. Strengthen your advocacy voice by learning to confidently navigate conversations with decision-makers and community officials. See you there!