Who Are You Trying To Reach?
When speaking about privacy concerns, you need to understand the motivations and interests of the group or individual you are communicating with. Possessing this understanding will make the conversation easier and more successful. Knowing your audience will help you talk about privacy in a way that is meaningful for them, not just for you. You will be adjusting your talking points and tactics once you understand who you are talking to, what they may already know, and what they care about.
One quick way to understand who you are talking to is by using an empathy map. An empathy map is a tool to better understand where someone or a group is coming from and how they see a particular issue, like privacy. While empathy maps are often derived from interviews with an individual, you may be able to learn more by filling in what you know and what you can learn about a person or group.
Empathy Map
Use it to help you better understand the motivations of those you’re trying to reach.
Exercise
Think of a stakeholder (an individual, group, community member, trustee, etc.) you need to talk to about a privacy-related concern. Fill out an empathy map. Templates are easily available online or draw your own based on the image in this guide. Think about what might motivate them, what might they already know, and why they would care about privacy.
Once you fill out your Empathy Map, answer:
- Who are you trying to talk to?
- What motivates them regarding privacy?
- What message could create a hook to interest them or to influence their view of privacy?
Note to all
Talking about privacy is important but sometimes you will not be successful with your stakeholders. That's okay. Just keep at it and don't lose sight of the bigger picture!
