When communicating information, consider using an approach that appeals to both the heads and the hearts of your audience. What does this mean?

It means including both quantitative and qualitative information.

• Quantitative: Think data, statistics, basically any numbers information. Quantitative information appeals to a person’s mind with reason. An example might be: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save as much as 10 percent a year on heating by simply turning your thermostat back 7 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit for eight hours a day from its normal setting.
• Qualitative: Think personal stories such as testimonials. Qualitative information appeals to a person’s heart with emotion. Get someone to share their story. An example might be: The money I saved from turning back my thermostat gave me extra cash each month to go out to eat with friends and catch up.

Testimonials are powerful, especially if they come from trusted, well-known, well-liked members of your community. If you can’t find someone to give a testimonial, consider just putting the information out there. In the example above, just change a few words -- The money you save from turning back your thermostat can give you extra cash each month to go out to eat with friends and catch up.

Friday, March 18 is national Natural Gas Utility Workers' Day. Take time to thank the natural gas workers who serve your community.

In 2015, the American Public Gas Association (APGA) Marketing & Sales Committee began discussing how they believed natural gas utility workers deserved a day to be recognized for their hard work and accomplishments. After several months of planning, the committee named March 18 the day on which natural gas utility workers around the country will be honored each year. 

The decision to hold this day on March 18 was made by a poll on the APGA Community. March 18 is the date of the New London, Texas, school incident in 1937 that led to the widespread odorization of natural gas and an increased emphasis on safety. Safety is a vital aspect to natural gas distribution, and the employees of distribution companies endeavor to make natural gas delivery as safe as possible.

Ideas for recognizing natural gas workers:

• A simple thank you – either in person or by call or text
• A shoutout on social media. You can find sample social media posts on the APGA website.
• A celebratory meal – a continental breakfast or potluck lunch
• Posters throughout your facility

Does your utility or city have a designated spokesperson, the individual who answers media questions whenever the situation arises? If not, you may want to consider having someone to fill this role.

A designated spokesperson may or may not be at the top of the org chart. The spokesperson should be someone:

• Comfortable answering questions in a one-on-one setting and in front of a larger group, such as a media conference or major event that would attract media attention.
• Calm, cool, and collected, as they say, in stressful situations. Sometimes having to answer question after question about a situation or issue can be taxing. Make sure the individual doesn’t mind having to answer several, often tough, questions in a professional, pleasant manner.
• Trusted in the community. You want your audience – the media, customers, and elected officials – to feel confident in the answers that the spokesperson provides.

Once you’ve designated a spokesperson make sure:

• That individual gets the training to be the best they can possibly be in the role.
• Other staff know to direct any media questions to the spokesperson instead of trying to answer questions on their own. You want to make sure that the response comes from one individual who has all the information necessary to answer the questions as accurately and as completely as possible.