Fillable Printable Sample Message Mapping Template

Sample Message Mapping Template

4. Message Mapping – Design and Structure

4.1 Purpose and Structure of a Message

Map

The principles of risk communication can be applied when cre-

ating a message map. The message map is an organized means

for displaying layers of information. It contains detailed, hier-

archically organized responses to anticipated questions or con-

cerns. It helps organizations meet several risk communication

goals

 • Identifystakeholdersearlyoninthecommunicationpro-

cess.

 • Anticipatethequestionsandconcernsofthestakeholders

before they appear.

 • Organizeourthoughtsandideasandpreparemessagesin

response to the concerns and questions of the stakehold-

ers.

 • Developkeymessagesandsupportinginformationinthe

context of a clear, concise, transparent, and accessible

framework.

 • Promoteanopendialogueaboutthemessagesbothinside

and outside the organization.

 • Providethespokespersonwithauser-friendlyguide.

 • Makesurethattheorganizationhasconsistentinformation

and messages.

 • Make sure that the organization speaks with a single

voice.

A message map template is a three-tiered grid containing mul-

tiple boxes (see Figure 4-1 below).

 • Thetoptierofthetemplateidentiestheaudienceforthe

message map as well as the question or concern that the

message map is intended to address.

 • The second tier of the message map contains three key

messages that answer the question or concern.

 • The third tier contains supporting information, which is

blocked in groups of 3’s under each key message. Support-

ing messages amplify the key messages, and provide ad-

ditional facts or details. They can take the form of visuals,

analogies, personal stories, hotline numbers, and/or cita-

tions of credible sources of information.

Stakeholder:

Question or Concern:

Key Message 1 Key Message 2 Key Message 3

Supporting Information 1-1 Supporting Information 2-1 Supporting Information 3-1

Supporting Information 1-2 Supporting Information 2-2 Supporting Information 3-2

Supporting Information 1-3 Supporting Information 2-3 Supporting Information 3-3

Figure 4-1. Template of a message map.