How to turn boring updates into messages that matter
Most of us don’t wake up excited to read about a new expense policy or updated delegations of authority; yet “boring” updates like these can be the difference between smooth operations and costly mistakes.
The truth is, the messages we label as dry are often the ones that matter most. They help protect people’s wellbeing, keep businesses compliant, avoid legal headaches, and make everyday work easier… However, that’s only if people actually read and understand them, so how do you get people to pay attention to the stuff they’d rather skim or ignore completely?
It comes down to one big idea: make it too relevant and too engaging to ignore.
So, here are five ways to do exactly that, plus a simple reminder to keep you on track next time you’re tempted to hit “send” on a dull FYI.
1. Give folks a reason to care
If you remember just one tip, make it this one: distil your message down to three key takeaways.
Why three? Because it’s manageable. Research shows our brains struggle to hold more than three to five new ideas at once, and “three” feels complete without being overwhelming.
More importantly, it forces you to get clear on what really matters for each audience.
Don’t just announce “we have a new policy.” Spell out:
What does it mean for me?
What do I need to do differently?
What happens if I ignore it?
For example: “New expense policy? Here are the three changes that could affect your reimbursements, and how to avoid delays.” Clear, practical, and worth opening.
2. Don’t just tell them, show them
Visuals aren’t just decoration; they’re shortcuts for busy brains. A good graphic, icon, or diagram can explain what a page of text can’t.
Try replacing a wall of words with:
A quick explainer video or screen recording.
A simple diagram that highlights “old vs new.”
Icons to spotlight urgent points.
A checklist people can print or save.
You don’t need a designer’s degree. Free tools like Canva or PowerPoint do the job and if your message saves someone time or hassle, they’ll remember the visual first. Plus, they’ll thank you for not making them read 12 pages of policy speak.
3. Give it a story
Stories beat bullet points every time. They help people see why something matters and what could go wrong if they ignore it.
For instance, instead of launching a new process with generic instructions, tell a mini “day in the life.” How does the update help people do their jobs faster, avoid mistakes, or keep customers happy?
Better yet, share a real cautionary tale. Did a competitor get fined because people misunderstood their delegations? Did a team waste hours fixing a mistake that clear comms could have prevented? These stories stick far longer than a sterile announcement ever will.
4. Let people play!
People remember what they do, not what they just read. That’s why a bit of interactivity can turn passive readers into active participants.
Could you add:
A short quiz to test understanding?
Clickable sections that reveal role-specific info?
A simple “choose your path” tool to show how the change affects different teams?
This doesn’t need a huge budget or fancy software. Many intranet pages or basic digital tools let you build clickable images, pop-ups, or self-paced modules. Even a branching PowerPoint can bring a boring policy to life.
5. Lighten the vibe
When the topic allows, don’t be afraid to use a little humour. A well-timed cartoon, pun, or playful headline can break the monotony and help a serious point land. A mundane safety update or system reminder is far more memorable when it makes people smile and stay safe.
Of course, humour has to fit your culture and topic, but a small dash of it can make your message stand out in a sea of same-same corporate updates.
Bonus: make it SKILLS proof!
If you want a quick gut-check before hitting “send”, remember this simple filter:
Subject — Who needs this? Tailor it.
Knowledge — Fill gaps, don’t dump detail.
Ideas — Structure logically.
Language — Be clear and human.
Less — Cut fluff, keep what matters.
Skimmable — Make it easy to scan fast.
A.k.a: SKILLS. If your comms tick those boxes, you’re well on your way to making the dull stuff matter because while not every message can be thrilling - every message can be clear, relevant, and easy to act on.
Need help building your team’s storytelling skills? Contact us here to level up your storytelling skills!
