Start With Why, Not the Policy

Policy explanations should avoid sounding like complex statistical or legal briefings. The most impactful policy discussions resemble conversations with friends—being transparent, personal, and relatable. To help constituents connect with complex ideas, focus on why it matters first. Instead of starting with proposal details, describe the problem it addresses. Share a story about how a regulation affected you or a constituent—such as blocking a business startup, creating neighborhood safety issues, or causing unnecessary expenses. When people see themselves in the problem, they are more likely to engage with the proposed solution.

Use Personal Experience to Ground Big Ideas

As a new legislator, I was concerned about my state’s brain drain. Young residents enjoyed their early education here but often left for better job prospects. I also deeply miss my grandparents, who passed away from cancer, and wish they had access to top-tier treatment locally. When a leading cancer hospital considered opening in my state but decided against it because of the restrictive regulatory environment, I could clearly articulate my motivation. Increases in job opportunities and better cancer treatments weren’t just policy objectives; they were concrete ways to improve lives throughout the state.

Trade Jargon for Plain Language

It can be tempting to impress people with technical details and arcane terminology, but doing so risks missing the chance to make a real connection. Trade complex jargon for everyday terms: say “costs” instead of “fiscal impact,” “jobs created” instead of “revenue generation,” and “problems” instead of “regulatory landscape.”

Use analogies carefully and respectfully. The goal is not to signal that others are incapable of understanding complexity, but to show that you know the issue well enough to explain it clearly.

Structure Information for Retention

If you are hosting an informational town hall, avoid getting lost in technicalities. Leave room for questions so people can surface the aspects that matter most to them. Break complex ideas into a few clear takeaways—three points are far easier to remember than a long-winded explanation.

Concrete examples help anchor those points. Saying “this would bring over 500 new jobs to the state” or “this hospital offers two state-of-the-art treatments not currently available in the region” gives people something tangible to hold onto.

Make Communication a Two-Way Exchange

Good communication depends on listening and knowing your audience. It is an exchange of ideas and concerns, not a lecture. Ask questions, invite feedback, and demonstrate genuine interest in the responses. When appropriate, promise to follow up and meet people where they are.

Cut Through the Noise with Colleagues

Keeping colleagues informed requires regular communication and an awareness of information overload. During debates about allowing a private cancer hospital to enter the state, in-state hospitals generated significant media attention, expressing concerns about revenue loss tied to Medicaid requirements.

I found myself repeatedly answering the same questions from different colleagues, leaving little time to address broader concerns. To address this, I sent a single, comprehensive email to the entire legislature that addressed the most common questions. That effort was widely appreciated, allowed for more productive conversations, and helped me gain co-sponsors.

What Lawmakers Should Do—and Avoid—When Communicating Policy 

Do:

• Lead with the problem and why it matters to real people
• Use stories and personal experience to humanize the issue
• Choose plain language over technical jargon
• Limit key points and reinforce them with concrete examples
• Invite questions and listen actively

Avoid:

• Leading with legislative text or procedural detail
• Using insider terminology that creates distance
• Overloading audiences with data without context
• Talking at people instead of engaging with them

Make Policy Personal to Make It Powerful

When lawmakers communicate clearly, personally, and with intention, policy stops being abstract and starts to matter. By focusing on the “why,” using relatable language, and listening as much as we speak, we create space for understanding, trust, and ultimately, progress.