The power of music to amplify internal comms
All it takes is a few notes. A snatched lyric, a waft of a chorus. A song from the past that stops you in your tracks, grasps you by the heart, and plunges you right back into another time and place, feeling the moment as keenly as the first time.
The words and the tune by themselves might not hold great meaning. But the connection you made between the music and your emotions can be unbreakable.
That’s the power of music, something that could be harnessed through internal comms. It bypasses our rational thought and speaks directly to the feelings. Think of a national anthem rousing a stadium crowd, or a lullaby soothing a baby to sleep. Think of the soundtracks of a comedy show, a thriller, or a tearjerker.
So how can we put that power to work in our communications? And how can it help you transcend language barriers to connect with people through internal comms?
Reaching people on a deep, personal level is more crucial than ever, not only in a digital workplace but also when we have colleagues based in multiple parts of the world.
And while words can inform and visuals can inspire, music takes that extraordinary leap – it can make people really feel. It might bring a sense of calm to a video about a potentially stressful change. It could energise a team ahead of a big project, or build excitement about a transformational programme.
Most of all, when you need to create a shared experience that conquers linguistic differences, music can do a lot of the heavy lifting.
Music is inherently intuitive and egalitarian. You don’t need to be a professional musician or have formal training to understand how music can influence a mood or convey a message. It’s something we all experience naturally.
Our Jane, an H&H client director with a wealth of experience in internal comms, perfectly encapsulated this in our Incite Brilliance podcast when she said:
‘Music is woven into the very fabric of who we are. It’s not about crafting a symphony – it’s about using sound to tell a story that words alone might struggle to convey.’
That’s a strong message for any internal communicators who feel they’re not ‘qualified’ to incorporate music into their strategies. You might not be playing the music, but if you can hear it, then you can choose it as well as the most clued-up muso. It’s not about technical perfection but about emotional resonance.
Trusting your gut in music selection
How do you choose the right music? It’s not about mastering technical details – it’s about trusting your instinct.
You know that feeling when a song just ‘clicks’? It’s about finding the piece of music that feels right, that aligns with the tone and message of your internal comms, and that resonates with your audience. (It’s no brainteaser to think about how phrases like ‘strike a chord’ and ‘hit the right notes’ became so well used, is it?)
This process might involve sifting through countless tracks, playing them against your visuals, and seeing what sticks. It’s part science – knowing the mood you want to elicit in your audience. And it’s an art – one that’s accessible to anyone ready to listen and trust their instincts.
Music as a storyteller
Through the power of music, complex concepts can become tangible, allowing the audience to feel rather than just understand. Trying to convey abstract ideas and emotions through words alone can be challenging, especially to a diverse and global audience often seen through internal comms.
However, music can take listeners through a range of emotions far more effectively. Imagine a discordant, uneasy melody representing anxiety, gradually giving way to a harmonious, calming tune to evoke a sense of peace. This emotional journey through music can convey ideas and feelings more powerfully than words ever could.
Making the music work for you
There was a time when a radio jingle, TV documentary, or corporate video had specially composed music to bring it to life. And once in a while we might have the luxury of a budget for commissioning a unique composition for a programme or film. That’s the dream – but it can be just as effective to buy a ready-made piece of music that fits the bill. Numerous online platforms offer affordable options for purchasing music that fits your needs, with vast libraries of pieces covering any genre, mood, or tempo. Audition them, share links with your clients or colleagues, and when you find the right one, you can buy it to use yourself.
Such easy and affordable access to music means that even with limited resources, you can find the perfect soundtrack to enhance your internal comms.
Uniting through music: a global gathering
Bringing people together to create their own music can also unite global employees in internal comms. The use of rhythm and movement is perfect for crossing language barriers, transcending organisational hierarchies and reaching beyond national borders – creating a real sense of unity.
It’s a great reminder that music isn’t just a backdrop. It’s not wallpaper for the ears. It’s an active participant in the internal comms process, helping to convey values, foster connection, and build a sense of belonging.
The melody of inclusion and engagement
Incorporating music into your internal comms is more than a creative flourish – it’s a strategic move that can deepen engagement. It can enhance understanding. And it can build community. Music transcends the barriers of language and culture, making it an invaluable tool in our increasingly diverse workplaces.
By tapping into the intuitive, emotional power of music, and using the resources at hand, communicators can create more inclusive, engaging, and memorable experiences for teams.
So, next time you’re crafting a message or planning a comms strategy, don’t underestimate the impact of a well-chosen tune. Music might just be the magic ingredient that turns your messaging from informative to unforgettable internal comms.
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