APT Updates – Efficient Communication, Slides, and Messaging

In this APT Ideation update, we offer three resources to improve practices at your organization. 

• Resource 1: 12 Things Nonprofit Communicators Can Stop Doing

• Resource 2: Duarte’s Slide Design Makeovers

• Resource 3: 4-Sentence Messaging Guide for Busy Audiences

Resource 1: 12 Things Nonprofit Communicators Can Stop Doing

What: This infographic from Nonprofit Marketing Guide is a concise, visual resource tailored for associations, professional societies, and not-for-profit staff. It identifies common marketing and communication activities that are outdated, inefficient, or low-impact. The resource serves as a practical guide to help organizations reassess where they are spending time and effort, particularly in areas like content creation, email strategy, and audience engagement.

Why: Associations and nonprofit teams often face limited time, staffing, and budgets, making it essential to focus on activities that produce meaningful results. This resource helps organizations recognize and eliminate tasks that no longer contribute to member engagement or mission success. By using it, staff can avoid inefficiencies, reduce burnout, and ensure their strategies align with current best practices in nonprofit marketing and communications. Ultimately, it supports smarter decision-making and better use of organizational resources.

How: Association and nonprofit staff can apply this resource in several practical ways:

• Evaluate current efforts: Use the infographic as a checklist to identify outdated or unnecessary marketing tasks currently in use.

• Streamline workflows: Eliminate or reduce low-value activities to free up time for more strategic initiatives.

• Improve planning: Integrate the insights into marketing and communication plans to prioritize high-impact actions.

• Facilitate team discussions: Share the resource during team meetings to align staff on what to stop doing and where to refocus efforts.

• Enhance effectiveness: Redirect saved time and resources toward activities that strengthen member engagement, outreach, and organizational growth.

Using this resource helps associations work more efficiently and focus on strategies that truly move their mission forward.

Resource 2: Duarte’s Slide Design Makeovers

What: Duarte's webinar on slide design makeovers is a comprehensive resource that teaches association professionals how to transform basic presentations into visually compelling stories. This expert-led session focuses on practical design techniques specifically valuable for professional organizations.

Why: In today's digital-first environment, engaging visual presentations are crucial for effective member communication, board meetings, and educational programs. Well-designed slides help associations maintain audience attention, communicate complex information clearly, and enhance their professional image. Poor presentation design can diminish your message's impact and reduce member engagement.

How: Association staff can immediately apply these design principles to:

• Transform existing presentation templates for better visual impact

• Create more engaging member education materials

• Develop compelling board presentations

• Design clear and professional conference materials

• Enhance virtual meeting slides for better online engagement

Resource 3: 4-Sentence Messaging Guide for Busy Audiences

What: This resource from PRSA explains how to write a concise four-sentence feature that quickly communicates value, relevance, and action. For associations, professional societies, and not-for-profits, it offers a practical framework for clearer member communications, marketing messages, and advocacy outreach.

Why: Limited time? Deliver the goods. Today’s audiences are busy and overloaded with information. Short, strategic messaging helps organizations capture attention faster, improve engagement, and make every communication more effective.

How: Use this resource to create your own four-sentence feature template for emails, social posts, event promotions, membership campaigns, and key announcements—giving your team a repeatable way to communicate with impact.

Ready to explore how APT can support your team? Let’s talk. 🚀