content sensitivity

In this week’s #ContentWritingChat, we covered a topic we’ve never truly discussed before: sensitivity in content creation. Although it’s something we’ve never talked about extensively during our busy hour on Twitter, it’s an important topic for any brand. We covered what’s okay to discuss online and how you can find your voice when talking about sensitive topics. Let’s dive into the recap! Sensitivity in Content Creation: Deciding What You Can Discuss & How to Find Your Voice with Jenn Renoe Our guest host for this week’s chat was Jenn Renoe. She’s been a regular participant during #ContentWritingChat, so having her step into the guest hosting role was a real treat. Jenn is a public speaker, as well as the host of the Our Fractured Minds podcast about mental illness. Q1: What makes a topic a sensitive one to talk about? To kick off the chat, we asked everyone to share what they felt a “sensitive topic” was. Here are a few responses we received: A1) These days, it can seem like every topic is a sensitive one. Still, to me, there are topics that seem to generate more polarized discussion than others. Politics Religion Sexuality Disasters Mental Health#ContentWritingChat pic.twitter.com/a6W4XtgqbW — Jeff Reno(e) ??? (@Renoe) December 5, 2017 As Jenn said, many topics have become sensitive ones to discuss these days. However, some common subjects include politics, religion, sexuality, disasters, and mental health. A1. The old rule about the dinner table applies here: no politics or religion. #ContentWritingChat — Gene Petrov // Leadership & Management Consulting (@GenePetrovLMC) December 5, 2017 Gene knows two topics that can stir up controversy are politics and religion. A1 We write hundreds of pages a week at @ExpWriters…and generally stay away from stating / taking sides in politics and religion. Most people won’t agree with this one, but I avoid swearing/cursing, too. #ContentWritingChat — Julia McCoy | ?? My new book is LIVE! (@JuliaEMcCoy) December 5, 2017 As Julia said, we generally steer clear of sensitive topics here at Express Writers. She avoids taking sides in politics and religion. Another thing she avoids in her content? Cursing. A1) Realistically, any topic could be sensitive. But essentially, a topic is a sensitive subject when there’s real potential to offend another. Which, sadly, happens far too easily nowadays. #ContentWritingChat pic.twitter.com/CFJcQ3UfGM — Jason Schemmel – Podcaster. Speaker. #GSDChat (@JasonSchemmel) December 5, 2017 Jason said a topic is sensitive when there’s real potential to offend another person. If you spend any time online these days, you know that happens quite often now. A1 Any polarizing or potentially controversial topic can be sensitive, particularly when the content runs the risk of offending a group of people. #contentwritingchat — Bill Skowronski (@BillSkowronski) December 5, 2017 Bill feels the same as Jason. If a topic has the potential to offend a group of people, it’s definitely a sensitive area. A1. I think we need to mindful that some topics may be sensitive to others even if we don’t think the are. #contentwritingchat — Your Web Content Writer (@WebContent4U) December 5, 2017 Even if you think a topic might be safe to discuss, there are others who might not think so. If you aren’t sure, you can always get a second opinion. A1: The more you get personal, the more the chances of hurting someone’s feelings – family, relationships, beliefs… very touchy issues.#ContentWritingChat pic.twitter.com/rA3zFB0j8W — @AndreaTorti90 (@andreatorti90) December 5, 2017 Andrea said the more personal you get, the greater your chances are of hurting someone. Q2: How do you decide if a sensitive topic is one you should have a voice on? If there’s a sensitive topic you have an opinion on, should you really speak up about it? This advice will help you decide if it’s wise: A2) The real question when it comes to whether or not you should comment on a sensitive issue is do you have a story worth sharing? Don’t fuel a narrative unless you have a unique perspective that benefits your readers. #ContentWritingChat. pic.twitter.com/9KouSpUaXj — Jeff Reno(e) ??? (@Renoe) December 5, 2017 Do you have a story worth sharing? That’s what Jenn feels you should think about when deciding to cover a sensitive topic. Her advice is not to fuel a narrative unless you have a unique perspective on it. A2: Is it relevant/meaningful/helpful to your brand/business/customers? Then yes! If not, then no.#ContentWritingChat https://t.co/UhCrRHbmam — ThinkSEM (@ThinkSEM) December 5, 2017 Sarah said you should ask yourself if the topic is relevant, meaningful, or helpful to your brand or customers. If that answer is yes, then you’re good to go. A2) I think if the topic is relevant to your biz, it MIGHT be appropriate (even wise) to write about. If not, better safe than sorry and steer clear #ContentWritingChat — David Boutin (@dmboutin) December 5, 2017 If the topic is relevant to your business, David said it might be appropriate to discuss. If not, his advice is to avoid it. A2. You should ask “Why.” Why are you writing about it? #contentwritingchat — Your Web Content Writer (@WebContent4U) December 5, 2017 One important thing to consider is why you’re writing about a certain topic. There should be a real purpose behind the opinions you want to share. A2: Ask yourself: Is my audience directly affected by this topic/conversation/story? Can my brand help this topic or will #writing about it hinder progress? Does the topic at hand align with our brand values, mission, etc?#ContentWritingChat — Anne Mercer (@Anne_E_Mercer) December 5, 2017 Is your audience affected by the topic? Can your brand hep the topic or will it only hinder progress? Does the topic align with your brand’s values? These are all great things to consider that Anne shared with us. A2: If it stirs your soul and you can’t stop thinking about it…you should have a voice on a sensitive topic. #ContentWritingChat — ?Northwest Writer (@tashastukes) December 5, 2017 If it stirs your soul, you’re going to be more inclined to step up to the plate and talk … Read more