Everyone is busy. Whether it’s emails, reports, or social media, most people skim rather than read in depth. So how can we write in a way that ensures our message gets through?

In this episode, we’re joined by Todd Rogers, a Harvard Kennedy School professor, behavioral scientist, and author of Writing for Busy Readers. Todd shares the cognitive science behind effective communication and offers six actionable principles to help nonprofit professionals, educators, and leaders write clearly and concisely.

We also explore:
✅ The psychology behind why people skim instead of read
✅ A simple checklist to make writing more engaging and effective
✅ A free AI tool that helps writers refine their messages
✅ How nonprofits can apply these strategies without oversimplifying complex ideas

If you’ve ever struggled with getting your emails read, crafting compelling donor messages, or writing reports that don’t get ignored—this episode is for you.

About Todd Rogers:

Todd Rogers is Professor of Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government (research homepage). He is a behavioral scientist who studies how to better communicate with families, students, consumers, employees, and voters. Todd has co-founded two social enterprises: the Analyst Institute, which uses behavioral science to improve voter communications, and EveryDay Labs, which helps school districts reduce student absenteeism by communicating more effectively with families. He is also Senior Scientist at ideas42 and Academic Advisor at the Behavioural Insights Team.

At Harvard, Todd has won teaching awards every year for the past decade. His course, The Science of Behavior Change, is consistently among the most popular courses at Harvard Kennedy School. He is also the faculty chair of the executive education program Behavioral Insights and Public Policy, and he serves as faculty director of the Harvard Behavioral Insights Group, a network of more than 60 Harvard faculty whose research uses behavioral science for public good.

Todd has published in top journals in psychology, economics, political science, education, organizational behavior, management, marketing, public health, and medicine. Todd has been featured in numerous national media outlets, both as an author of opinion articles and in stories highlighting his work and expertise.

Resources Mentioned:

• Todd Rogers’ Book: Writing for Busy Readers
• Free AI email editing tool: Writing for Busy Readers AI
• Todd Rogers’ research homepage: Harvard Kennedy School

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