First person singular. The use of the word “I.” It can be one of the most powerful ways to communicate with employees. If someone has “been there” and “done that,” sharing the experience with peers can be extremely effective in making a point.

Presented right, testimonials are impactful and insightful. This is especially true when it comes to union experiences. More and more studies are showing that many young people today don’t have strong union legacies. Continuously declining numbers mean family members were not members and have not passed down loyalties. Even those who had a connection are opting for non-union workplaces. Today, it’s not uncommon for the previous experience of a fellow employee in a union environment to be the main source of information.

Truth vs. fiction.

Unions make promises they can’t keep. And they impose work rules that stifle flexibility. True stories not only discount union claims and make explicit points, but also open up dialogue possibilities and give companies an opportunity to build other communications around them. From videotaped roundtable discussions to inpidual stories, first-person accounts create discussion points and raise questions a company can successfully and prudently answer about third party representation.

As part of an overall communication plan, a “word to the wise” from an experienced employee can be invaluable.