What Can You Tell From…

 

So what can you tell from the picture above? Can you tell what message it is trying to put across to the its target audience?

This is a very good example of Effective Verbal Communication paired with good use of imagery to convey a simple message.  This campaign as we all can see is an anti-drug abuse campaign. It makes use of simple terms and words that are well understood in our context and society. With the words “Imagine spending the next 10 years in this” it entices the audience to want to take the first step in opening the little match box. On the inside, the image of a small cell with just a bed and a urinal, the universal perceived image of a jail cell, it begins to intirgue the audience, wanting them to find out more about what they just saw. And as the matches of the box are fully removed, one will be able to see the text “DRUGS. THERE’S NO ESCAPE.” The text again simple and concise, does not use jargons or slangs that would draw distinction and single out certain groups withthin the community. The campaign is not just well understood in our context and society but will be equally well understood in many other developed countries.

This message is meant for all as drug abuse transcends all ages. Nevertheless there is a particular target group that is more susceptible to the temptation of drug abuse. The message is well placed, being printed on match boxes that are then distributed at pubs and clubs especially to people who smoke; it is the number 1 hotspot for drug abuse. This will enable them to effectively reach out to the intended target audience garnering greater awareness among the people.