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GET REAL! Toolkit • Talk Back to Media Tips Write your letter. • When you write your letter, address it to the people in power responsible for the ad message and include your key points: why you are writing the letter, what the ad message says about body image, where and when you saw the ad, what influence it might have on the target audience and others who might view it. • Spread the word: voice your opinion to media outlets that distribute the ad, companies or retail stores that sell the product or service, media divisions and professional organizations that monitor standards and practices, government agencies–such as the Federal Trade Commission–that establish content guidelines and regulate advertising policy, advocacy groups concerned about the issue, and high-profile celebrities who can make a difference. Make sure you: • Use standard business letter format. • Address your letter to a specific person and not “to whom it may concern.” • Type and proofread your letter to check that it is free of typos, spelling, grammar and punctuation errors that can detract from what you want to communicate. • Check out our Tips and Sample Student Letters before you write your letter. Always keep in mind why you are writing, who will be reading your letter, and what they already know. Be clear: state the purpose of your letter. Be concise: don’t be wordy. Be courteous: be polite. Be correct: no typos, grammar or punctuation errors. Opening paragraph: get right to the point. Clearly tell them why you are writing. Keep it short, no more than two or three sentences. Body or second paragraph: state your viewpoint with conviction. Back up your purpose for writing the letter with more details about why you like or don’t like the message or image in the ad. Tell them what specific actions you plan to take and that you will urge family, friends, co-workers and social media followers to do the same. Let them know if you are a loyal consumer and what they need to do to win back your business. Closing paragraph: wrap it up. If your letter is critical, encourage them to make changes. If your letter is complimentary, encourage them to continue doing what they’re doing. One more thing: Remember, there is strength in numbers! If there is an advertisement you feel strongly about, organize a letter writing or social media campaign with your friends, your classroom, your club or organization to let that company know how you feel. Get REAL! about Media and Body Image | California State University, Northrdige | National Eating Disorders Association