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