BLI 25: Presidential Messages Made Easy

Writing a president’s column can be one of the most anxiety-inducing parts of a bar presidency—but with a bit of planning and preparation, it can become easier, and maybe even a little fun. At the 2025 ABA Bar Leadership Institute, former communications director of The Missouri Bar, Farrah Fite, and Missouri Bar President-elect and past president of the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association (KCMBA), Athena Dickson, led a session titled Storytelling for Impact: Crafting Your Unique Bar Leader Narrative. They shared practical tips for simplifying and amplifying bar president communications.

Fite recommended that bar leaders use a message map to prepare their messages. Having a “home base” to refer to can help you select and shape column topics. A home base is a key message that you want to resonate with your audience. (Check out a handout from Fite’s earlier session for guidance on building your message map.)

1. Plan, Plan, Plan

Fite opened her presentation with a humorous example: a page from the Missouri Bar Journal dated 1950, featuring a cartoon of the president in fishing gear with the caption “Gone Fishing!”—a playful jab from staff after the president missed his column deadline.

While funny, the anecdote underscored an important point: presidents have only a few chances to connect with members through their columns, so preparation is essential. “Think about the issues your bar is working on that matter most to you, and start writing,” Fite advised.

2. Talk About What You Know

Aligning your personal passions with your bar’s priorities can make your message more powerful. Fite shared that former Missouri Bar President John Gunn focused on well-being in the legal profession, using his own mental health journey to make the message more relatable.

As one of only six female presidents in KCMBA history, Dickson chose to highlight the women who came before her, interviewing all past women presidents throughout her year.

“Being human is key,” said Fite. “That may mean sharing moments in your life when you felt uncomfortable.” Just remember to return to your message map and stay grounded in your key themes.

3. Be Flexible

Planning ahead is important—but so is adaptability. Major events, like the COVID-19 pandemic or racial justice protests, may call for a response from bar leadership. While a president of a mandatory bar may not be able to share personal opinions, “They do present a perfect opportunity to educate,” said Dickson.

After the January 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol, Fite noted that then-president Gunn felt compelled to say something. Knowing the topic could be divisive, he framed his response around the bar’s existing civics education work. “His call to action was making sure lawyers engage in civic education—whether through the bar or other community service,” said Fite.

4. Lean on the Staff

Bar staff are there to make you look good. “I’ve never felt like a very strong writer, so I had a lot of insecurity around this,” said Dickson. “But I felt comfortable turning something in and knowing it was just the first step toward a great article.”

Staff can help hone your ideas and bring them to life—whether you want to create an infographic, tell a “day in the life” story, or highlight the bar’s impact in a new way. But don’t wait until the last minute. “Help them help you by giving them ideas as soon as you have them,” said Fite.

5. Get Your Message Out

Writing the column is just the beginning. Bar presidents should also help amplify their messages. Engaging with your bar’s posts on social media—especially your column—can expand its reach.

“A share is greater than a comment, is greater than a like,” said Fite. Dickson noted that she used to overthink her social media posts but learned that the key is simply sharing the message. If you’re attending a bar event, take pictures—or at least schedule time to interact with the bar’s posts. “Consistency is key,” said Fite.

5. Have Fun

It might sound cliché, but it’s essential. Dickson recalled a past KCMBA president who often joked that Patrick Mahomes was his best friend—but he still stayed on message all year. A little humor and levity can go a long way in making your message resonate.