How NASA uses mixternal communications for moonshots and turkey trouble

In many organizations, internal communications are in one silo, external are in another and never the two shall meet. But mixternal communications, or a close alignment between the two communications functions for addressing the different audiences in a similar way, is gaining popularity.

NASA’s mixternal approach provides an example for how this strategy can pay dividends on topics both silly and serious.

In Ragan’s recent Speechwriting & Public Affairs Conference, NASA public affairs lead and internal team leader Mia Blessing (who is not an astronaut, she’s quick to point out), shared how the space agency has integrated internal, executive and external comms to build a holistic messaging framework that serves all audiences with transparency and trust.

“Our key messages are catered to our audiences but intertwined at the core as one voice,” Blessing said.

Mixternal shines with troublesome turkeys