Maslow’s hierarchy of needs

Pyramid graphic retrieved from here.

Assume that a friend has asked you to help her in developing a series of messages to persuade people to join literacy classes and to learn to read. The messages will take the form of a public speech or radio and television public service announcements. Use Maslow’s Needs Hierarchy to construct five different messages, each of which focuses on how learning to read can help people fulfill one of Maslow’s basic needs. We did not create a speech; we simply describe what the message will be and discuss which need it is based on. 

Message 1: Reading is the basic premises for survival. Reading is vital to buying food, paying bills, and knowing if water is drinkable or not. (Physiological needs).
 
Message 2: Reading is essential for a steady, good paying job. You need to be able to read to select health, life and car insurance. If you want to rent or purchase a home you need to be able to read the contracts or lease agreements. You can memorize colors and shapes of traffic signs for driving, but today’s roads, highways, and interstates are more than just a few colors and shapes. You can be a danger to society if you cannot read the traffic signs. (Security needs).
 
Message 3: Being able to read can bring so much happiness. Imagine reading a card from your girlfriend (or boyfriend) that is hand-picked just for you. Imagine reading a handmade Mother’s (or Father’s) Day card from your little son or daughter filled with love and hugs and a signature so carefully written. Imagine sitting down with your toddler reading a book together every night and reading the same book as your teenager so you can talk about it together. You cannot imagine this if you cannot read. (Social needs).
 
Message 4: When you are not able to read, your self-esteem and personal worth is limited because people know you cannot read. If you learn how to read it will be a sense of accomplishment and your self-esteem will improve. (Esteem needs).
 
Message 5: Learning how to read is the first step to your education goals. When you learn how to read you can work on your high school diploma or GED. From there, you can earn your Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree. You will be an example to your children or grandchildren. (Self-actualizing needs)

References

Cherry, K. (2012). Hierarchy of needs. The five levels of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Published in about.com/psychology. Retrieved from http://psychology.about.com/od/theoriesofpersonality/a/hierarchyneeds.htm

Trenholm, S. (2011). Thinking through communication: An introduction to the study of human communication. Boston: Pearson Education.