A Great Explanation Is Worth the Effort
If someone asked you today what Cru is, do you know what you’d say? We are here to help.
We have three tips to share with you, along with sample explanations, so that you are ready to deliver a clear, concise and confident answer next time you’re asked this question by parents, teachers or students in your community.
One of the distinctive qualities of how a leader communicates is confidence.
1
Be clear
To convey a clear message, you must first have your audience in mind. Are you speaking to a parent, teacher or a student? Each individual will have a unique problem in mind, depending on their perspective, and you can provide a clear connection to how Cru is offering a solution. For example, a parent or teacher might appreciate learning about Cru’s role in supporting student’s mental health, while a student might be most interested in the community aspect of Cru. Learn what is most important to your audience, and share how Cru is meeting that existing need.
2
Be concise
The best and more memorable explanations are brief and simple. To keep your answer concise, avoid verbal fillers, confusing jargon and extraneous details. Start with what is most important and let the person with whom you are speaking ask for additional details if they are interested in learning more.
Preparing and practicing what you will say ahead of time will strengthen your message. So will making eye contact, limiting distractions around you, smiling, and practicing active listening.
Great explanations are concise, clear, and given with confidence.
Sample Explanations
- Explanation for Parents or Teachers
Cru is a faith-based organization committed to helping students thrive in the classroom and in life. Secure, healthy friendships are vital aspects of young people’s overall health and emotional well-being, but they don’t always happen naturally. So we work to create safe spaces where students can be themselves and build a network of diverse friendships through fun on-campus and off-campus activities. - Explanation for Students
Cru is a group that gathers on-campus and off-campus to help students better understand life, relationships and purpose. We have fun activities going on each week so that there’s always a chance to volunteer, learn about faith, meet new friends, and just hang out and talk about life.
For years, our leaders have used a few simple drawings to explain what Cru is all about. These are super handy, especially when you’re sitting down with students in coffee shops or fast-food restaurants. It’s easy and engaging to grab a napkin and sketch out these simple illustrations to share the heart of Cru. Check out these videos and try them out at your next student meeting!

