Jazz hands, the undisputed maestros of flair and pizzazz, are a spectacle of expressive exuberance. This dazzling hand gesture involves fingers splaying wide open, palms pulsating with energy, and an oscillation that transcends mere clapping. It’s not just applause; it’s a rhythmic explosion of excitement, a visual crescendo that adds a touch of theatricality to any performance.
The magic lies in the synchronized dance of fingers, a spontaneous choreography that turns a simple gesture into a symphony of visual rhythm. Each wave and twirl of the hands sends ripples of enthusiasm through the air, turning mundane moments into show-stopping displays. It’s a non-verbal ovation, an exclamation mark that shouts, “Bravo!” without uttering a single word.
Despite how much we advocate and cheer for general plans, they should not emulate jazz hands. Unlike the spontaneous and visually vibrant nature of jazz hands, the essence of a general plan lies in its stability, thoughtful consideration, and long-term vision.
Other common reasons why general plans should avoid resembling jazz hands include:
Seriousness Of Purpose:
Jazz hands are often associated with entertainment and lightheartedness. In contrast, general plans are serious documents that outline the future of a community, addressing serious topics such as land use, infrastructure, and development.
Clear Communication Required:
Jazz hands, while expressive, might introduce unnecessary complexity. General plans need to communicate complex information clearly to residents, developers, and officials. Avoiding the distraction of flashy elements ensures that the information is easily understood and taken seriously.
Long-Term Relevance:
Jazz hands are momentary and may not sustain long-term interest. A general plan, on the other hand, should stand the test of time. Its branding and communication strategies should be enduring, not reliant on trends that may fade quickly.
Professionalism In Decision-Making:
Jazz hands, while entertaining, may not align with the professional and strategic decision-making process required in the development of a general plan. Serious deliberation and a well-thought-out approach are essential in this context.
Inaccurate Community Branding:
Throughout our careers in land use planning, we’ve also seen many well written general plans abandoned by the public due to inaccurate or too flashy community branding/slogans that don’t accurately resonate within the community. We’ve also seen many communities spend a small fortune on extensive community branding efforts that may not have been warranted or needed.
Avoiding some of the common pitfalls associated with “jazz hands” is essential to ensuring that your community’s general plan is accurate, authentic, resonant, and well-received.
Need Advice?
Call Rural Community Consultants today to get expert advice on developing or maintaining your community’s general plan.
Want to Learn More?
Check out our online training modules here! Note: civiclinQ is able to provide access to specific land use training modules free of charge courtesy of the Utah Office of the Property Rights Ombudsman.
