Communication challenges and

strategies

Communication challenges and

strategies

2Policy and planning

Key pointsKey pointsGood communication needs purpose, preparation

and practice.

Know your audience and answer their question:

What is in it for me?

Get to the point early – avoid too many details

Use surprise, interest and chunking, to help make information memorable.

3Policy and planning

Challenges to communicating effectivelyChallenges to communicating effectively

1. Understanding your audience & their needs

2. Knowing why we speak or present: the purpose

3. Getting to the point

4. Conveying the message so it’s clear and memorable

4Policy and planning

We tend to concentrate on what we know and

don't always think about our audience: who they are, what they need to

know and why our message is important to our listeners,

viewers or readers ...

Understanding your audienceUnderstanding your audience

5Policy and planning

Know your audience and their needs…Know your audience and their needs…

6Policy and planning

Before important communication, clarify for yourself:

What is the issue or area of concern?

What is the critical, relevant, compelling piece of (new) information that your audience needs to know, NOW?

What do you want your audience to think, do or change as a result of your communication?

.

Objective: reason for speakingObjective: reason for speaking

7Policy and planning

NOT:

Communication objective – Example:Communication objective – Example:

Issue Antimicrobial resistance

New Information: Evidence of alarming increase in antimicrobial resistance

The change you want as a result of your communication:

Health leaders work with veterinarians and herders to reduce use of antibiotics in agricultural animals

Antimicrobial resistance

threatens safety of surgery.This is correct, but not a communication objective

8Policy and planning

We are trained to be logical, complete and accurate,

and we fear being misunderstood

Getting to the pointGetting to the point

9Policy and planning

Scientists & experts often speak like this!Scientists & experts often speak like this!

Main message

Masses of details

10Policy and planning

Get to the point early!Get to the point early!

Give your main message early

Follow up with useful

details

11Policy and planning

1. Command attention

2. Clarify message

3. Communicate a benefit

4. Consistency counts

5. Cater to the HEART and HEAD

6. Create trust

7. Call to

Make your message memorableMake your message memorable

12Policy and planning

Structure your messageStructure your message

1. State your objective, proposition: the point

2. Prove your point: give explanation

3. Link ideas

4. End with the key points

13Policy and planning

Bring your message aliveBring your message aliveA story

A personal recollection or experience

Explain concepts and jargon

Explain the implications for individuals affected

Use the language of your audience

Use clear visual aids

Alungoo khatan

14Policy and planning

Make your communication effectiveMake your communication effectiveGood communication needs purpose, preparation

and practice.

Know your audience and answer their question:

What is in it for me?

Get to the point early – avoid too many details

Use surprise, interest and chunking, to help make information memorable.

Thank youThank you