Nine questions to help you create more effective risk communication
Every communication product is different. What works for a social media post will not be the same as what works for a radio interview, community meeting or early warning message.
Regardless of the channel or format, effective risk communication shares a set of common characteristics. Use the nine questions below as a quick sense check to assess whether your communication is likely to be IMPACTFUL: Interactive, Multi-channel, Personalized, Accurate, Clear / Concise / Consistent, Timely, Fun (or at least engaging), Useful, and it Leaves no one out.
I-Interactive
Does it encourage people to ask questions, share experiences or engage with you and each other, rather than simply receiving information?
M-Multichannel
Does it use multiple channels to reach audiences and help people consider their options from different angles?
P-Personalised
Does it reflect the target audience's circumstances, concerns or lived experiences, or feature people they can relate to?
A-Accurate
Is the information accurate, evidence-based, up to date and consistent with trusted sources?
C-Clear, concise, consistent
Is it easy to understand, as brief as the format allows, and consistent across different channels and formats?
T-Timely
Does it reach people when they need it, giving them enough time to understand their options and take action?
F-Fun (or at least engaging)
Does it use approaches such as human stories, local examples, compelling visuals or audio, or interactive formats to encourage people to engage with the message?
U-Useful
Is it practical or actionable? Can people actually do something with the information or advice that you provide?
L–Leaves no one out
Is it accessible and inclusive for everyone in your intended audience? Have you considered different languages, literacy levels, gender, disabilities, cultural contexts and other barriers that could prevent people from accessing, understanding or acting on the information?