Topic 2.3 Presenting Information Clearly

Dissemination

Information can be shared by community members and the public health assessment team throughout the public health assessment process.

Ideas for effectively using different media include:

Audio and visual
The most effective presentations include a combination of interesting audio and visual materials. Photographs, posters, radio, and television can be used to help support key messages.

Speakers
When presentations are long and cover a lot of material, audience attention is increased if more than one speaker presents information and the speakers offer opportunities for audience interaction.

Print materials
Printed materials are used to present results of investigations and to update community members throughout the public health assessment process. Print materials should clearly convey the information to avoid misunderstanding.

What other presentation methods promote community participation?

Presentations are most interesting when the audience can participate and when examples or stories to illustrate concepts are included. For instance, if health assessors are presenting information, they could

• bring sampling tools that everyone can see and touch when discussing sampling methods
• use color maps that show where samples were collected and ask community members to identify areas where they have concerns
• present examples that explain weights and measures (such as kilograms or parts-per-billion) when discussing results.