Key communication messages
Planning your key communication messages help to manage community expectations about what the engagement is about, and more importantly, what is being offered in terms of their role in the project. Key communication messages resulting from the risk assessment may also be relevant. The key communication messages can be communicated via:
- press releases
- paid advertising in the print and/or electronic media
- newsletters/brochures
- letters
- face-to-face meetings (including workshops, public meetings, etc.)
- online tools
- posters/postcards
- discussion papers and other consultation documents.
It is generally important to use a mix of print, electronic and verbal communication processes to ensure that your message reaches the widest possible range of people. It might also be important to translate materials into languages other than English and/or to produce materials in large-font formats.
Liaise with your media or communications team to assist in putting together targeted communications messages.
Examples
Examples of key communication messages for a sample transport project might include:
- the need for and benefits from a future transport corridor and basic design issues to meet safety and projected demand
- the stages of the project and process of community engagement, including special attention to protection of the environment and cultural heritage
- listing all avenues for obtaining information and the way interested parties can have input
- the role of key stakeholders in assisting with the efficacy of processes of community engagement
- making decisions only after all community sectors have been informed and have had the opportunity to make comment.
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