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and discussed. To achieve such open communication, a mixture of differ-
ent communication channels and mechanisms are likely to be needed.
9.5.1 Communication Techniques and Channels
A wide range of appropriate techniques are available. Examples from the
Australian Coastal CRC Citizen Science toolbox shown in Table 9.1 include:
One-way Two-way
(information passing) (enabling dialogue/interaction )
Briefings Conferences
Information hotline Focus groups
Media releases Kitchen table discussions
Printed information Public conversation
Submissions Study circles
Surveys Websites (interactive)
Websites Workshops
A communication strategy can be developed which will deliver infor-
mation tailored to the audience and provide a range of opportunities for
dialogue before and after key decisions are reached. Effective public con-
sultation and engagement will exploit communication channels and media
which are familiar and appropriate to their target audience, building for
example on:
•
networks, committees, structures which could support engagement
within a particular community;
•
newsletters, radio stations, websites etc. that the community already use.
A study by Myhill et al. (2003) examined how police authorities in the
UK engaged with the public in dialogue and identified the benefits to the po-
lice service. It also aimed to identify how best to direct improvements to this
area of activity. The report describes various communication methods which
were used by the police authorities to consult with the public. The traditional
public meeting was still the main form of consultation for many authorities,
but other methods had increasingly been adopted. Surveys were also used by
the majority of authorities and over half had used focus groups. Other tech-
niques included market research and electronic methods. Analysis of the ef-
fectiveness of the different mechanisms led to the conclusions that:
•
methods must be tailored to suit the audience;
•
community factors and personal contacts played the largest role in
stimulating participation;
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