Re: International Conference on Communications - IAEA

["Sandy Perle" <sandyfl@earthlink.net>]

Ruth,

> But by now I don't think people ignore the need to
> communicate, few people try deliberately to be obscure, and finally, the
> notion that "scientists don't know how to talk to ordinary people" is a
> generalization that is mostly fiction (and insulting).

The posting I submitted the other day, regarding the generalization 
that many within the nuclear industry today do not know how to 
communicate effectively, came directly from Vince Covello. He 
cited many examples during the workshop, and, he didn't limit his 
comments to the nuclear industry either.

Many of us communicate our ideas at "graduate degree" levels. 
However, the general population communicates at a "6th grade 
level only." There is a disconnect here. While you may not agree, 
example after example was provided, where the local populations 
were seriously lost and distrusting of those who spoke to them in 
terms they simply didn't understand.

To further support this notion that one must communicate at the 
same level that the recipient can understand was when I took 
media communication training as part of my accountability to 
communicate risk information, release information and other 
pertinent information to the media and regulatory bodies as part of 
the utility emergency organization.

To be understood, one must communicate at the same level. If not, 
the message is lost.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sandy Perle					Tel:(714) 545-0100 / (800) 548-5100   				    	
Director, Technical				Extension 2306 				     	
ICN Worldwide Dosimetry Division		Fax:(714) 668-3149 	                   		    
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Personal Website:  http://www.geocities.com/capecanaveral/1205
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