Module 3: Conclusion

In Summary

In this module, we have considered how strategic communication is a practice that looks both outward to the objectives and desired outcomes of your initiative and also inward to the psychology of those you seek to engage and communicate with. While rigorous research informs the recommendations in this module, the implementation of skilful communication cannot come from following a prescriptive set of steps. This module has described tools and lenses that will be put to best use when integrated and adapted to align with the needs and realities of the communicator’s particular location and context.

A Note on the Readings

The readings in this module will reinforce much of what is written in these notes, while also providing additional examples, and some alternate perspectives on the elements of effective communication that are most important to pay attention to. Depending on the authors discipline and experiences, they emphasize different dimensions of this practice, including more specific details about suggested language to use when talking about climate change. As noted above, the real test of effective and strategic communication is the degree to which it meets the needs of the communicator and can be adapted and improved when it does not. These readings aim to provide a broad enough set of perspectives that ideas for improvement or new approaches can be readily available.