Speak Clearly and with Compassion

Much attention has been garnered by principles of communication that professionals are advised to follow. Well-known examples are seven principles articulated for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) accept and involve the public as a legitimate partner (see our Chapter 4) plan carefully and evaluate efforts (Chapter 4) listen to the public s specific concerns (Chapter 4) be honest, frank, and open coordinate and collaborate with other credible sources meet the needs of the media and speak clearly and with compassion (Covello and Allen 1988). Those and related principles have face validity and often practical utility despite their apparent obviousness and abstractness. For example, treating your constituents as though they are ignorant, hysterical, self-interested, or ideologically... 

Speak clearly and with compassion. Tcclutical language and jargon are useful as professional shortltand, but Utey are bitrriers to successful commuitication with the public. 

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