THIS IS ONLY AN INTERPRETATION, FIVE SENTENCES AND A QUESTION IS ALL I NEED. TELL ME YOUR THOUGHTS, HAVE REFERENCES! ASK PROBING QUESTIONS AND MAKE STATEMENTS BASED OFF WHAT THEY WROTE
Communicating the Same Message to Different Audiences
Audiences
Communicating the same message to different audiences requires different methods of delivery. Knowing your audience is key and the smallest communication misstep could doom your message (Johnson, Retting, Scott, & Garrison, 2015). Failing to consider the special needs of an audience can deprive them of valuable information. For instance, teaching children, non-English speaking citizens and members of the deaf community the dangers of drug abuse necessitates different delivery mechanisms.
“Don’t do Drugsâ€
Crafting communication delivery methods for differing audiences does not mean to create a generic message that appeals to the least sophisticated possible audience members (Plain Language. Gov. n. d.). It is an opportunity to mold your message in the image and capabilities of your target audience. Teaching children to not do drugs may include age appropriate graphics or animation to convey the message. Cartoons or catchy songs may implant longer memories than a dry lecture. Relaying the dangers of drug abuse to non-English speaking citizen can easily be achieved through translation technology such as CopTrans (Anonymous, 2004). The software can assist translated conversations, in many languages, between law enforcement and the intended audience. It is pertinent that law enforcement use certified sign language interpreters or the suitable visual aids (National Associate of the Deaf (NAD), 2017) to educate the deaf community about the perils of substance abuse.
Different Approaches to Communication
The different approaches mentioned above are necessary to capture the attention of each target audience (Plain Language, n. d.). Children require communication on their level of understanding in a format that appeals to them. The bright colors of cartoons and the memorable lyrics of a funny song can impart knowledge on their level. The law enforcement community engages in communication with a very language diverse population and they must be able to give or received information quickly (Anonymous, 2004). Using translation software, as opposed to human interpreters allows officers to provide assistance or safety without delay. It is pertinent that law enforcement utilize the skills of a qualified sign-language interpreter (NAD, 2017). Misunderstandings between officers and deaf people have had deadly consequences. In addition, sign language is not equivalent to standard written language. Many deaf people are not fluent in English in its written form (Wyllie, 2016). Officers attempting to communicate in writing with a deaf person may not be reaching their audience. Sign language interpreters, age appropriate children’s programming, and foreign language translations are extremely beneficial for teaching each audience to abstain from drugs.
Resources
Anonymous. (2004). Nothing lost in translation: Overcoming barriers to communication due to language limitations. Corrections Forum, 13(2), p. 96.
Johnson, W. A., Rettig, R. P., Scott, G. M. & Garrison, S. M. (2015). The criminal justice student writer’s manual. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
National Association of the Deaf. (n. d.). Police and Law Enforcement. Retrieved from: https://www.nad.org/resources/justice/police-and-law-enforcement/
Plain Launguage.gov. (n. d.). Identify and write for your audience. Federal Language Guidelines. Retrieved from: http://www.plainlanguage.gov/howto/guidelines/bigdoc/audid.cfm
Wyllie, D. (2016). Police contacts with deaf subjects: Tips and resources to keep everyone safe. PoliceOnce.com. Retrieved from: https://www.policeone.com/police-trainers/articles/239291006-Police-contacts-with-deaf-subjects-Tips-and-resources-to-keep-everyone-safe/
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