Effective Communication - Emergency Management Institute ...

UNIT 8: COURSE SUMMARY
Communicating in an Emergency (Continued)
Communication media range in complexity from handwritten notices to
international satellite broadcasts. Selecting the appropriate media for both the
message and the audience is essential to effective communication.
Community-Specific Communications Issues
Whether we realize it or not—and we often don’t—traditions shape the way we
interact with other people. Cultural differences reflect internal beliefs and
thought patterns that cause people to react differently to the same situation.
Differences in age and sex, the presence of a disabling condition—and even
the part of the country you live in—can affect how you communicate.
It’s not realistic to become an expert on every culture that you may encounter.
However, it is reasonable for you to learn about the populations who make up
major parts of your community. Take the time to learn about:
What groups are represented in your community.
Where they are located.
What their needs are.
Making yourself aware of key cultural and other differences—both verbal and
body language differences—that you will need to address during an emergency
will help you learn what to expect of the groups and whether your message is
being communicated.
Effective Communication Page 8.3