OSC 2007 Evaluation Report

2007 OSC Readiness Training Program Evaluation Report
Risk and Crisis Communication
Instructors: Vincent Covello, Center for Risk Communication
Joi Ross, APEX Direct, Inc.
This intermediate course was designed primarily for OSCs. The course provided a framework and basic
principles for effectively communicating with local residents and other stakeholders during emergency
response and crisis situations. One of the most difficult tasks an OSC must undertake is to clearly
communicate the risk associated with a response. An OSC’s audience for risk communication varies
from concerned citizens and elected officials to the news media and business entities, and the type of risk
to be communicated varies across the wide spectrum of responses made by OSCs.
Through a combination of slide presentations, videos, and class exercises, participants learned the
principles and rationale behind risk communication techniques, and their importance. Participants also
had the opportunity to examine the critical role of key messages and, through interactive examples, and so
learned how to develop key messages for use in a variety of situations.
The course included response scenario exercises and role-plays when OSCs applied the principles of risk
and crisis communication to specific situations. Scenarios were developed specifically for this course and
were based on information from actual projects involving situations that OSCs encounter regularly.
Through the scenario exercises and role-plays, participants learned how to effectively prepare for public
interactions and avoid miscommunications and pitfalls.
Participation and Average Grade
Number of Participants Who
Pre-registered
Number of Participants Who
Signed Course Roster
Number of Evaluation
Forms Submitted
Average
Grade
35 36 26 5*
* The grade displayed is the average of the grades provided on the evaluation forms, where
1 = Poor, 2 = Fair, 3 = Good, 4 = Very Good, and 5 = Excellent.
Summary of Evaluation Results
100%
75%
50%
25%
0%
Overall, the presentation
of the course was
appropriate for my level
of experience.
The content of the
course is relevant to my
job responsibilities.
The course had a good
balance of lecture
material, visual aids,
case studies, and
discussion time.
The handout materials
were clear, legible, and
helpful.
The course materials will
be useful as a reference
for my job.
This course should
continue to be offered at
future training programs.
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree N/A
C-100 Comments about Individual Training Courses