Communications Toolkit

FOOD SECURITY Communications Toolkit

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS
Rome 2011

Abstract

Food security professionals increasing realize that they must use communications strategically for their work to have a maximum impact. While most organizations have invested heavily in food security analysis and research, many still need to enhance their communications to ensure their findings reach their intended users and action is taken.

This toolkit is geared to helping food security professionals develop a communication strategy and communicate more effectively with their target audiences. Specific sections of the toolkit focus on policy makers and the media, because of the important role they play in implementing and influencing food security policies.

The toolkit also looks at specific information products such as policy briefs, reports and early warning bulletins, and suggests ways to structure and improve them. A section on writing effectively, which focuses on grammar and style, makes sure that written documents are easy to read. Finally, the toolkit gives tips for using the internet, social media and Web 2.0 tools as these technologies offer unprecedented opportunities for engaging in two way dialogues with global audiences. The toolkit also includes readymade templates and dozens of tips and tricks distilled from many years of experience.

While aimed at professionals working in food security related fields, the lessons in this toolkit can easily be applied to many other fields.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS INTRODUCTION DESIGNING YOUR COMMUNICATION STRATEGY 1.1 Identify and analyse your audiences 1.2 Define your communication objectives and messages 1.3 Select the best channels for presenting your information 1.4 Plan and evaluate your communication activities	- 1.735kb

WORKING WITH THE MEDIA 2.1 Approaching the media 2.2 Techniques for working with the media	- 1.724

COMMUNICATING WITH POLICY MAKERS 3.1 Presenting information to policymakers 3.2 Lobbying for food security	- 1.622kb

WRITING EFFECTIVE REPORTS 4.1 Preparing policy briefs 4.2 More reporting formats 4.3 Writing effectively	- 2.204kb

ANNEXES FURTHER READING	- 232kb

The designations employed and the presentation of material in this information product do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) or the European Union concerning the legal or development status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The mention of specific companies or products of manufacturers, whether or not these have been patented, does not imply that these have been endorsed or recommended by FAO or the European Union in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned.

The views expressed in this information product are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of FAO.

ISBN 978-92-5-106858-8

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