cdc clear communication index webinar slides
TRANSCRIPT
• Uses communication and related scientific findings to inform communication practice o Most important items for clarity and understanding
• Standardizes communication practice• Fosters discussion between communicators, designers, and
subject matter experts• Provides objective and quantitative assessment • Helps staff follow the law: Plain Writing Act of 2010
• 4 questions and 20 scored items based in communication and related sciences that staff can use to develop, assess and score communication products
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Main Message and Call to Action • Main message present• Main message location• Main message emphasis• Main message visual • Call to action present
Language• Words familiar to primary
audience • Active voice writing
Information Design • Lists• Chunks with headings• Summary of important
information
State of the Science• What is known and not
known about health topic
Behavioral Recommendations• Behavioral
recommendation present• Importance of behavior
explained• Directions for performing
behavior
Numbers• Numbers familiar to primary
audience• Lay explanation • No calculations
Risk Communication• Explanation of risk • Risks and benefits• Numbers, text or visuals
combined
Percentage of Staff who Report Index will Improve CDC Communication Process (n=28)
Scientists:
• Index will help find common ground
• Index is easy to use and helpful tool
• Index helps think about key issues such as main message and behavioral recommendations
4 pairs of scientists & communicators using the IndexCommunicators:
• Index will open dialogue with scientists about communication
• Index includes familiar items
• Index will help bring materials in line with communication principles
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• Identify the main message • Find information of interest to them• Use the information to decide
Main message
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Language of primary audience
One main message & message is at the top of the
first page
Visual the supports main
message
Active Voice
Most important information
summarized on the first page
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• Identify the main message • Find information of interest to them• Find the information easy to understand
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404-498-6411
www.cdc.gov/healthliteracy
www.cdc.gov/ccindex
See Health Promotion Practice, June, 2014, The CDC Clear Communication Index is a New Evidence-based Tool to Prepare and Review Health Information.