What are effective strategies for communicating risk to non-English speaking populations?

3 Engage and empower your audience

The third step in communicating risk to non-English speaking populations is to engage and empower your audience. Engagement is the process of involving and listening to your audience, and building a two-way dialogue and relationship with them. Empowerment is the process of enabling and supporting your audience to take action and participate in decision-making. You should use multiple and accessible channels and platforms to reach and interact with your audience, such as social media, radio, TV, phone, text, email, or face-to-face. You should also use trusted and credible sources and messengers, such as community leaders, influencers, or peers, to deliver and reinforce your messages. You should also provide feedback and recognition to your audience, and encourage them to share their opinions, questions, and experiences.

4 Monitor and evaluate your communication

The fourth step in communicating risk to non-English speaking populations is to monitor and evaluate your communication. Monitoring is the process of tracking and measuring the reach, quality, and impact of your communication. Evaluation is the process of assessing and improving the effectiveness and outcomes of your communication. You should use various indicators and methods to collect and analyze data on your communication, such as web analytics, media coverage, surveys, interviews, or observations. You should also use the data to identify and address any gaps, challenges, or opportunities for improvement. You should also share and report your findings and lessons learned with your stakeholders and partners.

5 Learn and adapt from others

The fifth step in communicating risk to non-English speaking populations is to learn and adapt from others. Learning is the process of acquiring and applying new knowledge and skills from different sources and experiences. Adapting is the process of adjusting and modifying your communication to suit changing situations and needs. You should seek and use evidence, guidance, and best practices from other emergency managers, organizations, or countries that have communicated risk to non-English speaking populations. You should also exchange and collaborate with other emergency managers, organizations, or countries that are facing similar challenges or opportunities for communication. You should also be flexible and creative in finding and implementing solutions for communication.

6 Communicate with respect and empathy

The sixth and final step in communicating risk to non-English speaking populations is to communicate with respect and empathy. Respect is the process of acknowledging and valuing the diversity, dignity, and rights of your audience. Empathy is the process of understanding and sharing the feelings and perspectives of your audience. You should communicate with respect and empathy to build trust, rapport, and cooperation with your audience. You should also communicate with respect and empathy to avoid stigma, discrimination, or harm to your audience. You should also communicate with respect and empathy to promote solidarity, compassion, and resilience among your audience.