Knowing Your Audience

Knowing your Audience

What are some considerations to remember given the different roles and people in the audience?

o What would be the potential needs of the families of the miners in receiving a message about this incident?

Miners disappeared and are trapped after a mine collapsed in Chile made world news in 2010. Communication is crucial to all involved during the time of the incident and there are many considerations one must keep in mind given the different roles and people that are in the audience. The needs of each group of audience have to be taken into consideration for the information that should be shared. Information has to be accurate and up to date.

There are concerned families of the miners that will need up to the minute news of their loved ones. These families need a concerned voice to keep them up to date with trustworthy information. They will need reassurance that everything is being done to locate their loved ones and every effort is being made to rescue the trapped miners. These families should hear all news from the source (Company Spokesperson) or those closest to the rescue so as to not cause any unnecessary stress or panic among them. These groups of people are stressed with worries concerning their trapped family members and priorities should be given to them to help eliminate their fears.

o What would be the potential needs of the company's employees when receiving a message about this incident?

The workers of the mine that were not trapped are another audience that needs to be addressed. This group of fellow workers need to be calmed and reassured that the situation is under control. They will also need reassurance that everything possible is being done to rescue their fellow workers and that the families of those that are trapped are being taken care of. Many of these workers may be involved with the rescue or they want to be involved and they should know that everything is being done in the safest manner possible.

* What actions must you take before and after the message is delivered to ensure that it was received as intended?

The action to take before and after the message is delivered is important to ensure that each audience receives their messages accurately. Making sure who your audience is before presenting your message or facts in this case is to make sure you meet the different needs of those involved. Different audience has different needs and making sure those needs are met is very important in these types of situation. Getting feedback is also essential because feedback will allow you to know if your message was understood and if additional information is required or if additional questions need to be answered.

Draft two communications from the mining company announcing the accident, using what you have learned about the audience and effective messages. One communication should be directed to the families of the trapped miners and the other as an internal news release to employees in the company. For both, identify the most appropriate channel--face-to-face, e-mail, video, memo, and so on.

The drafts for communication from the mining company announcing the accident to the families of the trapped miners

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