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Module The number and type of interactions depends on the scale of the IEA and of course the available
2 budget, but at a minimum 2-3 meetings typically involving 25-30 participants can be used first to

help with scoping then to review draft findings. Besides larger focus groups small group meetings

with thematic experts can both help address more specific questions and build credibility for the
assessment.
9-12 December, 2013 scenario components, among others. Besides the main report in hard copy there are possibilities
The main product of an IEA is usually a comprehensive report with a SoE, policy analysis and

for many other products that either explores some issues in more detail or that are geared
towards some specific audience. As a matter of routine, IEA products should be posted on

a public website or printed on a CD. Other associated products such as underlying data can
be made available through interactive databases. Outputs may also need to be translated into
other languages. The process of edition and publication usually takes significant time, involving
design, style correction and printing, so it is important to plan for this early on in terms of time,
resources and capacity.

Effective communication often requires the involvement of communication experts, taking
advantage if possible of government public relations offices or if these are not available building a

close relationship with the electronic and print media.

Communication issues from an impact strategy point of view are discussed in Module 3, while aspects
related to creating physical products are in Module 7. Following are some tips for preparing your

messages so they will be more easily understood.

Making your messages understandable to your audiences

The team producing the IEA needs to remember that the audience will not be environmental
specialists or technical experts. Results of the assessment have to be easy to read, with limited use of
jargon. Experiences in national IEA reports show that maps and other visual aids are very useful for
communicating messages in an easy manner.

Make information relevant to your audiences
Communications is a two-way process. Before designing communication products and processes, it is

important to first listen to your audiences, and understand what is relevant to them. Try to find out their
level of familiarity with environmental and sustainability issues, if there are any potential misconceptions
and knowledge gaps. Use this information to shape your messages so you provide them with useful
information.

64 National IEA Process Design and Organization