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The Communication Products section is a step-by-step guide to help researchers strategically communicate research insights or technical innovation to different audiences in an accessible, compelling way that can be readily used to inform policies, programs, or practices in a particular sector. 

The section helps users decide when and how to develop a communication product to meet their goals. It guides them through a process of identifying communication objectives and audiences and making choices about packaging key findings or specifications of technical innovations into a compelling format.  In addition, it provides tips to help them choose dissemination platforms that strategically target the primary audiences. 

To use this section of the toolkit, download the zip folder in the dropdown menu above. The zip folder includes a step-by-step guide, accompanying worksheets and examples, a “Readme” file with detailed instructions, and a troubleshooting guide.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Step 1: Identify Communication Objectives

Step 2: Identify Audiences

Step 3: Identify Main Messages

Step 4: Use Accessible Language

Step 5: Identify Resources and Develop the Product

Final Tips and Summary 

Resources and Tools by Step

References

 

Worksheets and Other Resources

Worksheet: Communication Objectives and Audiences 

Worksheet: How to Craft Main Messages 

Tip Sheet: Tips and Tricks for Writing Accessibly

Tip Sheet: Timeline and Budget Considerations

Example Fact Sheet: Contact Tracing

Example Fact Sheet: Educating Moroccan Youth

Example Policy Brief: Damming the Ecosystems of Amazonia

Example Policy Brief: Sharing the Land

Worksheet: Communication Product Outline for Fact Sheets and Policy Briefs

Template: Fact Sheet

Template: Policy Brief

Checklist: Developing a Communication Product 

Tip Sheet: Types of Communications Professionals

 

Photo Credit: © USAID/Alex Kamweru