Effective Communication of Technical Information to a Nontechnical Group

Abstract

Oral communication of technical information to a nontechnical group presents certain problems. This paper discusses the development of a rationale which should greatly improve the effectiveness of the communicative effort. The rationale consists of: 1) removing noise (information that could be considered irrelevant by the nontechnical political group) from the conclusions of the technical study; 2) selecting goals; 3) consideration of the motivational forces of the political group; 4) completing the development of the rationale, structuring the argument and recommendations; and 5) preparation of the presentation. The strategy of the rationale is to present an argument which will: 1) be easily interpreted by the nontechnical group; 2) initiate serious consideration; and 3) necessitate certain actions which will accomplish the goals selected.