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Stakeholder Outreach

Effective Communication of Complex Environmental Threats

John Johnson, William “Bill” Dennison, Bill Brantley, Richard Arnold, and Vanessa Vargas-Nguyen

In this course you’ll learn how to improve your project management communication in your work environment and motivate and engage communities with clear communication to address complex environmental problems. As an environmental advocate or project manager, your active listening skills and effective communication skills are paramount to in person team members, remote teams, general employee engagement, and even more so for achieving success. The first step in solving complex societal and environmental problems is to rally support around the idea that there is a problem worth solving and that can be solved. This is achieved with good communication, teamwork, and clarifying data visualization.

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In this course you’ll learn how to improve your project management communication in your work environment and motivate and engage communities with clear communication to address complex environmental problems. As an environmental advocate or project manager, your active listening skills and effective communication skills are paramount to in person team members, remote teams, general employee engagement, and even more so for achieving success. The first step in solving complex societal and environmental problems is to rally support around the idea that there is a problem worth solving and that can be solved. This is achieved with good communication, teamwork, and clarifying data visualization.

This course will begin with storytelling as an effective communication skill providing powerful frameworks for establishing meaning and understanding about complex topics. However, better communication is not always verbal. A picture is worth 1,000 words (or more), and so the course continues with data visualization to help succinctly present meaningful data and engage stakeholders with powerful information. Additional communication strategies covered are the importance of presence, being confident and engaging as well as establishing trust and credibility. By improving poor communication skills and converting them into effective workplace communication across various communication channels on your project team with both verbal and non-verbal communication styles improves your environmental project management. The benefits of effective communication on workflow, teamwork, employee engagement, team collaboration, overall well-being of the project are seen in real-time as you improve your team communication. And finally, the course establishes the fundamentals of good presentations for project management, when presenting for stakeholders and project team members in-person onsite in your work environment, utilizing communication tools like zoom, or face-to-face giving a public presentation. We provide the effective communication techniques; using proven designs and techniques and the art of data and clear communication to increase engagement on your environmental projects. Whether it’s internal communication or customer outreach, the best communication process starts with a story.

Together, storytelling, data visualization, and presence can help to motivate stakeholders and give convincing clarifying presentations when managing large-scale complex environmental projects.

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Identify and critique features of environmental management communication products that utilize effective visualization and narrative techniques
  • Produce appealing data and technical visualizations that avoid ‘chart junk’ or ‘map clutter’
  • Articulate succinct, captivating narratives for different audiences
  • Develop a compelling environmental management communication product that integrates best-practice visualizations and concise narrative
  • Develop communication strategies that drive stakeholders to action on important environmental issues

Syllabus

Module 1. Storytelling
Intro
Lesson 1. What is a story?
Lesson 2. How do stories work?
Read more
Lesson 3. Structuring your stories.
Lesson 4. What makes a good story?
Lesson 5. Who are you talking to?
Lesson 6. Narrative structure.
Summary
Module 2. Visualizations
Lesson 1. Data visualization Part 1
Lesson 2. Data visualization Part 2
Lesson 3. Conceptual diagram creation
Lesson 4. Photos in science communication
Lesson 5. Videos in science communication
Lesson 6. Storyboarding
Module 3. Managing stakeholders with stories
Intro
Lesson 1. Analyzing your stakeholders
Lesson 2. Finding stories that resonate
Lesson 3. The different types of stories for projects and programs
Lesson 4. Using stories to capture lessons learned for programs
Lesson 5.
Module 4. Persuasion and presence for environmental program and project managers
Lesson 1. Establishing trust through words
Lesson 2. How emotions work in communicating
Lesson 3. Crafting an emotionally compelling message
Lesson 4. Communicating bad news
Lesson 5. Identifying values and threats
Module 5. Presentations
Lesson 1. What is understanding – Know what
Lesson 2. What is understanding – Know how
Lesson 3. What is understanding – Know why
Lesson 4. Assembling a technical presentation
Lesson 5. Presentation preparation
Lesson 6. Delivering a presentation

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Develops environmental management communication products that are impactful and backed by data
Explores data visualization as a tool for stakeholder engagement
Teaches frameworks for establishing meaning and understanding about complex topics
Focuses on environmental project management
Led by instructors with extensive knowledge and experience in environmental management communication
Provides techniques for crafting compelling presentations

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Reviews summary

Stakeholder outreach simplified

Learners say this course offers valuable strategies for communicating science in various industries. Students largely agree that the course materials are straightforward and easy to understand. Many also mention the modules as a helpful resource for additional learning. Students also enjoyed watching a TedX video included in the course that provides creative ideas for communicating science. However, some mention that there were course errors, such as typos and incorrect module questions.
Included TED talk offers innovative ideas for science communication.
"I felt like the structure of the course was conducive to successful uptake of the information and felt like a well-rounded way to teach about what's important in stakeholder communication."
"My favorite part of the course, overall, was watching the TED talk."
"The idea of using dance to replace PowerPoint presentations, among other purposes, as a means to convey complex scientific topics, is simply wonderful!"
Course provides useful tips for conveying scientific information.
"Really thorough course that brings new and exciting ideas about how to communicate science in the business world and all kinds of people."
Errors in course materials, such as typos and module question mismatches.
"There were, however, typos throughout the course and several instances of non-graded module questions referencing material or diagrams not presented in the slides (e.g. RAM chart reference in Module 1, but not displayed until Module 5)."
"Additionally, the Module 5.3 "Know-Why" non-graded questions were missing and replaced with the previously used Module 5.2 "Know-How" non-graded questions."

Career center

Learners who complete Stakeholder Outreach: Effective Communication of Complex Environmental Threats will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Environmental Advocate
An environmental advocate's work centers around protecting resources, promoting sustainability, and creating a positive impact on the world. Either as part of a non-profit organization or in a public policy role, environmental advocates produce various forms of stakeholder communications. The storytelling, data visualization, and communication strategies covered in this course will directly translate to a role like this, ensuring your ability to effectively convey messages about complex environmental issues.
Environmental Manager
An environmental manager plays a pivotal role in developing, implementing, and managing environmental programs and initiatives to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. Beyond technical expertise, they play an important role communicating with outside stakeholders. This course will help build a foundation in strategic communication with clear storytelling, visually appealing data presentation, persuasive communication, and effective presentation delivery.
Environmental Scientist
Many Environmental Scientists go on to careers as research scientists, where they are responsible for collecting and analyzing data, conducting studies, and writing reports. The types of communication skills taught in this course are vital to helping Environmental Scientists effectively present their findings to a wide range of audiences.
Sustainability Consultant
A role like sustainability consultant requires the ability to translate technical information into accessible language, data visualization, and compelling narratives. This course will help equip you with the knowledge and skills to communicate complex environmental challenges to various stakeholders.
Environmental Planner
Environmental Planners work with local governments to develop comprehensive plans that guide the future development and use of land. The communication skills taught in this course will be key to effectively collaborating with stakeholders and engaging the community in the planning process.
Environmental Communications Specialist
An environmental communications specialist is responsible for developing and executing strategic communications plans, developing content, and managing media relations. This course will provide you with a solid foundation in effective communication, storytelling, and data visualization, which are crucial for success in this role.
Science Writer
Science writers translate complex scientific information into clear, engaging, and accessible content. The storytelling and data visualization techniques taught in this course will be invaluable as you craft narratives about scientific discoveries and environmental issues.
Policy Analyst
Policy analysts conduct research, analyze data, and make recommendations on public policies. The communication skills taught in this course will be essential for effectively conveying your findings to policymakers and the public.
Nonprofit Program Manager
Nonprofit program managers oversee the implementation of programs that address social and environmental issues. The communication skills taught in this course will be crucial for effectively managing stakeholders, communicating with donors, and promoting the organization's mission.
Public relations manager
Public relations managers develop and execute public relations campaigns to manage the reputation of organizations. The communication skills and strategies taught in this course will be invaluable in building and maintaining positive relationships with stakeholders.
Marketing Manager
Marketing managers develop and execute marketing campaigns to promote products or services. The communication skills and data visualization techniques taught in this course will be essential for effectively reaching target audiences and achieving marketing goals.
Technical Writer
Technical writers create user manuals, technical documentation, and other materials that explain complex technical information. The storytelling and data visualization techniques taught in this course will be helpful for presenting technical information in a clear and engaging way.
Project Manager
Project managers plan, execute, and close projects. The communication skills taught in this course will be essential for effectively managing stakeholders, communicating project updates, and ensuring project success.
Sales Manager
Sales managers lead and motivate sales teams to achieve sales goals. The communication skills taught in this course will be helpful for effectively motivating and persuading customers.
Business Analyst
Business analysts analyze business processes and identify opportunities for improvement. The communication skills taught in this course may be helpful for effectively presenting findings and recommendations to stakeholders.

Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Stakeholder Outreach: Effective Communication of Complex Environmental Threats.
Comprehensive guide to science communication for scientists. It covers topics such as writing for different audiences, using social media, and engaging with the public. This book is particularly useful for scientists who want to improve their communication skills.
Practical guide to managing stakeholder engagement. It covers topics such as identifying stakeholders, understanding their interests, and developing strategies to engage them. This book is particularly useful for anyone who works with stakeholders.
Practical guide to visual communication for scientists. It covers topics such as designing graphs and charts, using photography, and creating presentations. This book is particularly useful for scientists who want to improve their visual communication skills.
Practical guide to using storytelling in persuasion. It covers topics such as crafting a compelling story, using visuals effectively, and delivering your story with impact. This book is particularly useful for anyone who wants to use storytelling to persuade others.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of environmental communication. It covers topics such as environmental risk communication, environmental public relations, and environmental advocacy. is particularly useful for students and professionals who want to learn more about environmental communication.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of public relations. It covers topics such as media relations, crisis communication, and social media. is particularly useful for students and professionals who want to learn more about public relations.
Practical guide to design for non-designers. It covers topics such as typography, layout, and color theory. This book is particularly useful for anyone who wants to improve their design skills.
Practical introduction to data visualization. It covers topics such as choosing the right visualization for your data, designing effective visualizations, and presenting your visualizations. This book is particularly useful for anyone who wants to learn more about data visualization.

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