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Besides the common occurrence of natural disasters such as cyclones and floods, Bangladesh has several issues with water quantity and quality, such as salinity, groundwater shortages, and arsenic contamination in aquifers. Water communication is an essential tool in ensuring safe water and transforming the situation during a water crisis.
The act of exchanging data between one place or individual and another is known as communication. We can also say, `Water communication is the process of acquiring adequate information and knowledge about water-related issues to communicate with oneself and others. This term can be used to address the water crisis. The method of acquiring intra-personal, inter-personal, verbal, and non-verbal knowledge through communication is well known to everyone. Currently, these methods are necessary for all purposes. Communication has integrated AI as a component due to the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in this world.
Understanding water communication is necessary for mitigating the challenges. The primary aspect of water communication is crisis communication. Crisis communication is the term used to describe the skills, methods, and regulations that enable a situation, organisation, or people to communicate effectively during a significant threat to their concern or status. The coordination of these communications is handled by a team that involves individuals, affected people, government officials, service providers, local security bodies, and non-governmental organizations. The Everbridge Message Map Library contains best practices for crisis communication created by Dr. Robert Chandler (an expert in crisis communication and the creator of Six Stages of a Crisis™). The Six Stages of a Crisis encompass warning, risk assessment, response, management, resolution, and post-crisis recovery.
Realising communication theory and steps is the next level after gaining knowledge of crisis communication. The encoder, channel, noise source, and decoder are the core topics of Claude Elwood Shannon's theory, which was developed by an American mathematician, electrical engineer, computer scientist, and cryptographer known as the 'father of information theory'. The theory's focus is on signals and how they can be transmitted accurately and efficiently, with questions of meaning being avoided as much as possible.
Communication theory is the study of communication phenomena, their connections, a narrative that outlines these connections, and a defense of these three components. The theory of communication provides a framework for discussing and evaluating significant decisions, actions, and exchanges that together form communication.
Taking steps is necessary to portray water communication. It's important to note that 'water communication' is not the same as 'acoustic communication' or'marine communication'. These communications can be used as supplementary materials.
The water crisis can be addressed by following these steps for water communication. These steps have the potential to be effective strategies.
Setting Objectives: Identifying fully focused goals or objectives is the first step to achieving our communication strategies. It is important to make sure that our goals or objectives are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). Conducting SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis helps us determine whether our goals or objectives are achievable.
Identifying target audience: Determine which partners are most important and divide them into clusters based on their socioeconomics, cultural, psychographics, requirements, and pitches. The target audience can be a single person, a group, an exceptional individual, or the general public. Designing our message and choosing the most viable communication networks will be made easier with the help of this.
Budget plan: Financial soundness is a requirement for every job. We require a budget to form any sort of plan. So, we need to center on budgetary determination. A great budget arrangement does half the work.
Listen from the hole: The problem resides in the gap, and the solution cannot be found without going into it. To investigate the problem, we must step into the gap and carefully connect with individuals. Since the gap lies in the source itself.
Develop message: We must create impactful, dynamic, brief, and captivating messages that will enhance focus, ignite curiosity, boost attractiveness, and prompt action. Our primary focus should be on addressing the issue of water crisis.
Choose the source of the message: It is important to select sources that the recipient perceives as credible and influential. These sources should have the ability to provide accurate information and generate positive feedback.
Select the communication channels: Determine which channels are most suitable for reaching our target audience. Both personal and non-personal channels (such as face-to-face conversations, written communication, phone calls, mail, email, social media, traditional media, digital platforms, events, and internal communications) should be taken into consideration. The scope, frequency, and cost-effectiveness of each channel should be evaluated.
Focus on visibility: In today's world, visual materials tend to be more engaging than written ones. We should seize the opportunity to capture images and videos that depict incidents or showcase content that can help clarify the underlying causes of the water problem.
Plan context-based content or story: Content plans/stories are crucial documents that outline goals, target audiences, themes, and timelines for creating and publishing content. We need to plan context-based content/story.
Create crisis communication plan: When an organisation or situation experiences an unexpected event, like a physical mishap, a public relations dilemma, a natural disaster, or any other crisis, a crisis communication plan is activated to help mitigate the confusion.
Blending traditional and futuristic strategies: By combining conventional methods and techniques with innovative ideas and approaches, we can develop efficient water management solutions to address the challenges posed by the water crisis.
Align with climate change communication: According to the Yale programme on climate change communication, `communication pertains to the education, dissemination of information, warning, influence, mobilisation, and addressing of critical climate change issues. Climate change communication is shaped by our diverse experiences, mental and cultural models, as well as our fundamental values and worldviews. In order to effectively communicate about water, it is essential to align with climate change communication.
Research communication: The effectiveness of research communications relies on a web of participants and endeavours, encompassing various factors such as the political environment, media landscape, and civil society. The individuals comprising this Working Group will strive to contribute their specialised expertise from all the relevant domains that are essential for the accomplishment of research communications.
Deal with resources: Identify the resources required for the execution of our communication strategy, including personnel, volunteers, and technology. Confirm that all team members are aware of their duties and obligations, equipped with the essential skills and resources for achieving success.
Share knowledge & Develop Capacity: By enabling individuals to acquire the skills to address water crisis through effective communication, they can proactively educate others using capacity-building techniques. Given the transformative nature of knowledge acquisition, individuals are able to educate themselves and provide guidance to others.
Improve strategies: It is always beneficial to keep track of findings in order to enhance our performance. Implement the necessary adjustments to our strategies to enhance our communication approach and attain our objectives.
Monitoring, Evaluation & Result Analysis: Establish precise metrics to monitor the effectiveness of your communication plan. Assess and appraise activities, outputs, and results to gauge and monitor the performance of the program. The Results-based Monitoring & Evaluation approach can be utilised as it shifts the focus from outputs to highlighting outcomes and impact.
Value Feedback: In order to effectively handle feedback, it is essential to appreciate its value. Effective communication consistently places importance on the feedback provided by individuals. Regular feedback encompasses socio-economic behaviours and practices, cultural diversity, biodiversity, innovative concepts, stories of change, various environments, contemporary challenges, unfavourable situations, and environmental conditions.
Now why do we do water communication? We want to establish crisis-free water management by progressing communication among oneself and others.
The writer is a communications specialist, development worker and soft skill developer. He could be reached at: [email protected]
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