Public Presentations

Public Presentations
Briefings	Presentations provide an opportunity to describe and explain a project, program, policy, or process to different audiences (see Presentations under Communication Skills). Briefings are focused presentations with a community group or leader. They can be targeted to key individuals or groups at critical times. Briefings are a good way to establish communication links with affected groups. While larger presentations tend to inform and not involve, smaller briefing sessions include questions and discussion, and thus help get candid feedback from the community. Briefings can also repair damage and break through temporary barriers to full public participation and demonstrate agency initiative. Briefings help establish trust and credibility between an agency and community groups. Briefings help prevent misunderstandings by the public by supplying accurate information and helping to get a message out. Well-informed, articulate agency staff people lead briefings. Agency staff may share responsibility with a community leader.
Conferences	A conference is a highly-structured program of presentations and discussions. Conferences usually have an overall theme, with multiple related sessions throughout the day. They can have presentations or panel discussions followed by questions. Top officials or panels of recognized experts help boost interest in attendance. Conferences often have plenary sessions attended by all participants, followed by breakout sessions on various elements. Conferences are as short as half a day or as long as three days. Conferences are a useful mechanism to focus community attention and provide considerable factual and technical information as well as informed opinion and advice on a topic of community interest. As such, they can galvanize public attention and discussion of issues. When organized or sponsored by planning agencies, they demonstrate the agency's initiative in participation.
Resources/Links:	Community Toolbox: Bringing Solutions to Light University of Kansas Work Group on Health Promotion and Community Development in Lawrence, KS, and AHEC/Community Partners in Amherst, Massachusetts Making community presentations Public Involvement Techniques for Transportation Decision Making Federal Highway Administration, September 1996 Briefings