The general public does not exist. There are a number of public policies which correspond to a myriad of approaches to risk communication. Each message should be tailored to the audience it is being delivered to.

The general public does not exist. There are a number of public policies which correspond to a myriad of approaches to risk communication. Each message should be tailored to the audience it is being delivered to.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Maybe
• D. Not sure

Answer: (A)

Risk communication is audience-centered; there isn’t a single, uniform “general public.” Different groups have distinct needs, values, and ways of processing information, so public policies use multiple approaches and tailoring to each audience. Messages should be adapted to the specific audience you’re delivering to, using appropriate language, channels, and trusted messengers to be effective. So the statement is true: there are varied public policies for diverse audiences, and each message should be tailored. Options suggesting a single public, or uncertainty about tailoring, don’t fit the evidence-based approach to risk communication.

Risk communication is audience-centered; there isn’t a single, uniform “general public.” Different groups have distinct needs, values, and ways of processing information, so public policies use multiple approaches and tailoring to each audience. Messages should be adapted to the specific audience you’re delivering to, using appropriate language, channels, and trusted messengers to be effective. So the statement is true: there are varied public policies for diverse audiences, and each message should be tailored. Options suggesting a single public, or uncertainty about tailoring, don’t fit the evidence-based approach to risk communication.