Module 3 Blogging Part 1 Assignment - Alexander

Communication is more than words on a page.

"The single biggest problem in communications is the illusion that it has taken place" 

-- George Bernard Shaw

I currently work for the provincial government for many years now, Alberta Health, and to no surprise communication is key to success at work.  My original field of study is political science, and so communications skills, analysis and writing is key--however there are sometimes challenges to the role.  Sometimes effective communication requires a little magic.

In order to be effective you need to use precise language.  Communication in government typically involves little creativity, as most work is via standard template responses, limited further by review, and edited to death prior to final approval. Nevertheless, success is measured by how well your ideas are captured, organized and conveyed. It is most successful when you are most clear and concise.

At work we strive to communicate complex ideas using plain language.  Public reports need to be understood and made simple.  Academic writing doesn't cut it, nor does wordy bureaucratic language. We often use the example of Martha & Henry from a mythical "Fencepost, Alberta", and focus our message to reach these average citizens.

Government is slow to adopt new technologies such as social media, but these new tools have the potential to lift words off the page through imaginative content, images and presentations geared to engage and connect with the citizens.