How do you ensure your civil engineering design presentations resonate with community members?

Make sure you include a Community Benefits professional on your team. Whenever possible, I like to have at least one public meeting at the site of a proposed build. For the community to have a visual of current reality can gain support for the project. Benefits need to be front and center. When changes in law require changes in process, the community needs to understand why business as usual isn't sustainable. At the proposal stage, seeing images at the site of a proposed replacement for the aging wastewater treatment plant can be very persuasive. Follow that with evidence that change is inevitable and that the cost of the improvements will minimally impact their monthly costs. Then, listen to everyone, even those not publicly commenting.

Tout d'abord, il est essentiel de se familiariser avec les besoins, les préoccupations et les aspirations de la communauté. Vous ne pouvez pas faire de la musique pour les oreilles qui ne veulent pas l'entendre. En connaissant vos auditeurs, vous pouvez adapter votre message pour qu'il soit pertinent et engageant.

I always prefer minimalist yet informative visual aids. I use plenty of infographics that are not only clear, accurate, and relevant to the presentation but also resonate with the audience. Remember, as the presenter, you’re the star of the show. Slides should enhance your message, not overshadow it.

Your Community Benefits Professional is out in that community. They develop profiles of those who will be impacted by the project. They learn their language and understand their concerns. They will prepare summary recommendation for the experts who will be presenting. This provides the engineers a background to present the necessary principles. For a proposed, biosolid fertilizer application for a transitional crop. We provided a sample that people could examine, smell and touch. The sensory experience helps people to make an informed decision. Talking points should be designed to educate and not overwhelm. Plain language combined with models makes engineering accessible for everyone.

Ensuite, il est important d'utiliser un langage clair et accessible. La jargon de l'ingénierie peut être intimidant pour les non-initiés. En utilisant des mots simples et des analogies compréhensibles, vous pouvez faciliter la compréhension et la participation active de la communauté.

Listen from the get-go to build a partnership with the community. All stakeholders and those impacted by any project need to feel that they are included in the process. Empowerment means less focus on not-in-my-backyard and more on leading the way forward by example. In Hawai'i, legislation is in place that all cesspools must be converted by 2050. Efforts are in place to train community members as wastewater treatment specialists. They become ambassadors in their neighborhoods on why this is important for the environment, how to go through the process, and find funding and support for the conversion to a septic system.

Enfin, n'oubliez pas d'inviter la communauté à participer à la conversation. Posez des questions, encouragez les commentaires et prenez en compte les préoccupations soulevées. Une présentation réussie n'est pas une performance soliste, mais plut?t un dialogue dynamique entre l'ingénieur et la communauté.