This article is the third in a series of interpretation articles by Sharon Hanzik, PWLTMN and former interpreter for Texas Parks and Wildlife
KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE
Whether your program is market-driven or your audience is program-driven, the idea is to be responsive to the people who attend.
Identify characteristics of your potential audience:
* Skill, knowledge, or ability levels
* Age
* Interests
* Needs and desires
* Where they come from
General audiences – aim for the middle.
Of course, you can, to some extent, determine who shows up at your programs by the way you advertise the program and by the location, timing, and content of your program.
PRESENT BALANCED INFORMATION, BEWARE OF BIAS!
Good research materials should be objective, presenting a balanced view of the topic. If you deliver biased information, your credibility will suffer.
GIVE CREDIT
If you use somebody else’s ideas, words, or pictures in any form of presentation, you should acknowledge the original source if known.
You can do this by:
* Adding footnotes to written material
* Attributing the source as you speak (“As interpreter Robert Fudge once said, ‘Asking an interpreter a question is like taking a drink from a fire hose.’”)
* Indicating the source after a direct quote
* Showing a list of source materials following your program
KNOW YOUR RESOURCE
No one can be expected to be an expert on every subject. But when you decide to present a program, you should research the topic thoroughly. Research helps you ensure accuracy, establish credibility, and achieve your objectives.
GETTING STARTED
* Use a filing system to collect articles, notes, studies, photos, and other reference materials.
* Ask colleagues if they have files related to your topic.
* Keep a “Bright Ideas” page handy.
GATHERING INFORMATION
Your own observations and experiences. Field guides, encyclopedias, internet (make sure site is credible)
REFERENCES
–Interpreting Our Heritage – Freeman Tilden
–Environmental Interpretation – Sam H. Ham
–The Interpreter’s Guidebook – Jim Buchholz, Brenda Lackey, Michael Gross
–National Association of Interpretation Certified Interpretation Certified Interpretive Guide course book
Goals of Interpretation – Part 1