Chapter 8: Printed Documents and Other Publications

Educators tend to communicate with the public on the basis of facts, even though the public does not always care about data. Educators need to simplify and broaden communication if they truly want to communicate more effectively with their publics. How many times have we listened or read fact and figure communications, only to find ourselves daydreaming? And on the opposite end of the continuum, think of the times we listened or read with more interest to better presented data and in the process gained a lot more knowledge. This does not mean that the role of the principal when communicating with the public is to be an entertainer. It does mean, however, that we must move beyond educational jargon that we have become so accustomed to using and instead communicate with the public in terms that will be understood and through mediums that will hold attention. This goal can be accomplished in large measure through well designed and well presented printed materials.