How to effectively communicate evaluation findings to strengthen change
- Aim.
This activity gives some common ways to effectively communicate and use evaluation findings to strengthen change.
- Question.
How can I best communicate and use evaluation results to support change and gender equality?
- Understand.
Communicating and discussing findings with stakeholders at every stage of an evaluation is a critical but often overlooked step. Communicating results, insights and recommendations with skill and purpose helps keep your stakeholders engaged, strengthens transparency and accountability, empowers others to act, and supports sustainable change.
Key Tools and Links.
During an evaluation
Depending on the stage within the policy cycle, evaluation feedback loops with stakeholders can lead to immediate evidence-based changes to policy process, design and implementation.
After an evaluation
It is important when communicating results to,
- Understand your target audience and what level of engagement they require
- Have a clear purpose to your communication
- Use your evidence to guide discussion and inform decisions
- Highlight the consequences of action and inaction
- Use the right mode and tone of communication
As noted in activity 2.3, your communication should be shaped to the influence and interest of your stakeholders.
Modes of communication
Although evaluations are typically in report format, there are numerous ways of communicating findings including,
- Traditional reporting structure (methodology first)
- Active reporting structure (key questions or findings first)
- Verbal presentations face-to-face or video-conference.
- A3 or infographic
- Emails and newsletters
- Fact sheets
- Web copy
- One-page evaluation story extracts
- Social media
Each mode of communication is suited to a particular audience for a particular purpose. You may have established the preferred mode of communication with your stakeholders during earlier engagement.
Most importantly, challenging norms and stereotypes, understanding your audience, and their motivations to build gender equality, will shape the style of engagement, and the way information is presented. Understanding how stakeholders make decisions will improve effectiveness and reach of your communications (see Activity 1.3).
