Are you getting some help from others?
Recruit some help in preparing or selecting your materials. Have another
person or two, or maybe even a small group, review the material against
the checklist and guidelines. Target audience members, community advisory
committee members, and/or other people experienced in dealing with the target
audience should be included in your group. We have put the checklist on
a page that will be easy for you to photocopy and distribute to others who
may help you evaluate your drafts of choices.
Remember that in selecting translators, you need an individual who knows
the word usage and language patterns of your target audience. Although we
all want to use correct Spanish or English, it is important to be understood
by your audience even if you have to be less than formal with the language
that you use.
Will focus groups help?
In developing materials, you will often hear that focus groups of individuals
drawn from the target audience can help you evaluate samples. These are
simply small groups that are asked to meet in order to discuss their reactions
to materials or ideas. They are used frequently in developing advertising
messages, political campaigns, or new products. If you are using focus groups,
be sure to make it clear that you want their frank opinions; in fact, you
want their criticisms. Otherwise, members of a focus group, especially if
they have not engaged in this activity, may be apt to avoid criticism because
they do not want to offend you.
LAST PAGE |
TABLE OF CONTENTS | NEXT
PAGE