The mailing list may contain as many as 1 0,000 names. To maintain 

 a list this large and to exploit its potential, the list should be 

 computerized. Coding and software that permit sorting by both 

 geographic area and interest group will multiply the uses of the list. 



It is not enough, however, to have assembled a list of names. The 

 importance of maintaining personal contact with interest group 

 leaders, media representatives, and key legislators and officials 

 cannot be overstated. Sometimes the job of the public participation 

 staff will be to initiate contacts and create opportunities for com- 

 munication between these people and other program personnel. 

 Public participation staff will also need to keep participants in- 

 formed about work progress during the entire program. A slide 

 show, basic program information paper, and public meetings are 

 essential tools for initiating and maintaining contact with the target 

 audiences. 



Capitalizing on the old adage that a picture is worth a thousand 

 words, you may find that a good, straightforward slide show is an 

 effective educational tool. It can translate technical, scientific, and 

 regulatory information into an intelligent and convincing explana- 

 tion of the need for an estuary program, its components, and how 

 the program may change the future course of the estuary. 

 Photographs depicting the state of the estuary, how it is used, and 

 the sources of pollution — along with a pithy script — can help 

 introduce the estuary program to the public. 



Remember that technical slides and slides cluttered with words are 

 inappropriate for a basic public presentation. On the other hand, 

 maps are an effective way to translate technical material for a lay 

 audience. A basic estuary map, color-coded or used with overlays 

 to show which areas need protection, or where pollution problems 

 have been pinpointed, is particularly useful if readily identifiable 

 reference points are included. Although tables and charts with 

 technical data should be reserved for scientific symposia, scien- 

 tific findings summarized in bar and pie charts can be very effective. 

 The slide show should create a visual image of the estuary and 

 convey a few significant concepts about the program. 



A basic slide show has several advantages. It will help ensure 

 consistency in the delivery of the message, regardless of the 

 presenter or the audience. It precludes the need to prepare a 

 speech for every meeting, and anyone affiliated with the estuary 

 program can use it easily. If the presentation is informal, it can be 

 tailored to the specific audience — boaters and farmers, for in- 

 stance — by adding a few slides. 



The presentation can also evolve during the course of the estuary 

 program. Initially, it probably will deal with broad issues and the 

 intent of the program. Later on, it can include basic summaries of 

 scientific findings and suggested management actions. It should 

 contain up to 80 slides, which can be presented in 1 to 1 5 minutes. 

 A script can be read by the presenter, or a taped, automated 

 presentation can be used. A question-and-answer period should 

 be built into every presentation. 



General Program 

 Slide Show 



B7 



