Techniques

Some of the techniques discussed here are simple, while others are more complicated and may require specialist training. Under certain circumstances, such as when you are dealing with a highly controversial issue, you may need to seek expert help.

The interactive People & Participation Process Planner can help you plan engagement for your project.

When choosing any technique, consider available resources, the complexity of the issue, who should be involved and what you want to learn.

To improve the way you communicate with the public, identify who your audience is, and target your approach to that audience.

Public meetings are useful ways to canvass different points of view, provided participation is high and a range of viewpoints are represented.

A successful meeting does not just happen. Facilitation is a skill that has to be learned, and it is different from chairing a formal meeting.

Powerpoint and other visual aids can increase the effectiveness of your presentation – but make sure you know how to use them.

When you are seeking written submissions from the public, allocate adequate resources and time. This is essential to make the submission process run smoothly and maintain public confidence.

Community representatives on government boards and committees will bring a different perspective to decision-making.

Questionnaires can be a valuable tool for gathering data, especially from a large sample population. But how can you ensure you get valid results?

Interviews with key individuals are an excellent means of gathering information. They allow for greater two-way dialogue than questionnaire-based surveys.

Various specialised techniques have been developed to encourage public involvement in decision-making processes. 

These include:

• World Cafe
• The Open House
• Roadshows
• Citizens' Juries
• Deliberative Method
• Open Space Technology
• Future Search
• Appreciative Inquiry
• Participatory Appraisal
• Open Agenda Conferences
• Charette
• Sustained Dialogue
• Change Lab using the U-Process

There are many online techniques that are valuable for public participation. Your choice will be based on your budget, time and expertise, and the kind of response you want.