Understanding the Public: Three Ways to Reframe Our Approach and Conversations

Abstract

Outreach and education efforts endeavour to change public perspectives on nuclear technology. For industry members, are there ways that we might endeavour to change our own perspectives on this communication process itself? This position paper challenges industry proponents to resist platitudes, embrace understanding, and question generalizations. It suggests strategies and pivot points where industry members and organizations can self-evaluate, alter an approach or attitude towards their communication interactions, and see better relationship-focused outcomes for stakeholder engagement and public understanding as a result.