Saturday 24 November 2007

Step 5: Communication

Communicating with non-archaeologists is something that archaeologists are not, in fact, very good at. Talking archaeology at them, fine. But that isn't the same thing.

Don’t expect them to share your viewpoint
Don’t expect them to know your terminology
Do tell them how it affects them
Do give them bad news clearly

WHAT THE ARCHAEOLOGIST SAYS




WHAT THE DEVELOPER HEARS




Some golden rules
• Consider your audience: what matter to them?
• Provide a clear message: don't tell them 'we don't really know'
• Avoid wishful thinking: don't say you might be finished next week if you won't
• Don’t get bogged down in detail: they don't care about feature 1099
• Check they understand: ask them; listen to the answers
• Don’t be misled by politeness: they may be humouring you


Step 5: How well do you communicate?

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