There are standard means by which you can promote your adult literacy program and you need to know more about them. To begin, explore a number of alternative media to get your message across. Select the best media for your program. Written communication provides a permanent record, carries the weight of authority, and is less expensive than TV/radio advertising and meetings. A brochure, for example, will often be less threatening and less complex. Television and radio tend to be less boring than written communication, easier to understand visually, and less threatening, but more expensive.

Put your ideas about your program in words that are clear. Avoid long sentences, emotion-laden language, and poor organization. Be aware of the participant's sensations of reading, seeing and hearing. Failure to do so will result in a non-message. If your program looks or sounds like the "same old thing," looks or sounds too long or too difficult, your program will be ignored. Clear communication directed to your client's interests, needs, and educational level helps lessen the chance for a communication breakdown.

"What's in it for me?" (WIIFM) is a natural question for prospective participants. They may understand your message but not accept it. Showing the recipient how your goal and theirs coincide and giving reasons for accepting the message help make it less threatening. If your message is understood and accepted, you'll have active participation in your program.

Think WIIFM!

The following several pages describe various media and ways in which you can use them in your campaign.