Real-Life Communication
As a crime prevention specialist, one of the many things that you
must do is to educate the community about a variety of issues: personal safety,
community safety, alternatives to crime and much more.
In doing so,
you spend a lot of time creating displays for public places. You also write
materials like brochures and handouts. And you talk to members of a community
at gatherings or special events. Today, you're preparing a speech for
a community meeting you'll be attending in a few days.
The speech
will be about what people can do to protect themselves and their homes. For
example, you need to tell them about the value of alarm systems. A monitored
system gives them the advantage of having someone watching them at all times.
Lighting
will prevent thieves from attempting to enter your house.
Deadbolt
locks and chain locks offer extra protection if someone is trying to force
their way through the front door. Bars on the windows and prickly plants under
windows discourage burglars from trying to find their way in through the windows.
Writing
a speech isn't hard. You write it with your audience in mind, thinking
of the words as you would say them, and writing them as you would address
a group of people on an informal basis.
As you put this speech together,
think of the people you'll be talking to -- people who are afraid for
their safety in their own homes. And think about the information you can provide
that will empower them.
Write the speech using a tone that is authoritative,
but not condescending. You're an expert on the subject of personal and
home safety. Pass that knowledge on to the people listening to you talk.