Rights 4 Seniors attended a conference that highlighted how delegates could communicate most effectively with non-academics rather than have their words “Lost in Translation”.
The event was organized by the Centre for Ageing Research and Development in Ireland (CARDI) in partnership with KT-Equal, a consortium of researchers dedicated to improving the quality of life of older people. From the delegate list, which included IT experts, doctoral students, Age Sector professionals and researchers, it was apparent that Rights 4 Seniors would gain a lot from the day.
Interestingly, even though this was an academic pitch, each and every seminar was animated and highly accessible. Come to think of it, it would have been ironic, I suppose, if this was not communicated most effectively.
Dr. Roger O’ Sullivan (CARDI) and Professor Trevor Cox (KT-Equal) introduced the day and encouraged the delegates “to tweet” during the event which was being streamed online for the world to see. This showed delegates immediately how old and new media could interact to ensure effective communication.
Where did Speed Dating Come Into It?
Robin Webster, the Chief Executive Officer of Age Action Ireland, set the tone for the day. Technology can be used to the greater benefit of us all but, when dealing with dementia sufferers especially and fellow humans in general, never forget the human touch – smile! This proved to be a useful reminder straight away as the first workshop of the day was… Speed Dating! Well, communication speed dating as this was not that type of conference.
This exercise taught us to cut out the waffle, get straight to the point and learn to listen. As it happened, it set us up rightly for the coffee break.
Professor Gail Mountain (KT-Equal and University of Sheffield) then took to the stand to tell us the secrets of successful bid writing. Again clarity and succinctness was the key although Professor Mountain said it better: “Don’t over-egg the pudding”.
James McEldowney, Deputy Principal, Office First Minister and Deputy First Minister, took us into lunch with a passionate seminar about how our words, carefully weighted, could affect policy and policy-makers.
The KT-Equal team introduced the next seminar and workshop which allowed us all to test our new-found skills in headline, blog, and tweet-writing.
It was apt too that Professor Alan Newell, University of Dundee, closed the day. Not only was Rights 4 Seniors aware of his work in engaging older people in research and IT, but we were lucky enough to meet with him too. Indeed, we will look forward to his next publication which is due to hit the book-shops soon: Design and the Digital Divide.
Access these presentations via the CARDI website.
Geralyn Ainsworth of the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust chaired the meeting and she was ably assisted by Frank Johnston of the Volunteer Now team. Amongst those represented were the Healthy Ageing Strategic Partnership (HASP), the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, North Belfast Senior Citizens Forum and, of course, Advice NI.