Keeping your work short, simple, and informative
Welcome to Farr North Communications. My mission is to help you effectively communicate your important technical and complex work to Alaskans. I can help you write an executive summary, draft technical reports, develop webpage text, pamphlets, presentations, and more. I specialize in the environmental and public health sciences, as well as energy issues. I have ten years of experience transforming the technical text of science journal articles and government regulations into complete, succinct, and readable summaries for the public.
My process for public communications is straightforward. Working with researchers and authors, I identify within a work what is important to Alaskan’s every day lives. I then focus on those points in my communications. I use a direct style of writing. I also believe the use of a well placed metaphor greatly enhances the chances the document will be read.
I work with two principles in mind:
1. Your work, research, and ideas are important. In order for you to make a difference, your work must be communicated and understood by the public. If your work is not understood, then all the time and resources put into the effort are wasted.
2. I believe good public communication, and good writing in general, is accomplished by keeping text short, the language straight forward, and the message clear. Where this might require simplifying complex ideas, it is not the same as “dumbing down” your work. People are not stupid; they are overwhelmed. For your work to be noticed, a simple and clear message is needed.
I am a lifelong Alaskan. My experience and education has given me unique insight into how state and national environmental, health, and energy policy impact Alaskans. Put this experience to work for you. Thank you for your consideration.
