True or False: Good risk communication will tailor the message to a specific audience.

Good risk communication is indeed designed to tailor messages specifically to the characteristics, needs, and concerns of a particular audience. This is essential because different audiences have varying levels of understanding, knowledge, and cultural backgrounds that can affect how they perceive and respond to messages about risk.

When communication is tailored, it not only takes into account the audience’s existing knowledge and attitudes but also their preferred communication channels and styles. By doing this, the message can become more relatable and actionable, facilitating better understanding and engagement with the content being presented. This targeted approach helps to ensure that information is conveyed effectively, leading to improved decision-making and compliance with recommended actions.

In contrast, a generic risk message could be too complex, or overly simplified, failing to resonate with the audience, which could result in misunderstanding or apathy towards important health and safety messages. Thus, tailoring risk communication is a best practice in effectively managing risks, especially in the context of transboundary emerging and exotic animal diseases, where public awareness and response are crucial.