Communicating Assessments with Impact: Insights from the Scientific Community

Assessments analysts are extensively trained in the application of analytic techniques, but less time is spent equipping them with the tools needed to communicate their assessments effectively. Great pains can be taken to frame, research, and answer an assessment question, but that effort is wasted if the message isn’t heard and embraced by decision makers. An analogous challenge is experienced in the scientific community, where researchers are traditionally trained in methodological rigor rather than impactful communication. Acknowledging this, the scientific community has undertaken a concerted effort to develop and implement evidence-based strategies to communicate its findings with impact. This article draws insights from the field of science communication to suggest a pathway towards evidence-based communication strategies for assessments agencies, a crucial undertaking to ensure that assessments faithfully and impactfully carry their intended assessment lines to decision makers, in support of national security.