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Successful Communication
Tool Kit -
Literacy and You
Communication Canada
May 2003
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2.0 Successful Written Communication
2.1 Preferred Means of Receiving Information
In the winter 2002 Communication Canada Literacy Survey, respondents with low literacy skills indicated a strong preference for written rather than verbal information from the Government of Canada.
As noted below, written information allows readers to assimilate the information at their own pace and to keep the information for future reference.
Preferred Means of Receiving Information from the Government of Canada
Do you prefer to receive written or verbal information?
- Written 66%
- Verbal 22%
- Both 10%
- Do not know 2%
Why do you prefer written information?
- More time to read 41%
- Easier to understand 27%
- Written proof 10%
Why do you prefer verbal information?
- Easier to understand 40%
- Problems reading 9%
- Possible to ask questions 8%
Source: Communication Canada, Towards Action: Issues and Challenges of
Communicating with Canadians with Low Literacy Skills, April 2003.
Canadians with low literacy skills would like to receive information in plain language, organized in such a way that they can easily find what they need. They want a step-by-step indication of how to obtain government services, although this is seen as less of a priority. They seek information centered on concrete solutions to their problems, with explanations based on examples drawn from their daily life.
Preferences Regarding Communication
Information Preferences (% having answered "most important")
- Plain language 36%
- Easy to find 28%
- Step-by-step 15%
- Solutions to problems 7%
- Specific examples 4%
* Numbers do not add up to 100 due to "Don't know" responses.
Source: Communication Canada, Towards Action: Issues and Challenges
of Communicating with Canadians with Low Literacy Skills, April 2003.
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