When educating the public, it is often not sufficient to just give out information. INTERPRETATION can be described as the art of relating information to the personalities and experiences of the audience, revealing a larger truth that lies behind any statement of fact. The chief aim of interpretation is not instruction, but provocation.

There are four fundamental components of successful interpretation. The most important of these is you, the INTERPRETER. Your own knowledge, experiences and abilities provide the foundation for the message that you are trying to present. For this reason, it is important that you have a true understanding of what you are trying to accomplish, and why. Remember that many of your divers and snorkelers will be from out of town. Their knowledge about the area, coral reef ecosystems, and perhaps even diving itself may be very limited. They will be looking to you, the local expert, for information and advice. The better you equip yourself with knowledge and first-hand experience, the more effective you will be.

The second component is your AUDIENCE. Before you start your presentation, you should evaluate your audience. How many people are you addressing? Of what age? Do they seem competent? Are they paying attention to you? The answers to all such questions will allow you to relate to your audience so that you may best tailor an individual approach. The key point here is flexibility. While the information that you are presenting may not change from one group to the next, your audience will be different every time. Use this to your advantage so that you may have maximum impact. Customize your presentation for each specific trip based on the makeup of the group, the amount of time you will have available to talk, the weather and sea conditions, etc.

The INFORMATION to be given out is the third component of successful interpretation. Visitors to the Keys are generally concerned and caring when it comes to the preservation of our natural resources. Thanks to popular media like cable television and the internet, many divers and snorkelers are becoming increasingly experienced and knowledgeable about environmental issues. The information that you give them should be interesting and appropriate, while supporting the overall goal of encouraging the safe and proper use and enjoyment of the Keys’ marine resources.

What you tell them should not, in and of itself, be your only concern. How you give out that information is equally important. There are numerous interpretive METHODS and techniques available to you. Referring to printed materials, relating personal stories and demonstration by your own actions are some of the tools that you can use to get your message to your audience. The key to being successful is to combine all of these fundamental components into a presentation that not only informs, but also provokes positive behavior.

Regardless of your audience, it is vital that you maintain a demeanor of COURTESY and RESPECT with them. Your body posture, the tone of your voice, the words that you use, must all convey an ATTITUDE of professionalism and pleasantness. This can be challenging at times, since not everyone may welcome your message with equal exuberance. The important thing to remember is why you are addressing them.

The divers and snorkelers with whom you will be interacting have come to you to ENJOY the unique marine resources that the Keys has to offer. This is to be encouraged, combined with responsible behavior that will PROTECT and PRESERVE the resources for future generations, as well as promote PUBLIC SAFETY.