Public Health Communications Planning
In this three-part learning series, we’ll explore communications in public health.
Learners can expect to gain an understanding of communications planning basics in the first lesson, explore ways of incorporating data in communications in the second lesson, and finally, walk through steps to prepare for media interviews in the third lesson. Each lesson includes a video and corresponding activities can be completed by individual learners or in a group setting.
By the end of this series, learners will be able to:
- Understand key components of public health communications planning, including identifying audience, message, and purpose of communications.
- Develop a communications brief that generates deliverables.
- Translate data and other public health information in a way that is relevant to various audiences.
- Prepare for interviews and other conversations using a message box.
Featured Presenters
Ashley Voss
Creative Manager
Workforce Development Pathways Unit
UW Population Health Institute
Alan Talaga, MPH
Policy Systems & Environmental Change Training Lead
Workforce Development Pathways Unit
UW Population Health Institute
Interested in going deeper on communications?
Explore the public health communications learning series
Lesson 1
Basics of Planning
Time estimate: ~30-40 minutes (10-minute video, followed by 20-30 minutes for activities)
In Lesson 1, we will outline the key components of public health communications planning, including identifying audience, message, and purpose of communications. This foundational knowledge will inform the development of a communications brief that defines project processes and deliverables.
ACTIVITY
After watching the video component, download and complete the worksheet(s).
- The primary worksheet will walk you through the key components of developing a communications brief.
- The optional worksheet will assist you in identifying your primary audience.
Worksheet: Communications Brief
Worksheet: Primary Audience (optional)
Lesson 2
Using Data in Communications
Time estimate: ~35 minutes (13-minute video, followed by ~20 minutes for activity)
In Lesson 2, we will explore ways to translate data and other public health information in a way that is relevant to various audiences.
ACTIVITY
After watching the video component, download and complete the worksheet linked below. This exercise will walk you through the 27-9-3 method, which challenges you to use clear, concise language in order to reach your intended audience. It allows for easy repetition and lets the speaker control the message in order to shape the audience’s response.
Worksheet: 27-9-3 exercise
Lesson 3
Preparing for Interviews and Questions
Time estimate: ~30-40 minutes (11-minute video, followed by 20-30 minutes for activities)
In Lesson 3, we will step through considerations for reviewing an interview request and getting ready for an interview. This session will also introduce the message box tool as a method for framing your work and responses to potential questions based on your goals.
ACTIVITY
In this exercise, complete the message box worksheet to help prepare for an interview. Identify the overall problem or focus of your work, the specific issue you are working on, the benefits of working on this issue, potential solutions, and why your audience should care about these efforts.
(Optional) Interview Question Preparation
It can be helpful to spend a few minutes asking yourself some basic questions before preparing for an interview. If only one member of your team is going to be interviewed, answering these questions together can provide a way for the entire team to contribute their wisdom.
Interested in going deeper on communications?
Please reach out to UWPHI Training & Learning for more information or to request assistance.