3 practices for public health communicators

Clear, succinct, empathetic language is vital for those in this arena. Special handling is called for when medical advisories conflict, as in the case of flu shots for pregnant women. What, then?

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In addition to effectively disseminating information to the public, they have to be mindful of messaging guidelines within the workplace and beyond.

External communication tips

One key thing a public administrator can do when working with the public is to practice active listening. When meeting with community leaders and residents, administrators should demonstrate comprehension, processing of nonverbal cues, and the ability to restate key issues while responding to feedback. The importance of community buy-in cannot be overstated, as the success of programs relies on securing widespread support.

Administrators should always make themselves available for input via email, social media and public gatherings. Public administrators must ensure that mass messaging is critically analyzed and tailored to the particular purpose, context and audience. Messaging should be articulate, focused and cognizant of diversity.

Internal communication strategies

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