While meant for graduate students of health science disciplines and professionals working in public health, this course is also useful for the layperson and anyone interested in the art and science of professional public engagement. It consists of five lectures covering the topics of:
(1) The current divisive landscape of public communication in health and health care: the COVID-19 pandemic has changed health communication and raised the stakes.
(2) The traditional academic models of public communication, their advantages and disadvantages: standard models fail us in the new political reality.
(3) How to speak and write in so-called "plain language": it's not about "dumbing down" the language, but about understanding the message.
(4) The tools available to the modern communicator, including social media and newspaper op-ed articles: writing is still among the most important skills.
(5) How to prepare for TV and print interviews: media training isn't about dodging the question, but about message discipline, charm, and credibility.
The course is taught by a seasoned public health communicator with well over 2000 media interviews under his belt. Professor Deonandan is an award-winning scientist, teacher, writer, and public speaker. In this new era of continuous public health crisis and an ideologically divided population, it's important that professionals get used to crafting their message for the public eye.