subject: On Message with Health Public Relations [print this page] On Message with Health Public Relations On Message with Health Public Relations
With health and healthcare consistently in the center of discussions, health public relations efforts are increasingly important. Health public relations allows those in the health industry to manage these conversations. Global pharmaceutical companies, healthcare providers and government agencies already have public relations efforts happening, this is only a matter of taking control of the public relations.
Ever noticed how when politicians are asked about hard-hitting issues, they are able to relate it back to one of their own issues. Questions about gas prices and funding all seem to link back to healthcare. These politicians are using strategic messaging. They want to get their messages on healthcare across and with the right message points, they can do so seamlessly. To start, it is vital to define these key message points. Message points should be written to provide your audience with the information you would like them to have. This is not the information that the media thinks they should have. Make sure that the messages sound conversational and candid. It shouldn't sound like you are reading from a teleprompter. You should be prepared to offer a broad view of your topic as well as more narrowed perspectives. Once you have your message points, practice using them. Do several test runs so that the messages come across naturally. Through properly utilizing messaging, health public relations is more effective.
Now that strategic messaging is in place, Health Public Relations is not only being measured by how much publicity is obtained, but if the publicity is on message. All too often, clients focus in on getting coverage for their company or organization. They want top-tier media constantly writing about their every move. This kind of optimal coverage will actually do nothing for a company or organization if it is not on message. Consider some of the top headlines you saw today or some of the advertisements you were exposed to. What can you really say about these companies and organizations? Are you able to provide some specific information regarding each one, or do you just remember that their spokesperson made you chuckle to yourself? Strategic messaging is designed to make sure that your audience has takeaway points and valid information about your health related company or organization.
Health and healthcare will continue to be central issues. Having targeted strategic messages will ensure that your health public relations efforts are not only received, but valued. Being on message with health public relations makes those efforts more proficient and provide more worth to those in the health industry.
