Message Development News

Making the Most of Awareness Days

December 2011—What’s the fastest way to kill your pitch?  Start it by saying “I’m calling because next month is National Fill-in-the-Blank Month!” So, when your organization’s favorite month rolls around, be sure to base your media approach in the same rules of communication that are in force the other 11 months of the year. 

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Why Higher-Quality Healthcare Depends on Effective Communications

November 2010—Healthcare reform has dominated headlines for the better part of a year, but one particular component of reform has received somewhat less attention: comparative effectiveness research (CER). 

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Healthcare Reform: What Now for Communicators?

July 2010—Since the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act almost five months ago, many of us have been focused on the complicated question of how the healthcare reform law will roll-out.

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How to Stop Herding Cats and Build Consensus Among Your Coalition

January 2010—If you have ever been a part of a coalition, then you know what a unique and meaningful experience it can be. United by a common cause, coalitions can be remarkably effective advancing a particular issue. Take these four proven steps to develop clear, strong messages that member organizations will stand behind.

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Pitching the Full Package

January 2009—Ongoing advances within multimedia have created a shift in the art of public relations. Today’s reporters want PR practitioners to offer more than the basic: who, what, where… Rather, they challenge us to drill down on the underlying issues, explore what isn’t being said, and state the real impact of the issue. And in many cases, reporters want it to work across print, digital and broadcast mediums.

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Enhance Your Visibility Online By Blogging

May 2008—Because more people are utilizing the Internet to access information about health issues, nearly all organizations incorporate digital components into their communication efforts. By tapping into new technologies available, organizations are finding boundless possibilities with limitless budgets. However, several cost-effective and meaningful "digital tactics" still exist that are worth considering.

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