PR: Truth and Consequences

My computer and I had a paragraph written here and I lost it. So, I'm going to have to finish this up tomorrow. But, as a sneak preview. This clip is from one of the best television series, "The Wire". This show went strong for 5 seasons and the last season which aired this month exposures the media for what it is worth. As we learn, PR plays an important role in politics and the publics who have impact on organizations and other institutions. The job of PR is to tell the truth and not manufacture it. But, with the PR tools that include news releases and pitch letters, we learn how not to make the truth dull but exciting. If you are a big fan of the Wire, you know exactly what I'm talking about. For those of you don't, stay tuned. I have something on NPR to share with you this weekend.

You Control Your Choice for All of the "Wrong" Reasons

After reviewing everyone's comments, I agree with a lot of what has been said. I concur with Emily and Dalila in that "wrong" reason health promotion is actually for all of the right reasons. Changing health behaviors is the bottom line as long as no one gets hurt - no harm, no foul. I thought the psychology of choice was pretty powerful. At first, when I read the article, I was really confused. But, after lecture, it made more sense. Presenting choice in a way that empowers people to make a decision in which there is something to gain and not a lot to lose can make a big difference. It's difficult to frame a message when it's so easy to think you have all the answers. But, as Noni added, the frame of reference can make all of the difference in the world. Delivering the message in such a way where it makes the audience think/feel/do what you want is priceless when it's something that can literally change a person's life and save it in the process. I just have to add that I only regret not knowing more of this earlier in life. While we've learned so much already, I imagine that we've only touched the tip of the iceberg. Health communication is a powerful tool that can be used in so many ways. It's pretty exciting stuff.

Put it in writing?

agree with the other ladies. Health literacy is a problem that needs a solution. I had this conversation with a colleague of mine today. Her father recently passed away and she and her mother were having so much difficulty trying to understand all of the forms they had to fill out so her mother could receive Veteran's Affairs' Benefits. Things were so complex with unfamiliar terms that they went to a specialist to help them decipher the forms. I consider my colleague to be an intelligent person. But, it just proves the point that low literacy doesn't mean unintelligent. I was more convinced of this after watching the videos yesterday. It is frustrating to realize how much of problem health literacy is: I struggle with it at times and I can only imagine how others struggle. I think a picture is worth a thousand words and people should incorporate pictures into more products to get their message across. I think transcreation is a great idea and it is the direction we need to go if we want to see the current situation improve. Less is often more. And, I'm working on it :)