Message Strategies

This week we examined issues of framing a message(i.e., fear or humor) and branding.

At times I wish there was more time dedicated to lecturing or collectively exploring the new ideas presented rather than presentations. I know that this is a health communications course and that we need time to practice and hone our skills but sometimes focusing more on the content of the course would be appreciated. There have been weeks when the student presentations are nicely integrated with the course material so some of what we need to know is covered in that way but sometimes this doesn't happen as much.

I like that for framing the message, it was emphasized that we need to think of our audience and what's in it for them, or why is it important to them. As public health professionals (or soon to be...) it seems apparent to us why someone would want to eat more healthily, but we cannot make the assumption that our reasons would be considered "pay offs" to our public. We need to shift the focus from us to the audience. Again this sorta a "oh yea, duh!" moment but it needs to be repeated and specifically pointed out since it is so easy for us to forget this.

Speaking of framing the message, I think the examples pulled from the reading were very strong in highlighting how framing can crucially change the way a message is read or perceived. The reading was dense (did anyone really read the equations or did your eyes just kinda glaze over?) but these examples really illustrated the point the article, and the class, has made. When we create our message ideas, we'll really need to consider the idea of lose vs. gain and what will be most effective for our target populations (once we figure that one out....). At this point I would think "risks", fear and the idea of lose will be most effective but we shall see! On the same hand, I think we can combine humor and fear (i.e., excessive throwing up and diarrhea - they're probably afraid of that happening, but we can get the message across in a humours way; or Lynn's idea of the exploding heart. It's funny but hits at a fearful idea: your heart exploding (figuratively) due to too much EDs).

As for the issue of branding, I still haven't had any light bulb moments for that one though I'm still trying to think of something clever. I think we were pretty productive during group time and thank you to everyone for your responsiveness to all the emails. I can't believe we have to re-interview and re-segment but I think this time around we have a better idea of who we need to interview and what we need to know from them. Hopefully after we re-segment them, we will have a clearer picture of our two audiences so we can come prepared to class after break with message ideas. (Don't forget to send me your interviews my Wednesday afternoon.)

Have a great spring break!