308.701.98
Media Interviews and Applied Public Health Communications

Location
Barcelona, Spain
Term
2nd Term
Department
Health Policy and Management
Credit(s)
3
Academic Year
2023 - 2024
Instruction Method
In-person
Start Date
Thursday, November 16, 2023
End Date
Saturday, November 18, 2023
Class Time(s)
Th, F, Sa, 8:30am - 6:00pm
Auditors Allowed
No
Available to Undergraduate
No
Grading Restriction
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Course Instructor(s)
Meghan McGinty
Contact Name
Judith L Holzer
Frequency Schedule
One Year Only
Next Offered
Only offered in 2023
Prerequisite
Description
Public health professionals are often tasked with communicating with the news media and giving presentations to a wide variety of stakeholders. This may be during an emergency situation, or to explain research and advocate for policies. Whether you are giving a presentation to a small group of colleagues or appearing on CNN, skills for effectively presenting information will inevitably come in handy during your career. This course offers practical exercises to help you be more confident, poised and prepared for public speaking. In this course, you will learn from real-life examples—both good and bad—and develop your own presentation skills during on-camera exercises.
Enhances skills to construct and deliver oral presentations with clarity and impact. Provides techniques and guidelines to increase your effectiveness in translating public health information to various audiences, as well as communicating through the news media during both crisis and non-crisis situations. Covers topics including basics of effective presentations, non-verbal communications, case studies, giving an interview, preparing talking points, advocacy and the news media, and communicating in a public health emergency. Reviews videotapes of news coverage and participates as spokespersons in on-camera simulation exercises.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  1. Discuss the challenges involved in communicating health information to the media and other stakeholders
  2. Explain the news media’s role in and perspective on health and risk communication
  3. Describe techniques to improve a spokesperson’s effectiveness in both crisis and non-crisis communication
  4. Prepare talking points for news media interviews and other presentations
  5. Demonstrate strategies for effectively communicating information
Methods of Assessment
This course is evaluated as follows:
  • 25% Participation
  • 25% In-class Exercises
  • 20% Assignments
  • 30% Final Presentation
Enrollment Restriction
Interdivisional and undergraduate registrations not permitted in this section
Instructor Consent
Consent required for all students
Consent Note
All students must obtain permission to register to confirm intent to travel to Spain for the class
Consent Contact
judith.holzer@jhu.edu
Special Comments

This course will be offered in Barcelona, Spain. Students must attend in person; no virtual or hybrid registration options will be available. Students must complete readings prior to the first class session.