Raising the Environmental Health Voice: A Universe of Communication Strategies, published by the National Environmental Health Association, 2024.
COMICS GROUP
Use this toolkit to advocate for the environmental health workforce and profession. It includes comics and factsheets to teach valuable communication skills so you can educate, inform, and persuade elected officials, leaders, and community members.
Simplifying Your Message
Talk to Decision Makers
Write an Elevator Pitch
Talk to the Media
Select the Perfect Image
Simplifying Your Message
COMICS GROUP
I am so NERVOUS for my talk tomorrow.
I be er look up what these Commissioners think about PFAS.
Oh WOW! One of these
Commissioners is a retired firefighter. I be er make sure I can explain the risk of PFAS to streams and lakes.
Hello. I am here today to talk to you about PFAS.
Oh! I shouldn ’ t use acronyms!
What are PFAS?
huh?!
PFAS are per and polyfluoroalkyl substances
PFAS are a group of chemicals used to make coatings and products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease, and water.
Oh! Now I get it!
They are “ forever chemicals. ” Like a ta oo, they are persistent and hard to remove.
But they're not fun like ta oos.
Last summer I worked with
a family whose li le baby Zozo had to go to the hospital because their water source was contaminated with PFAS
The parents were so upset to learn it was their own water that made li le Zozo sick.
Zozo's story is heartbreaking. And it's not the only one. That's why we need a PFAS policy this year.
Thank you for the data fact sheet, and for keeping your presentation short and relevant. I felt like I was talking with a close friend.
PFAS Fact Sheet GREAT IDEAS!
I had no idea PFAS were so important! Keep up the environmental health work!
Simplify Your Environmental Health Message Most people living in the U.S. are not able to interpret scientific information. Simplify your data and messages so decision-makers and your community can easily understand and use your information to make healthy decisions.
Know Before You Go KNOW your audience. Consider what their science literacy level may be, what is important to them, and what they may know (or not know) about your topic. KNOW your goal. Write down what you want your audience to think, feel, and do differently after they hear your message. Keep this top-of-mind when preparing your key message. KNOW your key message. Summarize the most important part of your message in 1-3 sentences. Include this at the start of your conversation or written message. Use 6th Grade Science Level Unless you know otherwise, assume your audience’s science literacy level is around 6th grade. A 6th grade science curriculum covers parts of a cell, human organs, plant ecosystem, water cycle, periodic table. Skip Acronyms In the world of environmental health, there are acronyms for most everything. But the more we use these shortcuts, the less clear our ideas are in simple English. Also avoid using technical terms. If you must, define them before you use them.
I be er look up what these Commissioners think about PFAS.
Oh WOW! One of these
Commissioners is a retired firefighter. I be er make sure I can explain the risk of PFAS to streams & lakes.
Harry Potter series is written at a 5th-6th grade reading level
54% of adults in the U.S. read below 6th grade reading level
PFAS are a group of chemicals used to make coatings and products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease, and water.
They are “ forever chemicals. ” Like a ta oo, they are persistent and hard to remove.
stains, grease, and water.
Keep It Shorter Than an Elevator Ride Try to keep your message shorter than an elevator ride to the 6th floor (with no stops). If you are communicating a longer message, focus on the BIG PICTURE. • Say the most important information first. • Stay focused to 3 main points and start with a strong hook.
%
message describes who, what, where, when, why, how message gives details, evidence, background message shares literature, references, methods
%
%
Show More Than Tell • The human brain processes images 60,000 times faster than text. Share images, tables, charts, or real-life examples to help make your message memorable. • Bring in a guest who has experienced a severe foodborne illness. Use examples of how food safety measures have saved lives, and when mistakes have cost lives. They are “ forever chemicals. ” • Use analogies and metaphors. Environmental health concepts can be hard to visualize. Compare your topic to something the audience is familiar with: “Much like a tattoo, PFAS are difficult to get rid of once they are in your body. They are considered ‘forever chemicals’.” Like a ta oo, they are persistent and hard to remove. Keep It Conversational A conversational tone is informal, inclusive, and easy to understand and will help you connect with your audience, earn their trust, and leave them with a memorable message. Use pronouns, such as “I,” “you,” and “we,” to keep your message conversational. After you have developed your message, give it to a nonscientist and see what they think.
PFAS are a group of chemicals used to make coatings and products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease, and water.
They are “ forever chemicals. ” Like a ta oo, they are persistent and hard to remove.
A fact sheet of the NEHA environmental health visibility toolkit and comic.
COMICS GROUP
CITY HALL
Tips for Talking to Decision-Makers
Oh! There's city council member Jojo who is voting on air quality. I want to talk to him about the air quality proposal.
What are my 3 H's? Head, heart, and health
Heart - why does it ma er?
Head - what is the topic?
Health- how does this impact the community?
Sure! Join me on the elevator to my next meeting.
Hello council member Jojo! I’ m Brix, an environmental health specialist. May I have a minute to talk to
you about the air quality proposal?
...
You caught my a ention Brix, I did not realize that this proposal would a ect my family. How will it impact the rest of the community?
I saw that your son plays football. This air quality proposal will decrease air pollution for outdoor athletics.
28
I am so glad you asked. Here is a factsheet outlining the health impacts and costs of the proposal.
About 50,000 more residents will have improved air quality. We also hope to decrease exposure to polluted air after wildfires by 50%.
Air Pollution Fact Sheet GREAT IDEAS!
Many members of our community love to be active outdoors. Improved air quality will benefit our entire state!
Thank you for this factsheet. This is a great visual. This proposal sounds very important but we have a tight budget this term. We are also very busy and understa ed.
Oh! That is not as expensive as I expected! Well this sounds great Brix, you answered all of my questions. My team will discuss this and get back to you.
No problem! A full breakdown of the cost, funding sources, and timeline is at the bo om of the fact sheet.
Thank you!
Air Pollution Fact Sheet GREAT IDEAS!
Talking to Decision-Makers Helping decision-makers understand why your work matters is imperative to boosting the impact of your environmental health work. Decision-makers are (usually) not scientists. This means it is up to you to translate your science into information that helps them integrate environmental health into policies, standards, and laws they write. What are my 3 H's? Head, heart, and health Oh! There's city council member Jojo who is voting on air quality. I want to talk to him about the air quality proposal. Heart - why does it ma er? Bring the 3 Hs! The 3 Hs hit the 3 main questions a decision-maker will ask – What is the topic? Why does it matter? How will it impact their constituents?
ic?
HEAD
HEART Heart - why does it ma er?
HEALTH
Head - what is the topic?
What is the topic?
What is the story and why does it matter?
How many people in a district are affected?
HEAD Give Them Paper impact the community?
Health- how does this impact the community?
Providing your message on paper helps address different learning styles, and makes sure the details are easily available. • Email them an outline of your message, presentation, and/or materials before your meeting • At the meeting, give them a hard copy of your materials • Keep it to just one piece of paper
Be Up Front About Money & Time • At the end of the day, decision-makers have to decide between many important topics to fund and support, so providing this information makes their job easier and hence more likely to be considered. • Talk about the cost, funding sources, and timeline of your proposal
HEALTH Provide Proof of Community Benefit Decision-makers must justify their actions to the community they represent. Describing the community benefit makes it easier for them to consider and represent the proposal. • Describe how the proposal will improve health in their community. • Provide 2-3 data points at or below 6th grade science comprehension level. important to them. Google them and review their social media profiles to learn about their values and activities. • Tell a real story of an individual impacted by your topic HEART Make It Personal Relating a topic to an individual’s life or values helps to elicit emotion, which makes your message more memorable. • Link your issue to what you know is personally
I saw that your son plays football. This air quality proposal will decrease air pollution for outdoor athletics.
28
About 50,000 more residents will have improved air quality.
We also hope to decrease exposure to polluted air after wildfires by 50% .
Air Pollution Fact Sheet GREAT IDEAS!
THANK THEM! A thank you note is more than polite, it is one more opportunity to get your message in front of them, packaged with everything they need to take the next steps. • Within 1-2 days, email to say thank you and provide a summary of your conversation, resources with more information, and the action steps discussed.
Oh! That is not as expensive as I expected! Well this sounds great Brix, you answered all of my questions. My team will discuss this and get back to you.
Thank you!
A fact sheet of the NEHA environmental health visibility toolkit and comic.
Elevator Pitch
DOWNTOWN
COMICS GROUP
ARRIVING SOON
I can ’ t believe we have been stuck on this train for 2 hours!!
I know! I am going to be so late for my meeting.
Wait you are the commissioner??
ARRIVAL 1 MIN
I need to fill them in on why my job
Yes, I am!
Oh amazing, the train is finally moving again. The next stop is mine.
ma ers before we reach their stop! I ’ m going to use the “ problem solution ” method.
I bet you couldn ’ t go to work, take care of your kids or even think about that potato salad!
Commissioner, have you ever had food poisoning?
I just had the worst food poisoning a couple weeks ago from some potato salad!
Grandma's Kitchen Sink Salad
My job in environmental health is to protect families like yours from contaminated food.
In the past year I have inspected over 150 restaurants across the county!
We make sure you can enjoy your favorite restaurants without worrying if you will get sick.
Thank you for your work. This is my stop but I will help support the
environmental health work -
force after that pitch!
That went so well! Wait... is that the mayor?! Another decision maker to persuade!
Should I use the “ emotional ” method? That might bring him to tears. I ’ ll use the “ fool-proof ” method instead.
Hello, please do. I ’ m Boogie. I direct the environmental health department at Metropolis Health.
Nice to meet you! What do you do there?
Hello! Do you mind if I sit next to you?
I am an environmental
health professional. I keep people from ge ing really sick and even dying.
Over the past 5 years I have inspected more than 300 restaurants.
That ’ s why we need you to keep funding the Metropolis environmental health department.
That makes a lot of sense. I will see what I can do!
That was great use of the di erent methods to convey my message. And to pass time on this train ride!
Writing an Elevator Pitch An elevator pitch is a short, 30-second speech to introduce a topic. The goal is to quickly capture your listener’s attention and get your message across clearly. An elevator pitch is useful to persuade decision-makers, elected officials, and partners. It can be used to network, in a job interview, or to pitch an idea. There are different elevator pitch formats. Whichever one you choose, keep it short! Here are our favorites: The Problem Solution Method
I bet you couldn ’ t go to work, take care of your kids or even think about that potato salad! Explain how you do it Example: Over the past year I have conducted health and safety inspections in 150 restaurants across the Twin Cities. Grandma's Kitchen Sink Salad
Commissioner, have you ever had food poisoning?
I just had the worst food poisoning a couple weeks ago from some potato salad!
Say that you (yes, you!) can solve that problem Example: My job as an environmental health inspector is to protect our community from dangerous foodborne illnesses.
Explain who you are and what you do
Highlight the positive outcome of your work Example: I have helped prevent foodborne disease spread and contamination in over 15 counties.
Grab your listeners attention with a common industry problem Example: Has anyone here had food poisoning? Maybe you can't go to work, take care of your kids, or even think about food. Getting a foodborne illness causes a lot of disruptions to everyday life, and in severe cases, may be fatal.
My job in environmental health is to protect families like yours from contaminated food.
Example: My goal as an environmental health inspector is to make sure that your favorite restaurant can continue to serve you the food you love, while keeping you safe and healthy.
In the past year I have inspected over 150 restaurants across the county!
We make sure you can enjoy your favorite restaurants without worrying if you will get sick.
Thank you for your work. This is my stop but I will help
The Fool-Proof Method
That went so well! Wait... is that the mayor?! Another decision maker to persuade!
Should I use the “ emotional ” method? That might bring him to tears. I ’ ll use the “ fool-proof ” method instead.
What do you do? Example: Our department helps protect community members from dangerous environmental conditions, such as contaminated water and food, air pollution, toxic waste, and climate change.
Explain how you do it Example: Over the past 5 years I have lead a project to test the quality of drinking water. We have successfully tested the water in 15 counties and increased access to clean drinking water for over 3,000 individuals.
Introduce yourself Example: I’m Cassie Lee, director of the environmental health department at Metropolis Health.
Why does your work matter? Example: My work as an environmental health professional is important because I protect our community from disease and hazardous environmental conditions.
Call to action Example: As our city grows, the strategies to maintain a safe environment change as well. I am asking you to fund Metropolis Health’s environmental health department to protect our community and keep our environment safe.
Hello, please do. I ’ m Boogie. I direct the environmental health department at Metropolis Health.
Nice to meet you! What do you do there?
Hello! Do you mind if I sit next to you?
ell! at ?! n de!
Should I use the “ emotional ” method? That might bring him to tears. I ’ ll use the “ fool-proof ” method instead.
lease do. ie. I direct onmental partment at is Health.
Nice to meet you! What do you do there? health professional. I keep people from ge ing really sick and even dying. I am an environmental
A fact sheet of the NEHA environmental health visibility toolkit and comic.
COMICS GROUP
Oh wow, the Daily Orbit wants
to interview me about the factory chemical leak! We have to reply right away to make sure they get the story right.
First stop, Public Information O ce!
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE
Hey Gizmo, what ’ s up? Everything OK?
The newspaper wants to interview me today about the factory chemical leak!
You came to the right place! Let's practice.
I picked 3 main messages, but I ’ m worried they will ask me something I don ’ t know!
Don ’ t worry. Always stick to your three messages. If you don ’ t know the answer, you can say you don ’ t know.
Lets practice. I ’ ll be the reporter. “ How will this chemical spill impact the community? ”
Umm … hmmm... eheh....
Remember it ’ s ok to “ take 2 ” if you get lost or flustered. You can always restart a sentence to get your facts right. Let ’ s try it again. Take 2!
Later, at the interview
Hello Gizmo! Thank you for talking with us about the chemical spill.
Why wasn't the leak contained earlier??
PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICE
PUBLIC
I can ’ t speculate about what happened, but what we do know is that the spill is fully contained.
But what would have happened if it wasn ’ t?? PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICE
PUBLI HEALT OFFIC
Stick to message #1...
Fortunately, it was contained quickly and easily neutralized to decrease risk to the public.
Alright! Thank you for talking with us Gizmo! PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICE
PUBL HEAL OFFIC
PUBLIC
Talking to the Media Talking to the media can help get environmental health messages of health, safety, and equity to your community. Input from experts like you raises the visibility of the expertise of environmental health professionals. Here are some tips on how to talk to the media. If you have a public information office, contact them before responding to the inter - view request. They can help screen the reporter, help you formulate your message, and help you practice it. Umm … hmmm... eheh.... Lets practice. I ’ ll be the reporter. “ How will this chemical spill impact the community? ” Don ’ t worry. Always stick to your three messages. If you don ’ t know the answer, you can say you don ’ t know. I picked 3 main messages, but I ’ m worried they will ask me something I don ’ t know!
Be #1 News moves fast. If you want to be included in the narrative, respond promptly. The more you do, the more likely reporters will come to you in the future.
Take 2 During the interview, if you get flustered, lost, or confused... pause, gather your thoughts, ask clarifying questions, and answer clearly. It’s ok to stop and start again. Remember it ’ s ok to “ take 2 ” if you get lost or flustered. You can always restart a sentence to get your facts right. Let ’ s try it again. Take 2!
Oh wow, the Daily Orbit wants
to interview me about the factory chemical leak! We have to reply right away to make sure they get the story right.
Use these phrases as an alternative to “I don’t know”:
I don ’ t have the answer at my fingertips, can I get back to you on that question?
First stop, Public Information O ce!
I don ’ t know about that;
what I do know is …
Interview your interviewer. Ask them the purpose of the story, the audience, and then schedule a time for an interview.
I ’ m sorry, that ’ s outside my area of expertise.
That isn ’ t something I focus on, but (colleague ’ s name) might be a good person to talk to.
I picked 3 main messages, but I ’ m worried they will ask me something I don ’ t know!
I am not the right person to answer that question at this moment.
Don ’ t worry. Always stick to your three messages. If you don ’ t know the answer, you can say you don ’ t know.
The interview doesn’t stop when the recorder is off. Anything said to a reporter can be reported.
Lets practice. I ’ ll be the reporter. “ How will this chemical spill impact the community? ”
Umm … hmmm... eheh....
You Pick 3 Before meeting with the reporter, decide on your 3 main messages – only 3! Write these out as you would say them to a friend. Use short, simple sentences. Write down questions you think a neighbor might ask, then practice answering them out loud, referring to your 3 main messages. Speak slowly, clearly, and concisely. But what would have happened if it wasn ’ t?? PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICE Address the big picture problem and why it matters in your message.
PUBLIC
can ’ t speculate about hat happened, but what e do know is that the pill is fully contained.
PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICE
Stick to message #1...
Fortunately, was contained quickly and easily neutralized to decrease risk to the public.
Alright! Thank you for talking with us Gizmo!
PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICE
Stuck? Use these useful bridging phrases PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICE
PUBLIC
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE
What's important to remember is...
Let me put that in perspective...
What your viewers/listeners need to know is...
I think what you're really asking is...
A fact sheet of the NEHA environmental health visibility toolkit and comic.
COMICS GROUP
Tips for Selecting Images
Galleria De Grandeur
Wowww...
Welcome in! Let me show you to our gallery.
Hello! I am here to select some pictures for my environmental health presentation.
Wowww...
What about this?
What type of picture are you looking for?
I need a picture of clean water.
That looks great, but I need an image that is very relevant. It needs to support my main message of clean drinking water.
What about this?
That is so blurry! I can ’ t use that. Do you have a higher
resolution? I need it to be professional.
That looks be er but I would love to have a monster in it so it is relatable.
Of course, what about this one?
Ah! I have just the thing!
Beautiful!
Oh wait! What about that one? I want everyone in my community to see themselves in this image.
Ah that ’ s my favorite one. It ’ s perfect! It ’ s yours!
Gizmo's water quality presentation was a success thanks to his carefully selected images!
Water Safety
...
Selecting Images Effective use of images is a great way to communicate your message. Our brain processes visuals 60,000 times faster than text. If you removed all of the text in your message, what story would your images tell? When picking an image, think of
Quality
Representation
Relatability
Relevance
Quality
• Make sure you have the rights to the image you are using. • Choose an appropriate image size for the platform you are using. • Website and social media images should be at least 800 x 1,000 pixels. • Use high resolution, nonblurry images without watermarks to increase credibility and professionalism. • Online images should be greater than 72 dpi (dots per inch). • Printed images should be greater than 300 dpi. • Choose the correct format: • JPEGs are good for photographs • PNGs or vector files are good for illustrations and logos • Stock photos are high quality but can be generic and impersonal. Use them sparingly.
Relatability
• Use humans! Real people help audience members identify with your message. • Use of people illustrates how environmental health directly impacts your audience. • Use sensory images that make the viewer feel, taste, hear, or smell something.
• Get to know your audience and pick images that include familiar elements to them. • You will become easier to remember and more trusted.
Representation
Make It Personal • Exhibit diverse representation (gender, race, income level, cultures, etc.) within your target audience.
• Work with community leaders from your population of focus to ensure the images are culturally appropriate and inclusive. • Choose images with people in ordinary settings and wearing modern, common clothing. • Make images accessible to non-English speakers and people with disabilities. Include alternative text to describe the image.
Relevance
• Pick images that reinforce your main message and purpose. • Too many irrelevant images are overwhelming. • Choose a visual that fits your brand’s theme. • Include your departments logos, colors, name, or link to your website.
• What is your “big picture.” • What image do you want your reader to be drawn to first? Make that picture the biggest. • Align you biggest image with your main message.
A fact sheet of the NEHA environmental health visibility toolkit and comic.
Learn more!
National Environmental Health Association 720 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite 105A Denver, CO 80246-1910
Contact
303.802.2200 support@neha.org www.neha.org
neha.org/workforce-outreach-toolkit
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40Powered by FlippingBook