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Visual Media for Effective Healthcare Communication

Dr. Jonathan S Berek and Dr. Seema Yasmin

This course from the Stanford Center for Health Education (SCHE) will explore media as a domain to effectively communicate with stakeholders.

You’ll gain strategies and techniques to enhance your verbal and nonverbal presentation skills, and discover effective methods to align your message with your audience. You’ll also learn how best to leverage storytelling, visual aids, and multimedia to create more compelling and engaging methods of communication.

Read more

This course from the Stanford Center for Health Education (SCHE) will explore media as a domain to effectively communicate with stakeholders.

You’ll gain strategies and techniques to enhance your verbal and nonverbal presentation skills, and discover effective methods to align your message with your audience. You’ll also learn how best to leverage storytelling, visual aids, and multimedia to create more compelling and engaging methods of communication.

Additionally, the course focuses on interacting with stakeholders within the media to create and deliver a strong message. You’ll learn how to identify your own cohesive communication objective and work closely with the media to speak to lay audiences in a way that is understandable and compelling.

What you'll learn

  • Presentation skills and communication techniques using visual media.

  • Strategies for engaging with the media.

  • Visual presentation strategies to engage effectively with your audience.

  • Tools to create and deliver strong messages using social media and storytelling.

Enroll now

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores techniques to effectively communicate with stakeholders through media, which professionals use to interact with their audience
Provides strategies to improve verbal and nonverbal presentation skills, which are essential for confident and engaging communication
Teaches how to align messages with target audience, which aids in creating effective communication
Develops skills in leveraging storytelling, visual aids, and multimedia to enhance communication impact, which contributes to audience engagement
Focuses on interacting with stakeholders within the media to deliver compelling messages, which aligns with professional communication
Helps define communication objectives to communicate effectively with media stakeholders, which caters to professional communication
Offers guidance on how to work with the media to present information to laypeople, which enhances professional communication

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Reviews summary

Effective visual communication for healthcare professionals

According to learners, this course is a highly practical and relevant resource for professionals seeking to enhance their communication in the healthcare sector. Students frequently praise its focus on mastering presentation skills, particularly through the effective use of visual media and compelling storytelling. Many find the strategies for engaging with diverse audiences and interacting with the media to be exceptionally valuable, equipping them with tools to deliver strong, clear messages. The content is generally considered well-structured and easy to follow, making complex topics accessible for those in demanding roles. While providing a solid foundational understanding, some learners suggest that more advanced or specific technical aspects could be explored in greater depth, but overall, it's a powerful course for its intended audience.
Course content is well-organized and easy to navigate.
"The modules were logically structured, making it easy to absorb the content even with a busy schedule."
"I found the course flowed very well from one topic to the next, building knowledge progressively."
"The clear organization of the course material helped me stay on track and grasp complex concepts with ease."
Provides strong guidance on interacting with the media.
"The section on engaging with the media was particularly insightful and boosted my confidence in public-facing roles."
"I now feel better prepared to work with journalists to deliver clear and strong health messages."
"Understanding how to create and deliver a strong message within the media domain was a key takeaway for me."
Significantly improves verbal and nonverbal presentation.
"My presentation skills have genuinely improved, especially in how I structure and deliver visual information."
"The techniques for enhancing verbal and nonverbal communication were practical and easy to integrate."
"I learned powerful strategies to make my presentations more engaging and impactful using visuals."
Delivers strategies directly applicable to healthcare communication.
"I can immediately apply these strategies to my daily work in public health communication."
"The practical tools provided are invaluable for communicating complex health information effectively to lay audiences."
"This course directly enhanced my ability to create clear and compelling messages in a professional healthcare setting."
Good foundation, but some desire more advanced topics.
"For a beginner in healthcare communication, the course provides an excellent foundation. I'd love a follow-up for advanced techniques."
"I felt some sections could have gone deeper into specific technical applications of visual media."
"While comprehensive for its scope, intermediate learners might seek more specialized content or case studies."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Visual Media for Effective Healthcare Communication with these activities:
Review basic storytelling techniques
Ensure that you have a solid foundation in storytelling by reviewing some of its core principles.
Browse courses on Storytelling Techniques
Show steps
  • Research various storytelling techniques.
  • Practice telling stories.
Read 'Speaking in Public' by Stephen Lucas
Reinforce the strategies and techniques you learn in this course by reading a seminal work on the topic of public speaking.
Show steps
  • Purchase the book.
  • Set aside time each day to read the book.
  • Take notes as you read.
  • Complete the book.
Organize study sessions with classmates
Deepen your understanding of the course material and presentation techniques through peer-led discussions.
Browse courses on Communication Techniques
Show steps
  • Contact classmates and ask them if they're interested in participating in study sessions.
  • Schedule regular study sessions.
  • At each study session, discuss the course material and practice presentation techniques.
Two other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all five activities
Craft a presentation on a topic of your choice
Test your understanding of the concepts and techniques taught in this course by creating a presentation of your own.
Browse courses on Presentation Skills
Show steps
  • Brainstorm a list of potential topics.
  • Research your topic and gather information.
  • Develop an outline for your presentation.
  • Create visual aids to support your presentation.
  • Practice delivering your presentation.
Develop a social media campaign to promote a healthcare initiative
Demonstrate your understanding of the power of social media by creating a campaign for a healthcare cause you care about.
Browse courses on Social Media Marketing
Show steps
  • Identify a healthcare initiative that you're passionate about.
  • Research the target audience for your campaign.
  • Develop a social media strategy.
  • Create engaging content for your campaign.
  • Track the results of your campaign and make adjustments as needed.

Career center

Learners who complete Visual Media for Effective Healthcare Communication will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Healthcare Consultant
Healthcare Consultants provide advice to healthcare organizations on a variety of business and operational issues. This course may be particularly useful for Healthcare Consultants as it provides strategies and techniques for engaging with the media.
See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare Consultant
Health Promotion Specialist
Health Promotion Specialists develop and implement programs to promote healthy behaviors and prevent disease. This course may be particularly useful for Health Promotion Specialists as it provides strategies and techniques for engaging with the media.
See salaries and explore the career path for Health Promotion Specialist
Public relations manager
Public Relations Managers develop and implement public relations campaigns for organizations. This course may be particularly useful for Public Relations Managers as it provides strategies and techniques for engaging with the media.
See salaries and explore the career path for Public relations manager
Public Health Educator
Public Health Educators develop and implement educational programs to promote healthy behaviors and prevent disease. This course may be particularly useful for Public Health Educators as it provides strategies and techniques for engaging with the media.
See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Educator
Communications Director
Communications Directors oversee all aspects of an organization's communication strategy. This course may be particularly useful for Communications Directors as it provides strategies and techniques for engaging with the media.
See salaries and explore the career path for Communications Director
Science Communicator
Science Communicators translate complex scientific information into easy-to-understand language for the public. This course may be particularly useful for Science Communicators as it focuses on interacting with stakeholders within the media to create and deliver a strong message.
See salaries and explore the career path for Science Communicator
Clinical Research Coordinator
Clinical Research Coordinators manage clinical trials and research studies. This course may be useful for Clinical Research Coordinators as it provides strategies and techniques for enhancing verbal and nonverbal presentation skills, and discovering effective methods to align your message with your audience.
See salaries and explore the career path for Clinical Research Coordinator
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers develop and implement marketing campaigns for organizations. This course may be useful for Marketing Managers as it provides strategies and techniques for enhancing verbal and nonverbal presentation skills, and discovering effective methods to align your message with your audience.
See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager
Health Communications Manager
A Health Communications Manager is responsible for creating and executing communication strategies for healthcare organizations. This course may be useful for Health Communications Managers as it provides strategies and techniques for enhancing verbal and nonverbal presentation skills, and discovering effective methods to align your message with your audience.
See salaries and explore the career path for Health Communications Manager
CEO
CEOs are responsible for the overall direction and operation of an organization. This course may be useful for CEOs as it provides strategies and techniques for enhancing verbal and nonverbal presentation skills, and discovering effective methods to align your message with your audience.
See salaries and explore the career path for CEO
Medical Writer
Medical Writers create and edit written content for a variety of healthcare audiences. This course may be useful for Medical Writers because it provides strategies and techniques for enhancing verbal and nonverbal presentation skills, and discovering effective methods to align your message with your audience.
See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Writer
Patient Educator
Patient Educators provide information and support to patients and their families about their medical conditions. This course may be useful for Patient Educators as it provides strategies and techniques for enhancing verbal and nonverbal presentation skills, and discovering effective methods to align your message with your audience.
See salaries and explore the career path for Patient Educator
Health Policy Analyst
Health Policy Analysts research and analyze health policy issues. This course may be useful for Health Policy Analysts as it provides strategies and techniques for enhancing verbal and nonverbal presentation skills, and discovering effective methods to align your message with your audience.
See salaries and explore the career path for Health Policy Analyst
Health Informatics Specialist
Health Informatics Specialists use technology to improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare. This course may be useful for Health Informatics Specialists as it provides strategies and techniques for enhancing verbal and nonverbal presentation skills, and discovering effective methods to align your message with your audience.
See salaries and explore the career path for Health Informatics Specialist
Medical Librarian
Medical Librarians provide information services to healthcare professionals and patients. This course may be useful for Medical Librarians as it provides strategies and techniques for enhancing verbal and nonverbal presentation skills, and discovering effective methods to align your message with your audience.
See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Librarian

Reading list

We've selected 12 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Visual Media for Effective Healthcare Communication.
Cover image
Advances in Virtual Reality and Anxiety Disorders
Save
Offers comprehensive coverage of the intersection between media and psychology, providing a solid foundation for understanding the psychological effects of media consumption.
Advances in Virtual Reality and Anxiety Disorders
Paperback
Check
Advances in Virtual Reality and Anxiety Disorders
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
ICOMM: Interpersonal Concepts and Competencies
Save
This practical guide provides evidence-based techniques for effective verbal and nonverbal communication, with a focus on enhancing audience engagement and message clarity.
ICOMM: Interpersonal Concepts and Competencies
Paperback
Check
ICOMM: Interpersonal Concepts and Competencies
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Production of Political Television
Save
Provides a critical analysis of the media's role in society, exploring issues of media ownership, content, and effects, offering a deeper understanding of the media landscape.
The Production of Political Television (Routledge...
Hardcover
$$$$
The Production of Political Television (Routledge...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Addressing Adversity
Save
Offers a practical approach to health communication, providing guidance on developing targeted messages, using appropriate channels, and evaluating communication effectiveness.
Addressing Adversity
Paperback
Check
Addressing Adversity
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Visual Thinking for Information Design
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of visual communication for scientists. It covers topics such as the principles of visual perception, the different types of visual aids, and the use of visual aids in scientific presentations.
Visual Thinking for Information Design
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
A Contract with God: And Other Tenement Stories
Save
Provides an in-depth look at the art of visual storytelling, with a focus on sequential art and graphic novels, offering valuable insights into the power of visual narratives.
A Contract with God: And Other Tenement Stories
Paperback
Check
A Contract with God: And Other Tenement Stories
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Individual Differences in Imaging
Save
This handbook offers a comprehensive guide to visual communication techniques, covering a wide range of topics from typography to photography, providing practical tips for creating effective visual content.
Individual Differences in Imaging
Paperback
Check
Individual Differences in Imaging
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Anthropological Realism
Save
This comprehensive handbook explores the convergence of traditional journalism and multimedia storytelling, discussing ethical, practical, and theoretical considerations.
Anthropological Realism: Ethics for a Global World
Hardcover
$$$$
Cover image
e-Learning and the Science of Instruction
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the research on multimedia learning, examining the cognitive and pedagogical principles that underlie effective visual and interactive learning experiences.
e-Learning and the Science of Instruction: Proven...
Hardcover
$$$
e-Learning and the Science of Instruction: Proven...
Kindle Edition
$$
e-Learning and the Science of Instruction: Proven...
Hardcover
$$
Cover image
Visual Methods in Social Research
Save
This comprehensive handbook provides a detailed overview of visual research methods, including photography, video, and digital media, offering practical guidance and theoretical underpinnings.
Visual Methods in Social Research
Paperback
$$$
Visual Methods in Social Research
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Communication and Aging
Save
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of health communication, covering theory, research, and practice, offering a valuable resource for students and practitioners.
Communication and Aging (Routledge Communication...
Paperback
$$$
Communication and Aging (ISSN)
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Communication as Culture
Save
Classic text on media and society. It explores the impact of media on our lives and society.
Communication as Culture
Paperback
Check
Communication as Culture
Kindle Edition
Check

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Course image
Effort
2 to 4 hours per week for 4 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
Stanford University
Instructors
Dr. Jonathan S Berek
Dr. Seema Yasmin
Language
English
Transcript
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores techniques to effectively communicate with stakeholders through media, which professionals use to interact with their audience
Provides strategies to improve verbal and nonverbal presentation skills, which are essential for confident and engaging communication
Teaches how to align messages with target audience, which aids in creating effective communication
Develops skills in leveraging storytelling, visual aids, and multimedia to enhance communication impact, which contributes to audience engagement
Focuses on interacting with stakeholders within the media to deliver compelling messages, which aligns with professional communication
Helps define communication objectives to communicate effectively with media stakeholders, which caters to professional communication
Offers guidance on how to work with the media to present information to laypeople, which enhances professional communication
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