NCI Announces Guide to Communicating Data to Lay Audiences

The following was posted on the NCI Cancer Patient Educators’ Listserv [CA-PATIENT-ED@LIST.NIH.GOV]

Communicating data to lay audiences is difficult, but the National Cancer Institute’s newly released Making Data Talk: A Workbook can help you present scientific and health data in engaging and effective ways.

 The workbook, based on the groundbreaking book Making Data Talk: Communicating Public Health Data to the Public, Policy Makers, and the Press written by NCI communication researchers, provides key information, practical suggestions, and examples that can be applied to many public health issues.

Making Data Talk: A Workbook is available to download or order a print copy. The content provides:

·         Recommendations about selecting and presenting data, including tips for using visual symbols

·         An introduction to the OPT-IN (Organize, Plan, Test, Integrate) framework which guides public health practitioners on how to present health data to lay audiences.

·         Practice exercises using real-world examples to reinforce key concepts and help you apply what you have learned

 

Chapters in the workbook include:

·         You CAN Make Data Talk and Be Understood

·         Use Communication Fundamentals to Your Advantage

·         Help Lay Audiences Understand Your Data

·         Present Data Effectively

·         Use OPT-In Framework to Make Your Data Talk

·         Show What you Know: Communicating Data in Acute Public Health Situations

·         Show What You Know: Communicating Data in Health Policy or Program Advocacy Situations

 

Order your print copy of the workbook or download the online version today.