For Immediate Release
October 28, 1997

Workshop Helps Health Care Pros Enhance Public Outreach

Barks Communications President Edward J. Barks offered insights to area business leaders on strategies for improving community relations by making practical use of everyday communications tools. Health care organizations should aim for a win/win situation when dealing with the media. That was the message delivered today by Barks Communications President Edward J. Barks to a gathering of community health care experts in Washington, D.C.

"You want to tell your story. A reporter wants to write a good story. That sounds like a winning recipe to me," Barks told the approximately 50 participants. "Recognize that you have common interests and build upon them."

Barks highlighted various communications tools those in attendance could use to reach the public they serve. A former reporter, he also offered insights into how journalists work and gave some tips on how to shape materials they will use. His remarks took place at a meeting of community health care leaders sponsored by the Healthcare Forum.

He also led a workshop that showed the health care leaders how to develop a powerful message, using real life issues they face each day on the job. He demonstrated valuable methods that will allow the health care organizations to craft winning messages for their organizations on a wide range of issues.

Barks also discussed the obligations that news sources and the media have with respect to one another. "You do have certain inalienable rights when working with the media. Among them, you have the right to an accurate reflection of your thoughts, the right to ver batim use of your quotes, and the right to expect the reporter to respect the ground rules you have agreed upon.

"At the same time, you must live up to certain responsibilities," Barks advised. "You must, above all else, be honest. In addition, you must be consistent in what you say and professional at all times. After all, a media interview is not a personal exchange. It is a business deal."

Barks Communications specializes in media, public speaking, and legislative and regulatory testimony training for businesses, associations, and non-profit organizations. The firm also furnishes related services, such as managing media events, and writing speeches and legislative and regulatory testimony. In addition, company President Ed Barks offers motivational remarks to groups seeking greater benefits from their communications efforts.