Communicating Radiation Risk: The Power of Planned, Persuasive Messaging

Abstract

Every day, health physicists and physicians are expected to communicate effectively with concerned people, but rarely (if ever) are they given training on how to effectively communicate. In an age of social media, this paper presents the relevance of teachings from an ancient Greek philosopher. Aristotle's Rhetoric is still considered one of the most influential works on persuasive messaging. He puts the onus of effective communications on the people with the "true" and "just" information to communicate that information clearly to the audience. By communicating with intention-using the persuasive appeals of ethos, pathos, logos, and storytelling-radiation professionals can speak to their expertise in radiation science, while adapting their instructions, presentations, and communications styles to meet the needs of each type of audience: from scientists to concerned citizens, from doctors to first responders, and beyond.

Patients’ and healthcare providers’ perceptions and experiences of telehealth use and online health information use in chronic disease management for older patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a qualitative study

“…The findings in this study suggested that in persuading and guiding people’s participation in telehealth interventions and online health information, a number of key elements reinforced the role of speech, such as the matching of voice and intonation and the use of rhetorical devices. The findings of this study were supported by the previous researchers’ emphasis on the importance of phrasing skills and nonverbal signals/paralanguage (e.g., vocal tones and expressions) during communication [ 74 , 83 ]. Some researchers have noted that expertise accounts for only 15–20% of communicator credibility, while concern and empathy account for approximately 50%.…”

“…Some researchers have noted that expertise accounts for only 15–20% of communicator credibility, while concern and empathy account for approximately 50%. Empathy can be judged in the first 9–30 s of meeting from the mental aura of the communicator (including dress, hair, posture and facial expressions) [ 83 ]. During verbal communication, the matching of voice and intonation not only helps create emotional resonance between the communicators, but also facilitates the educational content accepted and internalized.…”

“…Several studies and experiments have also demonstrated that paralinguistic persuasion attempts (i.e., modulating the voice for persuasion) can be effective in influencing perceivers’ attitudes and choices during the persuasion process [ 84 ]. The literatures have reported that rhetorical devices make speech more appealing, enhance its expressive effect, guarantee the effective transmission of semantic messages and improve the effectiveness of persuasion and education [ 83 , 85 ]. Zimbardo suggested that group hints and “call and response” also had the effect of persuading and guiding, but the application of these techniques in older patients has yet to be clinically validated [ 74 ].…”

Effective doses and associated age‐related risks for common paediatric diagnostic nuclear medicine and PET procedures at a large Australian paediatric hospital

“…Using too many technical terms and complicating the narrative may increase confusion and concern in the audience. 19 The ability to accurately and meaningfully communicate radiation risk information to health professionals, patients and carers is of utmost importance as it can influence healthcare pathway decisions. When dose and risk information is not communicated clearly to patients and carers, the consent process can be unnecessarily prolonged, or consent may not be given as the concerns of the patient/carer have not been met.…”

“…As concluded by Weider, for effective radiation risk communication we need to personalise communication like we personalise medical diagnosis and treatment. 19 The aim of this study is to contribute to the knowledge base regarding paediatric diagnostic nuclear medicine and PET/MR procedures and provide a standardised approach for the communication of radiation dose and associated risk at RCH. The standardised information can then be personalised by health professionals as required (e.g.…”