August 28, 2024
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Whether doing a press interview, writing an article, or submitting a letter to the editor, audiologists and speech-language pathologists use media outreach to educate the public about communication sciences and disorders and their work.

Recently, ASHA asked three members to share their experiences with outreach. They include:

  • Stephanie Cohen, MA, CCC-SLP(she/her/hers), specializes in early intervention at her private practice and is a co-founder of The Chicago Feeding Group (a 501(c)(3) organization), and The Get Permission Institute. She is the author of the My First Learn-to-Talk Book series (Sourcebooks). She is an affiliate of ASHA Special Interest Group 13, Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia).
  • Alexandra Camacho-Luna, ScD, CCC-A, is a multilingual clinician at the Hackensack University Medical Center and Hackensack Audiology and Hearing Aid Associates. She’s also an adjunct professor in the linguistic department teaching American Sign Language at Montclair State University.
  • Laura Purcell Verdun, MA, CCC-SLP, specializes in voice coaching in her Washington, D.C.-based private practice, Voicetrainer, LLC. She’s also a presenter and author; and served as the co-chair for the 2021 ASHA National Convention. She is an affiliate of ASHA Special Interest Groups 2, Neurogenic Communication Disorders; 3, Voice and Upper Airway Disorders; 13, Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia); and 20, Counseling.

Q: What media outreach experiences have you particularly enjoyed and/or found to be effective?

Cohen: I was interviewed recently by the WGN morning news on television and for Today.com. I love being able to reach a broader audience, sharing information about our profession and raising awareness for families who need information and support.

Camacho-Luna: I had a few interviews for Univision, one of the biggest television networks for the Hispanic community. People reached out to me because they saw my interviews and wanted to ask me questions about their hearing or their family members’ hearing.

Verdun: A media engagement with NPR (“Do you have 'TikTok voice'? It's OK if you don't want to get rid of it) was particularly exciting and fun. There is significant interest in understanding how voice quality expectations differ based on the target demographic.

Q: What do think you achieve or gain doing media outreach? 

Cohen: Most people outside of our profession… are not aware [pediatric feeding] is something speech-language pathologists do. [Through media outreach]I am able to help potential professionals explore joining our field, and families identify resources for their children.

Camacho-Luna: I enjoyed doing media outreach… because I want to help many people in countries where Spanish is primarily spoken.

Verdun: I do media outreach to promote my private practice, share my professional perspective, and engage the public, including future SLPs.

Q: Have you learned unexpected lessons or gained insights doing media outreach?

Cohen: I’ve learned how rewarding it is to share information about our profession with potential future clinicians, many of whom don’t fully understand what it means to be an SLP or how they might start on the path of becoming one.

Camacho-Luna: I never thought I’d be able to reach out to so many people. It makes me feel good when people at places like the local senior citizen club, a nail salon, or a restaurant ask me questions about the topic I discussed during an interview.

Verdun: It turns out there’s an audience for everything. Even if you don’t think it’s particularly important, compelling, or interesting, someone else will think otherwise.

Q: Is doing media outreach easier or more challenging than you expected?

Cohen: Fortunately, sharing on social media is easy because I decide what to share and when to share it. However, this type of media specifically brings with it a responsibility to be ethical and intentional about how I share information—that is probably the most challenging part.

Camacho-Luna: Doing media outreach gives me a feeling of accomplishment knowing I can reach out to the communities I hold close to my heart.

Verdun: It does take some work. Ask for potential questions and intent in advance. Know your audience and with whom you’re engaging.

Q: What message do you have for ASHA members about doing media outreach? 

Cohen: Whether it is writing a blog, pitching a story to local news outlets, or making a video for social media, someone needs the information and expertise you have. Don’t worry about perfection. Just take that first step.

Camacho-Luna: To all ASHA members, let's use media outreach to educate as many people as possible.

Verdun: Do it! It’s a nice opportunity to challenge yourself, and promote your skills and the professions.

For more guidance on media outreach, see ASHA’s member guide to working with the media, or contact the ASHA public relations team at [email protected].

Jeremi Jones is an ASHA public relations specialist.

[email protected].

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