The health care environment is undergoing significant change in the United States. There is constant talk of a health care crisis and the need for systemic reform. Part of this reform involves the education of the individual so that he or she can monitor his or her own health. The need for expanded health education produces implications for communication educators. G. Kreps and B. Thornton have noted that communication is the "primary tool that health educators use in disseminating relevant and persuasive health information." Much of this dissemination occurs in public presentations, which require strong presentation skills and techniques. Kreps has argued that "preparation and use of effective visual aids and graphics in presentations to clearly illustrate complex health topics will enhance health education efforts." Improved comprehension, retention and persuasive impact have been correlated with the use of visual aids. M. Osborn and S. Osborn have summarized the advantages of audiovisual aids: (1) they enhance understanding; (2) they add authenticity; (3) they add variety; (4) they help the presentation have lasting impact; and (5) they build the presenter's ethos as a speaker. Kreps and Thorton among others have provided advice for health care presenters that speech communication educators should try to pass on to their students, especially those in the health care professions. (Contains 29 references.) (TB)