Just like in research writing, where you are one piece of a larger puzzle contributing to the cannon of knowledge on a given topic, op-ed writing is about making a small yet meaningful contribution to this cannon using persuasion. So where do you begin?
Crafting good policy can be difficult, but learning to write a memo that is clear, concise, and compelling shouldn’t be. Learn how to translate your hard work into a memo that matter in this Writing Workshop module.
In public policy communication, the ability to craft compelling narratives is paramount. Whether you’re informing the public, shaping policy discussions, or advocating for change, public policy professionals must use the best tools at their disposal to engage their audience effectively.
In public policy, effective storytelling is one of the most powerful tools we have for raising awareness about an issue, mobilizing support for action, and advocating for change. One of the most effective storytelling concepts out there is known as the “man-in-hole” story shape, which was popularized by iconic American novelist Kurt Vonnegut.
In the realm of writing, the first sentence of an essay or article holds significant weight. It sets the tone, grabs the reader’s attention, and establishes the direction of the piece. There are three main types of first sentences commonly used: (1) Action sentences, (2) Explanatory sentences, and (3) Setting sentences.
Whether it’s in literature, film, or public policy communication, the concept of the “object of desire” is crucial to effective storytelling because it provides focus and direction to the plot, giving the characters a purpose and the story a sense of momentum.
Public policy professionals must fight the urge to “utilize erudite vernacular irrespective of necessity” and prune those needless words. Here are 11+ strategies you can use to make your writing clearer and more concise.
Consider the topic of criminal justice reform, an issue that can elicit varying moral concerns. To engage diverse audiences effectively, public policy professionals can employ different strategies, depending on which Moral Frame they choose
All narratives feature characters who act. Policy communicators can fulfill these two fundamental requirements of a narrative by choosing characters as the subjects of their sentences and those characters’ actions as the verbs.
Structuring your paragraphs deductively will not only give your readers the content they need most right up front, but it will also help them make sense of the data, evidence, and analysis you must present to support the main point of the paragraph.