Writing Compelling Commentary
May 20-21, 2021 9:00AM – 12:00PM (PDT)
In this module, Shari Graydon of Informed Opinions will teach participants how to write relevant, engaging, and persuasive commentary including blogs and op-eds.
Nathan Skolski of UBC Communications will address communication on social media platforms: How to communicate effectively, when to use social media, and the benefits and pitfalls of this line of communication. Finally, participants will produce their own writing samples, applying the principles taught by Shari Graydon, and receive substantive feedback from a panel of experts.
Agenda
Day One:
Interactive workshop with Shari Graydon (2 hours)
Short-form persuasive writing, applicable to blogs and op-eds, part 1.
Interactive workshop with Nathan Skolski (1 hour)
All forms of social media communication and how to use them.
Day Two:
Interactive workshop with Shari Graydon (2 hours)
Short-form persuasive writing, applicable to blogs and op-eds, part 2.
Interactive workshop and smal-group discussions led by Nathan Skolski (1 hour)
In-depth discussion of participant writing samples (assigned on Day One) with a team of communications experts.
Learning Outcomes:
- Building on Module 2, essential components of persuasive writing: relevancy, engagement, argument and support.
- A five-step approach to translating expertise into a short form blog post, op ed or briefing note
- (Day 2) Become a more effective editor of your own and others’ draft writing, receiving feedback from facilitator and/or peers
- Understand the benefits and pitfalls of social media in order to better communicate effectively.
- Learn how to write for, and use, social media effectively.
ECSAM 