Writing for the Legislative Audience
*Special Instructions: To access the presentation, click on “Archived Presentation” in the “Webinar” box on the right and click “Playback.”
Level: Basic
Length: 1.5 hours
Type: Video
Presenters: Stan Sternersen
Date Developed: 4-15-2010
Source: National Conference of State Legislature
This 90-minute webinar presents some key challenges of conveying complex information to busy readers such as legislators. A handout is provided and should be read prior to watching the webinar. The lecturer first discusses the challenges of writing a policy brief, and gives examples to help authors create clear and concise papers. He also presents an example of a busy paragraph and works with the audience to synthesize and highlight key points. Lastly, he addresses the decision-making process in sending materials to a policy committee, as well as, specifies the best locations within a paragraph for key points to be made.
Competencies Addressed: To be determined
Types of Continuing Education Credits Available: None
Writing Policy Briefs: A Guide to Translating Science and Engaging Stakeholders
*Special Instructions: To access video, click “Play Lecture” next to “A. Video Lecture: The Art and Craft of Policy Briefs.”
Level: Basic
Length: 18-Minute Presentation; Optional additional time for exercises.
Type:
Presenter: Marjory Ruderman, MHS
Date Developed: May 2011
Source: Women’s and Children’s Health Policy Center, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health
The challenges, art and craft of writing documents intended to translate science to action (policy, programs, services) are the subjects of this distance education module. While the primary intended audiences are public health students and practicing professionals, faculty at public health and other MCH training and education programs may find useful tools in this module. Learning objectives give emphasis to basic elements and structure of policy briefs, and to skills development in synthesizing data and information in order to communicate effectively with non-science audiences. The module offers an introductory lecture, examples of the skills in action, and structured exercises for completing the process of writing your own policy brief.
Competencies Addressed: To be determined
Types of Continuing Education Credits Available: None
Writing Briefing Memos
Level: Basic
Length: 15 minutes
Type: Video Slide Module
Presenters: Marjory Ruderman, M.H.S.
Date Developed: 3-16-2012
Source: Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Women’s and Children’s Health Policy Center
This presentation focuses on the nature, elements and specific uses of briefing memos, and tips for writing good ones. By comparing memo writing to the Ikea business model, Ms. Ruderman discusses solutions to writing an effective memo, including using clear visual cues and logical paths, focusing on the memo’s purpose, avoiding jargon, simplifying sentence structure, and presenting and concluding data effectively.
Competencies Addressed: To be determined
Types of Continuing Educations Credits Available: None
