Organized by The Knowledge to Policy (K2P) Center at the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) and presented by Mr. Rami Khouri from the Media Studies Program at the American University of Beirut and with the support of Mr. Martin Asser, Associate VP for Communications, conducted a pilot training on opinion writing and effective media communication for the Faculty of Health Sciences faculty members and staff.
Between the worlds of research and media, facts and figures are often lost in translation. There is no doubt of the need for better synergy between scholars and editors, as current communication modes do not guarantee that the message is relayed in the way that it was orignally intended.
This training covered the concept and application of op-ed writing and effective media communication. Through interactive focused activities and presentations, case studies, simulation exercises, and collective analysis of texts, training participants will learn the fundamentals of communicating with all kinds of media, included print publications, audiovisual
channels, and social media. The training will also include tips on how to attract and keep the audience’s attention during any communication process, from a 30-second soundbite and two-minute television interview, to a 140-word tweet or an 800-word op-ed article.
Participants in this three-session training will be exposed to the following domains, and, based on specific examples, will discuss their relevance to their work:
- Encouraging evidence-based journalism via facts, analyses, and opinion
- Building a compelling and sustainable relationship between researchers and journalists
- Understanding the reciprocal needs of media and academics
- Reaching the right audience, at the right time, in the right way
- Respecting the balance between personal opinion and evidence in Opinion (Op-ed) writings