Innovation in science, engineering and arts scholarship touches every aspect of our lives, yet many Canadians feel unconnected to developments in the field. As a publicly funded institution, it’s important that we demonstrate to the public, the government, donors, and funding agencies the impact that their investment is making. One of the most effective ways to do this is through the media.
We encourage all members of the University’s academic community to speak with the media concerning their areas of expertise.
Studies show that most people get their news about science from traditional mass media, yet specialized science journalists are becoming increasingly scarce as the new industry faces new economic realities. Stories about innovation in science and engineering are now largely assigned to reporters who can lack the expertise to present these subjects in an engaging and accurate way.
Moreover, many academics view being interviewed by members of the news media with trepidation or suspicion. They are concerned about having their thoughtfully chosen words misinterpreted or taken out of context; they may lack confidence in their ability to explain complex issues concisely; and many are unfamiliar with the various expectations of radio and TV interview producers.
But the public discourse needs scholars who are both genuine experts and committed to ensuring that the information they share is based on up-to-date evidence. In the absence of their analysis, reporters and other commentators with a more superficial understanding of the issues being discussed can end up distorting public perception about critical matters.
Waterloo’s Media Relations team offers this half-day interactive workshop as an introduction to engaging with the media by writing opinion and commentary.
Shari Graydon of Informed Opinions will facilitate the workshops.
Writing compelling commentary - a workshop for all
This highly interactive workshop builds researcher's leadership capacity and enhances their credibility and influence by providing participants with the confidence and tools to contribute their expertise to the public discourse through compelling, short-form written commentary for newspaper op ed pages and online sites. The session equips researchers to:
- Own and articulate their authority as experts;
- Understand the essential elements and format of newspaper commentaries, including how to build a concise, persuasive and accessible argument;
- Increase their publication prospects by linking their expertise to the news and enhancing the relevancy and timeliness of their knowledge;
- Submit their commentaries and/or enlist support from university media relations staff.
Advance Survey: A few weeks before the workshop, we will circulate an online survey to help us tailor the session to their needs.
About Informed Opinions
Informed Opinions is a non-profit initiative that trains and supports women in making their ideas more accessible and increasing their impact. Their goals are to bridge the gender gap in public commentary and enhance the quality of public discourse by expanding the diversity of perspectives that inform Canada’s policies and priorities.
