Cassandra Chapman Social Change Lab

24 March 2017

What should I write about?

Research dissemination •  Own research – when published •  Summary and discussion •  General or target audience Commentary •  Current affairs •  Comments and discussions •  Social psychological lens to hot topic

5 BLOGGING TIPS

1. Be succinct

•  Take as many words as you need •  No more

•  Aim: 500-1000 words – Blogging “best practice”:

300-600 words – Professional journalism:

~ 750 words

•  ~ 5 minutes of attention

2. Think “so what”?

•  General audience – No basic grounding in social psychology – No intrinsic motivation

•  Be explicit (early) – Why does this idea

matter? – How could it be used?

3. Make it easy

•  Capture & maintain attention – Headings, sub-headings & captions –  Images – Opening hook

•  Make it easy to digest information – Avoid jargon –  Shorten sentences & paragraphs

•  Write for scanners – Use structure wisely –  Jump in and out –  Tell the shell of the story

4. Try a list

5. Write like you talk

•  Be human, be unique, find your voice •  Conversational

•  Have fun! Write something you would read on your lunch break

5 Blogging Tips

1.  Be succinct 2.  Think “so what?” 3.  Make it easy 4.  Try a list 5.  Write like you talk