Thursday, August 11, 2016: 11:30 AM-1:15 PM
305, Ft Lauderdale Convention Center
Organizer:
Liza Lester, Ecological Society of America
The Op-Ed page of your local newspaper is an oft-neglected space for communicating your science. Editors welcome contributions from scientists that are clear, concise, and sink a compelling, newsworthy hook into current events. Unlike in scholarly research communications or news stories, in the op-ed medium writers must assert a personal point of view. This can be both freeing and frightening! In this session, we will cover the basic format of an op-ed, audience considerations, voice, how to frame your argument, what to expect before and after publication, and how to get help and guidance from your institution’s (or ESA's) press office. We will work together on a sample pitch and send you home with a strategy for writing and pitching your own op-ed. We will also discuss some of the concerns other scientists have faced when choosing to speak out on controversial issues. Bring your op-ed ideas to pitch to the room!