Machine generated contents note: Introduction 1. Case in Point: How to Develop Your Story and Organize Your Report 2. Start with Your Main Point3. Why Coherent Paragraphs Are Better Than Cohesive Ones 4. Shortcuts to the Strongest Sentences on the Block 5. What to Not Say [or What to Leave Unsaid?] 6. How to Use Simple Language to Describe Complex Ideas 7. Make Figures, Tables, and Charts Work For You, by James Bennett Conclusion Suggestions for Further Reading.

A thoroughly updated and expanded guide to honing your public policy writing skills—and making a significant impact on the world. Winner of the George Orwell Award by the National Council of Teachers of English Professionals across a variety of disciplines need to write about public policy in a manner that inspires action and genuine change. You may have amazing ideas about how to improve the world, but if you aren't able to communicate these ideas well, they simply won't become a reality. In Public Policy Writing That Matters, communications expert David Chrisinger, who directs the Harris Writing Program at the University of Chicago and worked in the US Government Accountability Office for a decade, argues that public policy writing is most persuasive when it tells clear, concrete stories about people doing things. Combining helpful hints and cautionary tales with writing exercises and excerpts from sample policy analysis, Chrisinger teaches readers to craft concise, story-driven pieces that exceed the stylistic requirements and limitations of traditional policy writing. Aimed at helping students and professionals overcome their default impulses to merely "explain," this book reveals proven tips—tested in the real world and in the classroom—for writing sophisticated policy analysis that is also easy to understand. For anyone interested in planning, organizing, developing, writing, and revising accessible public policy, Chrisinger offers a step-by-step guide that covers everything from the most effective use of data visualization to the best ways to write a sentence, from the ideal moment for adding a compelling anecdote to advice on using facts to strengthen an argument. This second edition addresses the current political climate and touches on policy changes that have occurred since the book was originally published. A vital tool for any policy writer or analyst, Public Policy Writing That Matters is a book for everyone passionate about using writing to effect real and lasting change.

Public policy making -- Communication in the process -- Definition : frame the problem -- Legislative history : know the record -- Position paper : know the arguments -- Petitions and proposals : request action or propose policy -- Briefing memo or opinion statement : inform policy makers -- Testimony : witness in a public hearing -- Written public comment : influence administration -- Continuity and change.

A practical, example-rich guide to help students master all types of public policy writing.

This compelling collection provides important insight into the human dimensions of health care and health policy.--Scott A. Strassels "American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy"

Public Affairs Reporting offers an inclusive and diverse perspective to public affairs reporting. It expands the traditional approach to public affairs reporting beyond the mainstay of local and regional news coverage to include virtually everything that is involved in public life: from government to the arts, religion to the environment, business to law enforcement, and more. "Professional Tips" sections in each chapter provide a series of questions and answers from professional journalists.

Intended for both students and practitioners in public administration who want to communicate more effectively with a variety of audiences, this book offers clear, easy-to-understand guidelines on how to write more clearly, concisely, and coherently, as well as correctly. It covers the basics of good English and applies those basics to general forms (such as memos, letters, and e-mails) and more specific forms (such as newsletters, proposals, budget justifications, and rules) used in the public sector.