Download presentation
Presentation is loading. Please wait.
Published byIra Strickland Modified over 9 years ago
1
Extension Publications John B. Carey Texas A&M University PSA Student Workshop, July 24, 2009
2
Print - Web Fact Sheets – single specific topic Bulletins – broader, more research orientation Special Reports – annual reports, short courses Newsletters – Broad distribution, general topics Information Sheets – quick response, time sensitive Handbooks – lesson plans, curricula Adapted from Univ. of Maryland, College of Ag. & Nat. Res. Document “Planning your Publication”
3
Print Traditional – appeal depends on audience Static – not able to update Portable – can be widely distributed without technology; easy reference Web Appeals to some audiences Dynamic – must be kept current Can be interactive
4
What is the purpose of the publication? Answer = To Teach
5
Chronology – Linear narrative, How-to Inverted Pyramid - Most Important to Least, News Story Building Block – Step-by step, Simple … Complex Cause & Effect – When both are germane to the objective Classification – Categorical information, reference Compare and Contrast – Pro and Con discussion List – Cookbook Question and Answer – FAQ’s Motivational Sequence – Persuasive writing Compartmentalization – Tables, text boxes, loosely connected information Adapted from J. Winn, June 2009
6
Who is the publication intended for? Local, state, national audience Public, producers, consumers, youth What are the characteristics of audience? Demographics, age, education, occupation, experience Adapted from J. Winn, April 2009
7
Why is the publication being written? Purpose relates to structure What is the primary message? – in one sentence. What are you trying to teach them? How long will this information be of value? May affect print/web decision Adapted from J. Winn, April 2009
8
Based on proposed structure Based on answers to previous questions Adapted from J. Winn, April 2009
9
Keep sentences short ▪ 15-20 words ▪ Vary sentence length Prefer the simple to the complex ▪ If the right word is a big word, use it. But if a shorter word does the job, use it. Prefer the familiar word ▪ Use of obscure vocabulary requires additional explanation Adapted from Univ. of Missouri Extension publication CM 201, 1993
10
Avoid unnecessary words ▪ Organize the details in advance Put action in your verbs ▪ Passive = person doing the action follows the verb ▪ The man was fired by his boss Write like you talk ▪ Clear, concise, plain language Use terms your reader can picture ▪ Avoid “fuzzy” words – conditions, situations, facilities, etc. Adapted from Univ. of Missouri Extension publication CM 201, 1993
11
Tie in with your reader’s experience Relates back to knowing your audience ▪ Meaning of words is based on experience, beliefs and values. Make full use of variety ▪ Writing should not seem choppy or childish. Write to express, not impress ▪ The chance of striking awe by means of big words is small. Adapted from Univ. of Missouri Extension publication CM 201, 1993
12
Too many levels ▪ Confuse the reader ▪ Result in lengthy explanations Obscure the main point Use no more than 2-3 levels of subordinate paragraphs. Avoid Undefined abbreviations and acronyms Using two different terms for the same thing car, vehicle, auto Giving an obscure meaning to a word. Adapted from J. Winn, June 2009
13
Any member introducing a dog into the Society’s premises shall be liable to a fine of one pound. Any animal leading a blind person shall be deemed to be a cat. Adapted from J. Winn, June 2009
14
Seek Professional Help Expertise is available Take constructive criticism constructively Writing, composition, layout and design are an art. Ignoring these facts will undoubtedly result in a less successful publication.
15
Determine purpose of publication Understand appropriate structure Clear concise writing Utilize professional resources
Similar presentations
© 2025 SlidePlayer.com. Inc.
All rights reserved.