News & Insights

On November 2, the In Trust Center hosted a webinar on “Writing for the mass media” aimed at seminary leaders. The webinar was conducted by David E. Sumner and Holly G. Miller, experienced editors who previously collaborated to write Feature and Magazine Writing: Action, Angle and Anecdotes (Wiley, 2013).

 

 

In a witty and engaging presentation, the two explained the kinds of writing that seminary leaders might need to produce for the mass media, from traditional feature articles to tweets and blog posts. They discussed the general downsizing of journalistic staffs that causes publications to now be more open to freelancers than they have historically been, and they presented ways to craft the tone of a message for a particular audience and techniques to make writing interesting and relevant to the reader.

Much of the webinar was spent giving practical tips around the last point — making one’s writing something that the casual reader would want to pick up. Advice included avoiding clichés, finding fresh angles, keeping a tight focus on the main point, employing entertaining examples and illustrations, breaking up long sentences and paragraphs, and using active voice.

Miller and Sumner gave very specific, detailed advice to help seminary leaders do all of these things better — from how to examine events and trends at your seminary to find connections with questions outsiders are asking, to how to find a publication’s rules for freelance submissions, to making your writing lively by always remembering to “get the name of the dog” (i.e., provide details that draw the reader in.)

Religion is a hot topic right now, Sumner and Miller pointed out, and our national debates need people who can write about it well in the public square. This webinar will equip seminary leaders to do just that.

You can access the recorded version of this webinar online now. 

Top Topics

Roles & Responsibilities

Challenges

Opportunities

Board Essentials

Upcoming Events

The In Trust Center hosts learning community spaces throughout the year. Check out our upcoming events below.

Closing the Trust Gap

ON DEMAND

The current and very troubling condition of trust is a clarion call to action. But despite the dismal data showing pervasive organizational distrust, every organization can assess their current level of trust, learn and adopt a proven trust building framework, and then develop a meaningful and long-lasting plan of action. This webinar details the knowledge and practical next steps to strengthen workplace culture as a result of closing the trust gap.

In Trust Center Resource Grants

ON DEMAND

An In Trust Center Resource Grant offers member schools a chance to explore innovation at their institutions through a matching grant opportunity of up to $15,000. Listen to this 30-minute information session, including Q&A, as we provide details on eligibility requirements, funding priorities, application process. Previous grantees are eligible to apply as long as they are not within our current funding cycle.

Conflict + Crisis: Navigating the Shoals, Part 2 – A Deeper Dive

ON DEMAND

Presenter Donna Alexander, President & CEO of Advoxum Global Strategies, offers best practices for navigating conflict and crisis. She examines the crucial elements of defining conflict and crisis, identifying, and prioritizing affected stakeholders, utilizing effective communication strategies, and ultimately, executing a plan of action. Click here to view.

Can’t Find What You’re Looking For?

In Trust Center provides Resource Consulting to our members at no charge. Contact us today and let us guide you to the most helpful resources for your situation.

Contact Us