
Public Policy Writing That Matters
David Chrisinger(Author)
Johns Hopkins University Press
Published on 27. May 2017
Book
Paperback/Softback
136 pages
978-1-4214-2226-8 (ISBN)
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Description
Students and professionals across a variety of disciplines need to write 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 reality. In Public Policy Writing That Matters, communications specialist David Chrisinger 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 documents, Chrisinger teaches readers to craft concise, story-driven pieces that exceed the stylistic requirements and limitations of traditional policy writing. Too often, public policy writing is convoluted, opaque, and exclusive. Chrisinger, who teaches introductory policy writing courses around the country, offers a step-by-step guide for anyone interested in planning, organizing, developing, writing, and revising accessible public policy.
From the most effective use of data visualization, the best way to write a sentence, and the ideal moment to add a compelling anecdote to advice on using facts to strengthen an argument, this little book, inspired by Strunk & White's classic style guide, will allow anyone crafting public policy to make a bigger impact. Aimed at helping students and professionals overcome their default impulses to merely "explain," this book reveals proven, classroom-tested tips for writing sophisticated policy that is also easy to understand. This practical, concise handbook will not only aid students throughout graduate school but will also remain a reference to consult throughout their professional careers. 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.
From the most effective use of data visualization, the best way to write a sentence, and the ideal moment to add a compelling anecdote to advice on using facts to strengthen an argument, this little book, inspired by Strunk & White's classic style guide, will allow anyone crafting public policy to make a bigger impact. Aimed at helping students and professionals overcome their default impulses to merely "explain," this book reveals proven, classroom-tested tips for writing sophisticated policy that is also easy to understand. This practical, concise handbook will not only aid students throughout graduate school but will also remain a reference to consult throughout their professional careers. 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.
Reviews / Votes
Chrisinger brings a lively, obviously enthusiastic and experienced approach to his topic-how to write effective policy recommendations to a US policymaker audience. * Public Investigations *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Baltimore, MD
United States
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
4 s/w Photographien bzw. Rasterbilder, 16 s/w Zeichnungen
16 Line drawings, black and white; 4 Halftones, black and white
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 140 mm
Thickness: 9 mm
Weight
181 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-4214-2226-8 (9781421422268)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
New editions

David Chrisinger
Public Policy Writing That Matters
Book
03/2022
2nd Edition
Johns Hopkins University Press
€26.50
Shipment within 10-20 days
Additional editions

David Chrisinger
Public Policy Writing That Matters
E-Book
05/2017
Johns Hopkins University Press
€15.49
Available for download
Person
David Chrisinger teaches public policy writing at Johns Hopkins University's Bloomberg School of Public Health and works as a communications specialist at the US Government Accountability Office. He is the editor of See Me for Who I Am: Student Veterans' Stories of War and Coming Home.
Content
Introduction1. Case in Point: How to Develop Your Story and Organize Your Report2. Start with Your Main Point3. Why Coherent Paragraphs Are Better Than Cohesive Ones4. Shortcuts to the Strongest Sentences on the Block5. What to Not Say [or What to Leave Unsaid?]6. How to Use Simple Language to Describe Complex Ideas7. Make Figures, Tables, and Charts Work For You, by James Bennett ConclusionSuggestions for Further Reading