Co-sponsored by CNW’s WAM! conference and The Simmons Institute for Leadership and Change.

Join us for this day-long seminar with The OpEd Project. The day begins with an exercise geared to get participants to express ideas or causes that they care about, and areas of knowledge or expertise that they are interested in pursuing further, although they may not know how. It focuses on what we know and why (“expertise”); how to frame our knowledge and experience for maximum impact; the components of a powerful evidence-based, value-driven argument; strategies for preaching beyond the choir, and ways of thinking bigger about what we know and our potential value. We explore how participants can triangulate and expand their areas of expertise to be able to publish—and think—more broadly.

The workshop focuses on how to present ideas quickly and powerfully - thereby earning the right to a longer conversation; strategies for making a greater impact - including how to escape a pigeonhole, how to make an “old” but important argument fresh again, and how to build consensus among those who may disagree with you (the difference between being “right” and being effective). We discuss etiquette and strategies for pitching; how to build relationships with editors and publishers (how to achieve the author editor “mind meld”); and the value of seeing your argument as part of a bigger picture—and yourself as part of a larger public conversation. We also read a sampling of the greatest arguments of all time—essays, speeches and op-eds that have changed the world—so that we can consider why they were so powerful and what approaches and techniques we might borrow.

Registration required. Register here: http://www.theopedproject.org/cms/index.php?page=shop.browse&category_id=21&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=64


Scholarships available at http://www.theopedproject.org/cms/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=174&Itemid=117.