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Journalistic Training - 05122020
Journalistic Training - 05122020
to Opinion Articles
PRIH SARNIANTO
USAID HEALTH FINANCING ACTIVITY
12 MAY 2020
BIODATA
Prih Sarnianto
— Ph.D. [Public Health], Universitas Indonesia, Depok [2015];
M.Sc. [Food Science & Technology], University of Washington, Seattle [1988];
Drs. Apoteker, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta [1982].
— Senior Health Financing Specialist, USAID HFA, 2020‒
— Lecturer, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Pancasila, Jakarta, 1989–2020
— Special Editor, SWA Economic-Business Magazine, Jakarta, 1989–2016
— Researcher, Balai Penelitian Teknologi Perikanan Slipi, Jakarta, 1982–1998
— Commissioner, KAN Council, 2004 ‒
— Head, JKN Affairs Department, PP IAI, 2014 ‒
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OPINION ARTICLE:
WHAT IS IT AND WHAT’S FOR?
3
WHAT’S A RESEARCH TO DO
WITH OPINION ARTICLES?
4
RESEARCH-BASED OPINION ARTICLES:
ANOTHER FORM OF RESEARCH PAPERS?
5
ANATOMY OF THE ARTICLE
— Feature, stories behind the news
Editing a feature is a little bit be tricky since all parts of the articles form a
unified writing unit—you have to trim details of data and information
throughout the article. 6
HOW TO PRESENT
RESEARCH RESULTS EFFECTIVELY
— Fill the knowledge gap…
The broader the gap, the harder to fill. You, for example, may have to
explain the technical terms you used, but beware not to present your
ideas unnecessarily simpler than it should be.
— Use effective writing principles
Effective writing is not just communicating data and information but
conveying ideas to influence others—show them, not simply tell them.
— Make sure that the research results are presented in a quality
article
The quality of an article is determined by the quality of the ideas
conveyed, but bad writing will ruin the beauty of your ideas.
— The ideas conveyed must be a fundamental truth
Truth is multifaceted, depending on the context, and each context has
its own logic. 7
HOW TO MAKE
EFFECTIVE OPINION ARTICLES?
— Be specific
An opinion article is typically only 700 [in English may be up to 800] words,
you should only put one main idea in your article—supported by data,
information, and convincing argument[s]. You may also use a contrary
argument to show that your argument is more robust.
The opinion you convey should also be specific, showing your area of
expertise. [As a health economist, you should also show the economic
aspect of the health issues you write].
— Present new, fresh arguments or perspectives
Don’t be afraid of controversy. Don’t hesitate to go against popular opinion
to voice your belief, values, and insight—but think strategically, argue
logically, and present them in a persuasive way.
— Start with a bang, get the point fast
Open your article with the most intriguing lead, get to the point in the very
first paragraph. 8
HOW TO MAKE
EFFECTIVE OPINION ARTICLES? [2]
— Structure your argument, make your own definition
The argument will become convincing only when you explain it. Structure
your argument by first stating what your argument is—present your own
definition [regarding the issue] if it is possible, not mere reasons, and give
an example to demonstrate the argument.
Use one short paragraph to state your opinion, elaborate it with maximum
three supporting points in the next paragraphs. Your short paragraphs
should contain one main idea per paragraph.
— Offer solutions
An opinion article is not a news report which only showing the existence of
the problem. It is your opinion on the issue—so feel free to offer
recommendation or solution for the problem you are highlighting.
— Give a winning conclusion
Summing up what you have argued throughout the article, finish it off
with a polished, small paragraph that sticks in the mind of your readers. 9
THANK YOU
10
ps a r n i anto @ thi nk wel l . gl obal