TISS and The Communiqué initiative to provide development sector professionals a work-based, results-oriented skill-set in communication.

Welcome to TISS and The Communique Certificate Program in Development Communication

Hear what our past students have to say about the certificate program in development communication!

Format

Workshop on Writing Skills for Development Communicators; Biannual, held twice a year.

Context

Development Communication is distinct from communication used by corporates and for-profit organizations. Whether it is advocacy, research communication, or fund-raising, the underlying principle in development communication is social good and sustainability which needs to be factored into all communication. This creates a whole new language, syntax, style, and outputs that are used only by this sector. The program will unpack development communication, and in the process, provide participants with guidelines, frameworks, tips, and tools which could be put to use straightaway.

Objectives

• Participants learn the art of writing clearly, concisely and cohesively, including referencing.
• Participants understand the principles and processes in campaign design, and how to develop a successful format.
• Participants become familiar with globally accepted templates for development communication outputs: Reports, policy briefs, policy memos, concept notes, and proposal writing.
• Participants learn how to turn case studies into human interest stories for the print, broadcast, and social media to increase their reach and impact on civil society.
• Participants discover what is business storytelling, when to use stories, the six types of stories, and how to tell a persuasive story—the script.
• Participants gain an understanding of how to become a better public speaker, what goes into the presentation checklist, and how to use visuals and presentation structures in presentations.

 Contents

4 Day Writing Workshop

• Writing Skills—Conciseness, Cohesiveness and Consistency Paragraphing, introductions, conclusions, essential style guide, referencing
• Cialdini’s Theory of Influence, the Adoption Curve, and Campaign Design Campaign objectives, strategy, key messages, stakeholders, tactics, budgets, M&E
• Writing Outputs—Policy-influencing and Fund-raising Outputs Reports, policy briefs, policy memos, proposals, concept notes: Templates and drafting
• Writing Outputs—Civil Society Advocacy Outputs Media stories and social media in campaigns, case studies as human interest stories

2 Half Day Electives

• The Art of Business Storytelling
• Presentation Skills and Public Speaking

Note : Electives are open to past students of the Certificate Program in Development Communication.

Methodology

Learning is through a variety of interactive and participative techniques including exercises, worksheets, discussions, group work, and role play. The crux of the methodology used is an emphasis on learning through doing. These are supported with presentations on related theoretical frameworks.

Target Audience

• Development sector professionals whose jobs demand effective writing skills and production of writing outputs to communicate with stakeholder groups.
• Journalists and content writers writing on the social sector who would like to refine their writing skills.
• TISS PhD students in preparation for their careers.

Fees

• Rs. 20,000 + 18% GST per participant for the 4-day workshop.
• Rs. 2,500 + 18% GST per participant for each additional half day elective.
• Includes an Accompanying Reader, lunch and tea/coffee; does not include participant’s accommodation and transport.
• 25% discount for TISS Doctoral Scholars and Project Staff.

Accommodation

Serviced apartments at Rs. 2,500 + 18% GST per night [excludes breakfast] are available for program participants inside the TISS campus. Each apartment accommodates up to 3 people. To avail this facility, please contact mahendrasingh@tiss.edu.

Faculty Bio

Rama Arya is the Founder and Executive Director of The Communiqué, a consultancy passionate about building capacity in communication. Rama designs and runs communication training programs and workshops (both onsite and webinars) building on her 20 years of experience in development communication, PR, and external relations with international organizations, think-tanks and the private sector. Organizations she has held programs for include Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), Centre for Budget and Governance Accountability (CBGA), New Delhi, and Centre for Youth and Social Development (CYSD), Bhubaneswar, amongst others. An MA in PR, Rama has lived and worked in nine different countries giving her a vast global exposure.

Download Program Schedule

How to Apply:

• Download and fill the application form and send it to devcomm@tiss.edu by 26 April, 2019.
• Non-refundable deposit of Rs. 5,000 on approval of application form; Balance payable by 26 April, 2019.
• In the event an applicant cannot attend the program the deposit will be carried forward up to 12 months.