So We Think UU Can Blog
Online blog training for researchers
Would you like to share your research and perspective with the world? And are you considering to start writing blogs to do so? Then hopefully we can help you on your way with this training, especially designed for – and by – researchers from Utrecht University!
The online blog training is suitable for everyone who is aspiring to write about research and/or current affairs from an academic perspective, via a (personal) blog. Utrecht University researchers who already have experience with writing blogs will help you to get started. They will inform you about the benefits of blogging, your writing style, audiences, and all the other ingredients that are important when writing blogs as an academic.
Step by step – and in your own pace
In the training, seven key topics will be discussed, each illustrated by a researcher from Utrecht University. In short tutorials, accompanied by helpful additional information and tips and tricks, they educate you about the important ins and outs concerning (academic) blogging. Together, these seven topics teach you the basis that you need to get started.
If you are interested in learning more about blogging, you can watch and read the different parts of the training whenever it suits you. You can find the videos and information by clicking on the list of topics below.
Choose one of the topics below to start your training
1. Reasons to start blogging
Dr Sterre Leufkens on blogging: what's in it for me as researcher; how is blogging different from other non-academic articles about your research; what to expect. Sterre recommends some good scientific blogs.
2. Picking a clear topic & key message
Dr Stefanie Ypma on how to select your key subject and how to give words to your ‘take home message’. She also shares tips about how to collect and archive topics.
3. Determining the purpose of your blog
Before you start writing, it is important to have a clear idea of why you are going to blog. What is your goal, what do you want to achieve? Dr Mira Scholten gives you different angles for different goals.
4. Targeting your audience
Dr Erik de Lange makes you think about how and in what context you can best address your audience: what is their previous knowledge, what is their need for information, what tone of voice suits your audience?
5. Keep the attention
Dr Madelijn Strick gives four suggestions on how to captivate your audience with your blog. Topics covered are: title, storytelling, the use of metaphors and imagery.
6. The right media
Dr Niko Wanders explains the different types of platforms you could choose and their advantages and disadvantages. He also gives tips on how to make an editor want to publish your blog.
7. Handling trolls & negative reactions
Writing online means that people can post a comment directly. In most cases, this feedback will be nice and helpful. Dr Sterre Leufkens explains how you can best deal with negative responses or trolls.
Need more support?
Contact fellow researchers or Utrecht University communication advisors for help to take your writing to the next level.
