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What makes a good SFU story?
As communicators, once we develop a communication strategy, we often also play the role of content creator. The following guidelines will help you in crafting an impactful and engaging story for audiences, aligned with SFU's key priorities and themes.
Your story has IMPACT
It’s aligned with SFU themes
Informative: It’s new information worth sharing
Meaningful: It solves a problem, addresses an issue
Pride: It builds pride in SFU, those involved or your audience
Awe: It inspires, surprises or impresses
Clear: It’s focused and concise
Timely: It’s related to current news or an upcoming event, or it just happened
Your story focuses on:
- Student experience success
- Research and innovation
- Engaging with community
Your writing is audience-focused
People first: Storytelling through personal stories or expertise. Support with facts and stats.
Plain language: Tells the story for the average person.
Informative: Answers questions your audience will have.
Tone and voice: Friendly and casual, using an active voice.
Visuals: Add value and support messages.
Strategic story themes
- A first of its kind (discovery, achievement, initiative, partnership, program, etc.)
- A new innovation with strong visuals
- Research or expert commentary tied to news or current events
- A human-interest side to a timely issue
- Applying transformative research for the benefit of society
- A new initiative, chair, position, that addresses an important issue in the community
- SFU takes a leadership role on issues, research, teaching, etc.
- Something remarkable, unique about SFU that has appeal to broader audiences
- SFU mobilizes knowledge to the benefit of our local communities, across Canada and around the world
- How SFU's interdisciplinary approach prepares students with critical thinking, compassion and collaborative skills to make positive contributions to society?