UST’s The Aquinian holds BEACON 2021: Emboldening and Empowering Youth's Voice Through Editorial Writing Webinar

Danielle Margareth Piler

THURSDAY, October 28, 2021 - Strengthening the power of the youth by helping improve their skills in writing Editorials, the Official Student Publication of the University of Santo Tomas Junior High School — known as “The Aquinian”, conducted a Journalism Seminar entitled BEACON 2021, with the theme, “Emboldening and Empowering Youth’s Voice through Editorial Writing”, via Zoom and Facebook Group Livestreaming.

The masters of the ceremony, Ms. Louise, a news writer, and Mr. JM Castillo, the Opinion Editor, briefly introduced themselves and the focal point of the said webinar. Afterward, it was followed by a short energizer via Kahoot regarding some trivias in Editorial Writing, in which the audience actively participated.

As for the event’s resource speaker, the University invited Mr. John Nery, a Columnist and Editorial Consultant at Rappler. He previously worked at the Philippine Daily Inquirer as a Senior Editor, Editorial Writer, and Columnist for 20 years. Mr. Nery is also the author of the book entitled, “Revolutionary Spirit: Jose Rizal in Southeast Asia”.

To formally start his discussion, Mr. John explained the meaning and concept behind Editorial Writing. He stated that in writing an Editorial, the writer should stand on a certain topic or issue. The writer, too, should observe subjectivity, especially when it comes to Editorial Writing, unlike News, wherein they have to stay objective whenever writing.

“Kahit mga campus journalists kayo, mga journalist pa rin kayo. It just happened na nagsusulat kayo para sa campuses niyo,” he stated, implying that there’s no difference between being a campus journalist and a journalist, as both have the same duty and responsibility: To defend the press freedom and to disseminate truthful and legit information towards the public.

He remarked that Editorial writers must convince and persuade readers — to which Mr. John also mentioned Aristotle’s Persuasive Techniques, better known as, “The Rhetorical Triangle”, that can help Editorial Writers in terms of persuasive writing.

“In writing an Editorial, you should start with a strong lead or introduction to hook the readers,” Mr. John told the participants. He also added that whilst writing an Editorial, it should be consistent: If it started strong, then it must end strong. Summarizing what he mentioned in terms of writing an Editorial, he provided 4 simple tips: (1) Start with a summary, (2) Select your arguments, (3) Substantiate, and (4) Seal your closing.

“‘Wag din kayong matakot na humingi ng tulong sa ibang tao. Pwede niyo ring ipabasa sa kanila iyong gawa niyo bago ipublish,” he advised, saying that Constructive Criticism is a must; not just in Editorial Writing, but also in Journalism. In any case, a good journalist must be able to accept criticisms without taking it personally.

Additionally, he advised the participants that whenever writing an Editorial, it’s very critical to back up their claims with facts, appealing arguments, together with some examples. “I suggest that you choose 2-3 points to support your Editorial,” he remarked.

What’s more, in this society, people may enjoy reading logical arguments and an opinion that fully allows them to agree or disagree — that’s one of the points of an Editorial. It should be engaging, thought-provoking, and debatable at the same time.

As the lecture went deeper, Mr. John mentioned some tips and techniques that a writer can apply whenever writing an Editorial: Using of Metaphors, Repetitions, Sarcasm, a slight of Humour, and Paradoxes. Thereafter, he presented examples of Editorials for the audience to understand its ways and structures further.

After his discussion, the floor was opened for the Question & Answer portion. It was then followed by the closing remarks led by Ms. Julienne Rengel, the Junior Associate Editor. Then, the Certificate of Recognition awarding took place for the resource speaker, Mr. John Nery.

Concluding the said workshop, the participants were asked to open their cameras for a photo opportunity and sent their evaluation form afterwards.

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