In this activity, you will communicate to the editor in response to a recent publication within the journal through a written and an audio letter.

Step 1. Review

Review all the previous readings for Module 6, as well as this guideline for writing a letter. After reviewing, recall a specific topic of interest in public health communication related to your area of research/expertise.

Step 2. Research and Study

Research for a  journal article (dated 2010-2021) that is very much aligned with your point of interest. Study the journal article critically by keeping in mind the following salient points: strengths, weaknesses, and controversies in the article, ensuring the absence of misinterpretation.

Step 3. Respond

Write a 300-700 word letter to the editor of a journal publication about the selected journal article with the following inclusions

• Purpose of the letter: 

• Is it to discuss a controversial aspect of the published journal article?

• Is it to clarify a specific aspect of the article?

• Is it to enrich the existing knowledge of the journal article with professional opinions or objective data?

• Is it to share professional viewpoints

• Introduction: beginning

• Body (Key points, arguments, etc.)

• Conclusion:  a concise summary and end with suggestions or future recommendations

Step 3: Self-Analysis and Enhancement

Before you submit, engage in an introspective self-analysis by systematically reviewing each component of your work. Reflect on what aspects of your work were executed well and what could be enhanced. Proceed to refine these elements in your work.

Step 4: Submit

To submit your work, click on the “Reply” button under this post and paste either the picture of your work or the shareable link of your work (if it is a google document) in the “Message” box. Make sure to reference others’ intellectual property when necessary. All references should follow 7th Edition APA formatting. For further instructions, see the Himmelfarb Health Sciences Library resource: APA citation resource (N.B. references are excluded from word counts).

OPTIONAL Step 5: Interact (10 minutes)

If you would like to, you can reply to your peers' posts in a respectful and professional manner. Ensure that your post engages your peers' ideas by including a reflection on their comments, sharing ideas of other potential difficulties and parties involved, or asking thought-provoking questions. If a peer comments on your posting, please reply. To post a reply, click “Reply” on a particular discussion, write your feedback and then click on “Post to forum.”

Step 6 (Optional): Submit to your mentor or research advisor

If your mentor or research advisor is available, you may request a review consultation of your work in preparation for submission to your targeted journal. Then, if/when your work gets published, share the link with us, and we will share it on our blog!