Saturday, December 21, 2024

Vodcast on Writing as an Effective Communication Tool

 I speak on how and why should adapt good writing skills. You can listen to it herehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7N2-N24BuuQ




Tuesday, December 3, 2024

Effective planning to use data for an outstanding output

 Think Tanks, as research organisations, conduct robust research to provide evidence-based, actionable recommendations to policymakers and governments. Effective data handling — identifying, collecting, analysing and reporting — is crucial., I wrote this article with Mrinalini Kabbur


https://meghalayamonitor.com/effective-planning-to-use-data-for-an-outstanding-output/ 




How are policies received at grassroots level?

 Policies that are relevant, transparent, implemented, strategised and include a feedback mechanism always find success I write in my column NextGen Insights in Meghalaya Monitor


NextGen Insights


Passive Aggressive Communication-Vodcast

 In this episode I share my views on Passive-aggressive communication. It is a style where individuals express anger indirectly rather than directly confronting the issue. They often appear passive on the surface but harbor resentment and may act out in subtle ways.


 

Friday, November 1, 2024

 In Episode 5 on my Vodcast I speak on Passive Communication Style. 

Typically, it is a style where individuals have developed a pattern of avoiding expressing their opinions or feelings, protecting their rights, and identifying and meeting their needs. As a result, passive individuals do not respond overtly to hurtful or anger-inducing situations.

 

It can be useful in specific contexts, particularly for conflict avoidance, de-escalation and respecting others' views. For effective interactions, balancing passive communication with assertive techniques is crucial, as this helps build healthier, more transparent relationships and enables individuals to meet both personal and collective needs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCnjxfwmXqM

Thursday, October 17, 2024

 Vodcast 4- Assertive communication. I share my thoughts on the traits, importance, characteristics and some Tips on Assertive Communication. 


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gE4WcU7Oggc




Thursday, October 3, 2024

Vodcast on Aggressive Communication-Episode 3

 In this episode I speak on Aggressive Communication-advantages and disadvantages amongst other thingshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8daT__hojr0 

Saturday, August 31, 2024

Podcast on Communicate to Think, Write and Listen-Episode 1

I plan to publish two sessions of Podcast every month. Using my experience, I plan to share my thoughts on the importance, nuances, challenges, barriers and benefits of professional communication. Happy to share the first episode


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypBEW4MRjF0




Friday, August 30, 2024

Policy Makers and Jungle Book

 I write in my column Communication Pulse "Every Government Officer is expected to have certain characteristics and traits to ensure that they perform well, discharge their duties efficiently and effectively, communicate and understand the needs of both the communities and the government" in the Newsletter published by the Indian Institute of Public Administration-Karnataka Regional Branch.


https://www.iipa-krb.org.in/admin/uploads/pdf/IIPA-KRB_Virtual_Newsletter-August_2024.pdf




Communication Challenges for a Government Officer

 I write in my column Communication Pulse " Good and effective communication helps in making a huge difference to Government, individuals and community. A well-planned communication strategy helps in achieving success ..." in the Newsletter published by the Indian Institute of Public Administration-Karnataka Regional Branch.

https://www.iipa-krb.org.in/virtual-newsletter/2024/iipa-krb-virtual-newsletter-july-2024.pdf






What is Policy Implementation?

 I write "...implementing a policy means a process to translate decisions made by policymakers into concrete actions" in my column Communication Pulse in the Newsletter published by the Indian Institute of Public Administration-Karnataka Regional Branch.

https://www.iipa-krb.org.in/virtual-newsletter/2024/iipa-krb-virtual-newsletter-june-2024.pdf



How can Media be used Effectively in Public Policy?

I write in my column Communication Pulse in the Newsletter published by the Indian Institute of Public Administration-Karnataka Regional Branch-"...media links scientific developments and Public Policy. Understanding the nuances of science reporting empowers individuals to engage critically and advocate for evidence-based policies".


https://www.iipa-krb.org.in/virtual-newsletter/2024/iipa-krb-virtual-newsletter-may-2024.pdf





Thursday, August 29, 2024

Tips to Engage with Communities Effectively

 "Any Government Officer has a prime duty to engage with the communities. Sometimes we believe that we are a good communicator, people understand but the result often is we do not get the required responses" I write in my column Communication Pulse in the Newsletter published by the Indian Institute of Public Administration-Karnataka Regional Branch.

https://www.iipa-krb.org.in/virtual-newsletter/2023/iipa-krb-virtual-newsletter-june-2023.pdf




 "Positive and continuous engagement with communities, while mobilising action towards SDGs will ensure that the path to achieving the SDGs will be smooth and easy" I write in my column Communication Pulse in the Newsletter published by the Indian Institute of Public Administration-Karnataka Regional Branch.


https://www.iipa-krb.org.in/virtual-newsletter/2023/iipa-krb-virtual-newsletter-july-2023.pdf



Challenges in SDG 1 and Mitigation-Communication Angle

 "The global goal of eradication of poverty is of great importance. India is a very strongly diversified developing economy with a poverty rate of 15% in 2019-21, according to the NFHS report: I write in my column Communication Pulse in a Newsletter published by the Indian Institute of Public Administration-Karnataka Regional Branch".


https://www.iipa-krb.org.in/virtual-newsletter/2023/iipa-krb-virtual-newsletter-august-2023.pdf




SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOAL 2 - ZERO HUNGER

 "In India the child wasting rate is 19.3%, worse than 2014's (15.1%) and 2000's (17.15%) levels. This raises concerns on severe food insecurity, as 18% of mothers with children aged 6-23 months reported zero-food in the 24 hours before the survey. India ranks 107th in the 2022 Global Hunger Index, with a serious hunger score of 29.1" I write in my column Communication Pulse in the Indian Institute of Public Administration-Karnataka Regional Branch's Newsletter. 


https://www.iipa-krb.org.in/virtual-newsletter/2023/iipa-krb-virtual-newsletter-september-2023.pdf




 "The COVID-19 pandemic became a boon for some and bane for others. It not only disrupted normal life but made everyone sit up and face the “unknown” illness. It not only disrupted regular health services but also increased anxiety and halted government services for several diseases" I write in my column Communication Pulse in the Indian Institute of Public Administration Karnataka Regional Branch's Newsletter. Sustainable Development Goal 3: Ensure Healthy Lives and Promote Well-Being for All at all Ages.

https://www.iipa-krb.org.in/virtual-newsletter/2023/iipa-krb-virtual-newsletter-october-2023.pdf






"The goal of inclusive and quality education for all aims to ensure free primary and secondary schooling for all girls and boys by 2030, provide equal access to affordable vocational training, eliminate gender and wealth disparities, and achieve universal access to quality higher education" I write in my column Communication Pulse. SDG Goal 4: Ensure Inclusive and Equitable Quality Education and Promote Life-Long Learning Opportunities for All

https://www.iipa-krb.org.in/virtual-newsletter/2023/iipa-krb-virtual-newsletter-november-2023.pdf



SDG 5: Achieve Gender Equality and Empower all Women and Girls

 "Karnataka ranks seventh in India for gender equality, but has a low representation of women in public services". I write in my column Communication Pulse. SDG 5: Achieve Gender Equality and Empower all Women and Girls Challenges and Possible Solutions for the Government of Karnataka.

https://www.iipa-krb.org.in/virtual-newsletter/2023/iipa-krb-virtual-newsletter-december-2023.pdf



Communicating using Social Media and Media Platforms for Effective Governance

 I write "In India, social media has been widely accepted. The Government of India and State Governments have made great initiatives in ensuring that key social media platforms serve them as “loud speakers” to reach out to the masses" in the INDIAN INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION Karnataka Regional Branch, Bengaluru


https://www.iipa-krb.org.in/virtual-newsletter/2023/iipa-krb-virtual-newsletter-january-2023.pdf




Realities of women leadership in civil society organisations

 I write with Khushi Shetty in an article, "Gender discrimination is a multi-faceted problem; hence a single solution cannot bear the brunt of the weight. Steps have to be taken at each stage to make the long journey more approachable and ensure there is true empowerment. Stepping into the unknown future after a pandemic, we need the best leaders we can get, irrespective of gender. Our leaders of today shape the world of tomorrow. It is time we get equal and equitable in who gets to decide what’s to come".

https://meghalayamonitor.com/realities-of-women-leadership-in-civil-society-organisations/




BOOK REVIEW: An insight into data & communication

 

 My book Musings, Anecdotes & Experiences was reviewed by Meghalaya Monitor.  The reviewer writes, "The book, a collection of articles, also looks at other facets such as communication and policy engagement and the various tools for communication. Over the years, Ravichander has written about improving and improvising the modes of communication by using new-age tools and methods. The articles bring together the anecdotes and help readers understand the values"



Need for best practices in implementing a policy

"Any policy implementation should not only be simple but also meaningful. To do this, one of the first things to be kept in mind is the objectives, which should be crystal clear to ensure that all stakeholders understand and participate in the success of the policy. A good way to understand and ensure clarity is to see that the goal is accurate, manageable and achievable" I write in my column NextGen Insights in Meghalaya Monitor.

https://meghalayamonitor.com/need-for-best-practices-in-implementing-a-policy/




Public Policy: A changemaker in the field of education

I write with Dr. Harini Santhanam "Public Policy involves several stakeholders who not only play a significant role but are also important for the success of a policy and its implementation. Hence, nurturing young minds with the right information and encouraging analytical and critical thinking becomes even more relevant" in Meghalaya Monitor. Read here for the full article-https://meghalayamonitor.com/public-policy-a-changemaker-in-the-field-of-education/





Role of social media in public policy

 I write "in recent times, social media has played a crucial role in all walks of life. In public policy, it has taken a new turn to reach out to people, people reaching out to governments, sharing views, developing transparency and bringing in a wee bit of trust. It often serves as a tool for better management of policy-making processes" in my column NextGen Insights in Meghalaya Monitor. 

https://meghalayamonitor.com/role-of-social-media-in-public-policy/ 





Sunday, June 30, 2024

Becoming a tech-enabled grandma

 This is an article I wrote after I experienced my visit to see my grand daughter-Maya in the UK. I learnt a lot on the use of technology and wrote a small piece in the Deccan Herald-https://www.deccanherald.com/opinion/becoming-a-tech-enabled-grandma-3087154

Friday, May 24, 2024

Article on Use of Data in Governance

 I continue to contribute an article every month for the IIPA-K, Bengaluru Branch every month. This month two of my outputs have been published, You can read them:

  • My interview with Dr. Sujatha Rao (republished) on page 17




  • Communication Pulse – How can Media be used 9 Effectively in Public Policy? - Annapoorna Ravichander on page number 9

Communication Pulse

How can Media be Used Effectively in Public Policy?

Introduction

It is common knowledge that it is important to share and disseminate information to a wider audience, especially in the case of policy makers and government officer. One of the powerful “voices”/channels they can use is the media.

Role of Media in Public Policy

Media plays an important role in the space of public policy and some key aspects include:

§  Setting an Agenda to highlight specific issues and topics and bring them to the forefront of public consciousness, influencing policymakers’ priorities.

§  Framing issues in specific ways to include language, tone and context used in news coverage to shape public perception and influence policy discussions.

§  Educating Public by informing policy matters through news reports, documentaries and analysis

§  Monitoring and be accountable by exposing corruption, inefficiencies and policy failures

§  Shaping Public Opinion by presenting different perspectives, emphasising certain aspects and by providing platforms for experts and stakeholders

§  Aligning the Tone to create a sense of urgency or crisis around specific issues.

Policy Implementation:

  • Media attention can impact policy implementation.
  • When an issue gains widespread coverage, policymakers may allocate resources, adjust regulations, or create new programs to address it.

In summary, the media’s role in public policy extends beyond mere reporting—it influences the policy agenda, educates citizens, and shapes public opinion, ultimately impacting the decisions made by policymakers.

Importance of Media in Public Policy

Disseminate Information:

  • Provide information on policy proposals, government actions and public debates to the general public
  • Act as intermediaries between policymakers and citizens, ensuring that people are aware of the issues at hand and understand the potential implications of policy decisions.

Set Agenda:

  • Influence public agenda by highlighting certain issues over others.
  • Bring attention to specific policy challenges, shaping public discourse and putting pressure on policymakers to address them using reporting and analysis.

Help Public Form Opinion:

  • Shape how the public perceives the effectiveness, fairness and necessity of different policy proposals.

Advocacy and Mobilisation:

  • Amplify voices of advocacy groups, civil society organisations and grassroots movements
  • Provide a platform to raise awareness on specific policy issues and mobilise public support for their causes.

 

Feedback and Evaluation for Policies:

  • Play a role in providing feedback on the implementation and outcomes of public policies
  • Assess the effectiveness of policies, identify unintended consequences and advocate for necessary adjustments or reforms

 

How is it used Scientifically in Everyday Life?

Using a scientific rigour is important and useful and following are some of the ways:

Aids in Informed Decision-Making:

  • Helps in designing effective public policies
  • Evidence-based information helps policy makers make informed choices

 

Solves Problem and Provides Suggested Solutions:

  • Research provides alternate solutions
  • Predicts probable outcomes

 

Helps in Risk Assessment and Prior Warning:

  • Identifies risks and provides warning
  • Helps in taking preventive measures and develop effective policies

 

Builds Public Trust and Reliability:

  • Maintains public trust, especially when there are controversies, wrong representation of information
  • No trust can lead to poor decision making
  • Using scientific standards ensures policy decisions are based on sound information

 

Evaluates and Helps Adapts Policies:

  • Allows policymakers to assess policy effectiveness

 

Challenges and Responsibilities

Three key challenges include:

  1. Evidence-based Reporting
    1. Due to lack of appropriate knowledge citizens are not aware of reliable sources

2.   Lack of Accuracy

    1. Misrepresenting information leads to flawed policies

3.   Lack of Balanced information

a.   Not presenting diverse perspectives hampers decision making

Conclusion

In short, media links scientific developments and public policy. Understanding the nuances of science reporting empowers individuals to engage critically and advocate for evidence-based policies

 


Friday, April 19, 2024

How does a Vision and Mission Statement Help an Organisation

 I wrote a short blog article stating "A vision and mission statement serves as a beacon that directs a think tank to develop purpose and values" in the Meghalaya Monitor. https://meghalayamonitor.com/vision-and-mission-statements-tools-for-efficiency-of-a-think-tank/

Tuesday, January 9, 2024

Musings, Anecdotes and Experiences

Yes, my book is out. "Musings, Anecdotes and Experiences-Compilation of Articles on Research Communication, Policy Engagement and Communicating Data". If you want a copy kindly send me an email to annaravi.consultant@gmail.com.