Abstract
Clinicians who want to communicate child advocacy messages, stories, and arguments can draw on their clinical and scientific experience, but effective communication to wider--and nonmedical--audiences requires careful thought. We discuss choosing and honing the message, developing writing and speaking skills that fit both the exigencies of the chosen medium and format, including op-eds, essays, social media, public testimony, and speeches. We provide guidance on proposing articles, working with editors, shaping language and diction for a general audience, and drawing on clinical experiences while respecting confidentiality. all with the goal of effective communication, spoken and written, in the service of children and child advocacy.