Moderating a Facebook Live Training Session: A Reflection on the 8th BTCLF Live Session
On May 9, 2020, I had the privilege of moderating the 8th live training session organized by the Bangladesh Tarun Column Lekhok Forum (BTCLF), Dhaka University Unit, as part of their ongoing Facebook Live series for young writers. This initiative, designed to nurture and guide budding writers, provides an excellent platform for them to learn from experts in the field of writing and journalism. The 8th session was particularly noteworthy, not only for the presence of an esteemed speaker but also for the depth of insights shared during the event.
The Special Guest: Shamashir Saiyed
The session featured Shamashir Saiyed, a renowned Senior Journalist and Sub-editor at the Daily Jonokontho newspaper. As a seasoned professional with years of experience in journalism and feature writing, he brought a wealth of knowledge and practical advice for young writers. Saiyed’s ability to simplify complex concepts and articulate his thoughts with clarity made the session highly engaging and educational.
He shared his professional journey, highlighting the skills and challenges involved in feature and column writing. His anecdotes not only provided valuable insights into the writing process but also inspired participants to view writing as a craft that requires constant learning and refinement.
Key Focus: Feature and Column Writing
Saiyed centered his discussion on feature and column writing, two forms of creative nonfiction that hold significant importance in journalism and literature.
1. Understanding Feature Writing
Feature writing, according to Saiyed, is more than just reporting facts—it involves storytelling. He emphasized the following characteristics:
- Narrative Style: Features are written in a conversational tone, often using anecdotes and vivid descriptions to captivate readers.
- In-depth Exploration: A feature delves deeper into the subject, offering analysis, context, and perspectives.
- Emotional Connection: Successful feature writing evokes emotions, making readers feel connected to the story or topic.
Saiyed encouraged aspiring writers to focus on their audience, ensuring that their content is both relevant and engaging.
2. Column Writing: A Space for Opinions
Saiyed explained that column writing is an art of expressing opinions, often reflecting the writer’s unique perspective on contemporary issues. Key elements he highlighted include:
- Personal Voice: A column should resonate with the writer’s personality and views.
- Research-Based Arguments: Opinions must be backed by facts and thorough research to maintain credibility.
- Consistency and Originality: Regular columns require consistency in quality and originality in ideas to retain readers’ interest.
Introducing the CODER Framework for Writing
One of the session’s most valuable takeaways was Saiyed’s introduction of the CODER Framework, a systematic approach to writing that can be applied to any form of creative or analytical writing.
C: Collect Your Ideas
The process begins with gathering ideas. Saiyed stressed the importance of being observant and curious, noting that inspiration for writing can come from diverse sources, such as personal experiences, books, conversations, or current events.
O: Organize Your Ideas
Once ideas are collected, the next step is to organize them logically. Saiyed encouraged writers to create an outline or mind map to ensure that their thoughts flow coherently. This step is crucial for maintaining structure and clarity in writing.
D: Draft Your Ideas
Drafting is where writers translate their organized thoughts into written form. Saiyed advised young writers to focus on getting their ideas down on paper without worrying too much about perfection at this stage. He emphasized that drafting is an iterative process and that the initial draft is only the beginning.
E: Edit Your Draft
Editing is where the magic happens. Saiyed highlighted the importance of refining the draft by checking for grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure. He also advised eliminating unnecessary words and ensuring that the writing maintains its intended tone and style.
R: Review Your Writing by Self
The final step involves reviewing the edited draft critically. Saiyed suggested reading the piece aloud to identify inconsistencies or areas that need improvement. He also recommended taking a short break before reviewing to approach the work with fresh eyes.
The CODER framework is a simple yet effective tool that provides writers with a clear roadmap for producing high-quality work.
Reflections on Moderating the Session
As the moderator, I found the experience immensely rewarding. It was an opportunity not only to facilitate meaningful discussions but also to learn from an expert and engage with aspiring writers. My role involved ensuring that the session ran smoothly, managing audience interactions, and summarizing key points for clarity. Some of the challenges included keeping the session on schedule and addressing diverse questions from participants, which ranged from basic writing tips to specific queries about feature and column writing.
Impact and Key Takeaways
The session left a profound impact on both the participants and me. Some of the key takeaways included:
- Structured Approach to Writing: The CODER framework provided a practical guide for breaking down the writing process into manageable steps.
- The Importance of Storytelling: Saiyed’s insights on feature writing highlighted the power of narratives in connecting with readers.
- Professional Growth Through Reflection: The emphasis on reviewing and self-evaluation underscored the importance of continuous improvement in writing.
The feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing their gratitude for the actionable advice and inspiration they received.
Conclusion
The 8th live training session by Bangladesh Tarun Column Lekhok Forum (BTCLF) was a resounding success, thanks to the expertise of Shamashir Saiyed and the enthusiastic participation of young writers. Events like these play a crucial role in fostering the next generation of writers, equipping them with the tools and knowledge needed to excel in their craft.
For me, moderating the session was not just a responsibility but also a learning experience that deepened my appreciation for the art of writing and the importance of mentorship in professional growth. As I reflect on this event, I look forward to more opportunities to contribute to such initiatives and continue my journey of learning and sharing knowledge.
Link to the session: Watch Here
Tags: #writer #column #columnist #youngwriter #feature #blog #btclf #youngwriter
0 Comments