Warm-Up Activity 9.1: How to Prepare a Pamphlet

A pamphlet is an format in which you can present select and concise  information to improve knowledge levels, to change someone’s attitude  toward a subject, to be used in conjunction with other interventions, to  educate patients, their families and professionals, and to target  specific populations.

The Challenge in Preparing a Pamphlet

Writing an effective pamphlet is challenging. You have a limited  amount of space in which to provide information. This is where  organizing and outlining becomes important.

1. Determine the key concepts. Your assignment will outline several or all points that need to be covered.

2. Use headings or subtitles to address those key concepts.

3. Put the key point first in the explanation for each section.

4. Properly cite your supporting resources just as you would do with a  traditional paper. NOTE: Double-check with your Mentor to see if he or  she will accept footnotes rather than a reference section for your  pamphlet if it helps with readability of your information.

5. Graphics, photographs, charts and other illustrations need to be appropriate to the topic and audience.

Creating a Pamphlet

There are a number of software programs including Microsoft Publisher  that are designed to create a variety of different written materials.  But you can easily create your own using Microsoft Word.

Depending on the version of Word that you may have, you can open a  template and simply cut and paste your information into the template. Or  you can search the Internet for a free template.

But you can also create a simple pamphlet in Word by following these steps.

1. Open a new file in Word, name it and save it as you would any other assignment.

2. Go to PAGE LAYOUT>MARGINS>NARROW (1/2 inch)

3. Write your text and insert graphics

4. Go to PAGE LAYOUT>ORIENTATION>LANDSCAPE. Change to landscape – 11 x 8 ½

5. Highlight text.

6. With text highlighted, go to PAGE LAYOUT>COLUMNS>THREE. Click and save.

Your file now is a draft pamphlet that you now can review, revise and proof before you submit it to your Mentor for feedback.

Simple Tips

Effective pamphlets are those that present information that is organized, supported with valid research, and easy to understand.

1. Use short words and sentences. Keep your audience in mind.

2. Use quotes sparingly. As a general rule, quotes have value for  emphasis if you cannot rephrase the information any better in your own  words.

3. Use the active voice. “Families can provide support to children  struggling with homework by”… rather than “Support can be provided by  the family to children struggling with homework by…”

4. Be positive. “Families should” rather than “Families should not”

Presentation Tips

1. Use a simple font and no less than 12 point (footnotes should be no smaller than 9 point)

2. Use the same font throughout.

3. Use color sparingly and for emphasis only. The same goes for underlining and italics.

4. Use white space effectively. If text is squeezed together, it is  hard to read. Rather, take time to edit your information so that your  key concepts are clearly and simply presented.

Assignment

You need to prepare a pamphlet that can be distributed at  mental health clinics, public health centers, and physicians’ offices  explaining the relationship between methamphetamine and mental health.  Be sure to include the following in your pamphlet: A definition of methamphetamines, their most common form and usages  How methamphetamines are abused  Intoxication caused by methamphetamine use  Long and short term effects of methamphetamine abuse Symptoms and methods of withdrawal from methamphetamine use  Psychiatric illnesses association with methamphetamine use  Different ways disorders co-occur with methamphetamine (e.g., self-medications vs. meth-caused mental disorder) Treatment options and prognoses for methamphetamine addiction

Support your pamphlet with at least 5 peer-reviewed scholarly references. In  addition, provide two local community resources (Columbus, Ohio area)that deal with the  problem of methamphetamine and mental health issues.
 

Your  pamphlet should demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the ideas and  concepts presented by providing new thoughts and insights  relating directly to this topic. Be creative while reflecting scholarly  writing and current APA standards.

Due: December 8, 2018 by 5pm EST