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A first step on an already common path.

This meeting has been scheduled some time ago. Then the lockdown was implemented and so we followed the example of the European meeting. It was a sign that came at the opportune time. So, on 18,19 and 20 May the meeting of the communication officers of some EUM works took place online: Magis, CIS, Jesuit Education Foundation, JSN, Malta, San Fedele, Jesuits-Youth and EUM Office.

Writing for the web

There were 16 participants in all. This was a new experience. It was a means to deepen knowledge between the different realities and to share formation courses on common themes. Among the chosen themes, was "Writing for the Web", an in-depth study by journalist and web writer Simona Sciancalepore.

Three online seminaries

Language is a means of engaging into a relationship. The new technique Bert (Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers) has been open sourced to improve language presentation online starting from the relevance to the contents.  Attention is particularly directed towards the user who reads little and poorly by skimming through the page. In order to make users aware that the web opens unimaginable resources, it has to connect with them. Therefore, one is invited to make use of charts or lists to plan the texts, thus aiming at the quality of the contents, placing first the most important information followed by details and insights. A simple language is recommended, using the present tense, avoiding stereotypes and technicalities, limiting the use of abbreviations and using clear words – a language, which is not complicated, but which can be easily understood.

Communication on social media follows. The challenge is to initiate "conversations" and to share one's identity. Search in all directions, find time for others or try to save time. Start from what you have to say and not what instrument to use. Share events, appointments, general info, campaigns, project updates, stories, insights. Try to interact by citing sources and try to be concise and clear, not posting too much data.  Make use of hastags without exaggerating and thus distorting one's identity. Always check your contents, always examine your sources when writing on a particular topic, remain relevant, test the information in several ways and anticipate trends. Focus in particular on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Telegram Podcast, Tiktok.

Finally, activating "Policies for the web". Make a list of existing sources and content. Express in a sentence what you do, for whom you are writing, and the method you are using. Publish regularly. Define an editorial plan. Ask yourself the right questions

At the end of the online meeting give some time for reflection on "Communication risks and opportunities during the period of the Coronavirus Pandemic".

There are many possible ways of keeping contact during this time of isolation, which are precious in order to "maintain the continuity of activities, dedicate time to one another, keep in contact and encourage resilience" Valentina Gagliardi, psychologist and psychotherapist highlights. But there are also many risks. "It is the so-called zoom fatigue", which include excessive exposure of oneself, managing silence, and giving attention to what is being said.  Hyper connectivity changes our perception, facilitates multitasking, lowers concentration, promotes the risk of functional illiteracy and triggers laziness. " These risks must be kept in mind to improve opportunities.

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