How to Write a Radio Serial Drama for Social Development- PDF

Chapter Two: Writing Begins: The Writer’s Brief 23
health workers in Nepal, demonstrates the type of content detail needed
for a technical knowledge program. It describes the content of the first
of three episodes on the intrauterine device (IUD).
EXAMPLE
2
Content Details for Technical Knowledge Program on Family Planning
Episode #31
Topic: Modern Contraceptive Methods, IUD (1)
What Is the IUD
Remind health workers of the importance of covering all
essential points in discussing modern contraceptive
methods with clients (See Program #13).
Explain that the IUD is a long-acting, temporary
modern contraceptive method for women. It is a small
device made of plastic and copper that is inserted into
the uterus by a specially trained Health Worker.
How Does it Work
It prevents pregnancy for up to 10 years. The IUD
prevents pregnancy by preventing the sperm from
reaching the egg.
Advantages
• Very effective
• Immediately effective, long-term protection
up to 10 years
• No extra supplies needed by client
• Immediate return of fertility upon removal
• Suitable for breast-feeding women
• Convenient; does not interfere with intercourse
Disadvantages
(In the scripts, “disadvantages" were referred to as
“Special Considerations" or “Bodily Changes" in order to
overcome the negative suggestion of the word
“disadvantages.")
• Requires a specially trained health worker
to insert and remove
• Woman needs to check the string after each
menstrual period to make sure the IUD is still in place
• Woman cannot remove it on her own
• The IUD may come out of the uterus through the
cervical canal and be expelled into the vagina. This is
not common and usually happens within the first
month.
The IUD cannot travel or move around inside the body.
(Stress and repeat this last fact several times).
• Greater risk of pelvic infection with IUD users who
have a recent history of STDs, and for those who
have multiple sex partners
• May cause increased menstrual bleeding
The message content of every episode of the serial, including the
other two programs on the IUD, was described in equal detail in the
Writer’s Brief. Therefore, the writer knew exactly what information
should be included in each episode and the way it should be stated.
Detailing the technical content of the programs in this way enhances
rather than hinders the writer’s creativity. It frees the writer from
searching through reference books for technical information and lets the
writer concentrate on creating an entertaining story to carry the
educational information in the most natural and appropriate way.
Providing content details also eliminates the risk that the writer will
include contradictory information gathered from different sources.
14. A glossary of specific terminology. The Writer’s Brief must include a
glossary explaining exactly how technical terms and words are to be used
or defined in the local language. The glossary is equally important for