About the Program
The Communications Program is the home of John F. Kennedy's legacy in political and policy-based communications at Harvard Kennedy School. Our faculty, staff, and consultants share a deep commitment to public service, backed by pathbreaking, real-world contributions to the field of policy communications.
We provide students with tactical and strategic approaches for developing, improving, and executing written, spoken, and digital policy communications skills at the highest level. In addition to our 30 for-credit courses, we offer 30+ yearly workshops and study groups, and individualized writing and public speaking advice and support.
HKS Communications Senior Director and Lecturer
Lauren Brodsky
Lauren_brodsky@hks.harvard.edu
Belfer Building, Room 208
HKS Communications Program Manager
Alison Kommer
alison_kommer@hks.harvard.edu
Belfer Building, Room 210
Writing Consultants
James Geary (Fall Only)
james_geary@hks.harvard.edu
Austin Bogues (Fall 2 and Spring 1 Only)
austin_bogues@hks.harvard.edu
Jerry Lanson (Spring Only and ONLINE only)
gerald_lanson@hks.harvard.edu
Public Speaking Consultant
Jill Slye
jill_slye@hsdm.harvard.edu
Program Faculty
Lauren Brodsky
Candace Bertotti
Austin Bogues
James Geary
Nancy Gibbs
Alex Green
Jon Haber
Gregory Harris
Stephen Krupin
MaryRose Mazzola
Hong Qu
Lawrence Quartana
Jeffrey Seglin
Allison Shapira
Adam Stumacher
Margaret Talev
Communications Courses, Workshops, & Study Groups
The HKS Communications Program offers both for-credit and not-for-credit options for students, including:
- Communications courses taught by HKS faculty, offered for credit, that focus on public speaking, writing, and data visualization.
- Workshops and study groups led by faculty and expert consultants, offered in-person and online throughout the academic year.
Current students can see a guide to the communications courses and register for workshops and study groups on the HKS Hub. A full description of each course appears on my.harvard.edu.
Consulting Resources
During the academic year, the Communications Program offers a variety of services to the community:
- Writing consultants meet one-on-one with students to help with assignments, editing, and style.
- A public speaking consultant is available to offer students individual support and assistance for upcoming presentations and speeches.
Current students can schedule an appointment with a writing or public speaking consultant on the HKS Hub.
Additional Resources
How to Write a Policy Memo
This quick “how to” will help you understand the expectations of memo writing, in terms of style, format and analysis.
How to Write an Op-ed
Learn a proven structure for making a persuasive argument, distill your idea, and connect with your audience.
How to Write an Executive Summary
Learning how to write an excellent executive summary is an important part of being an effective and persuasive policy communicator.
More resources are available on the Hub
Current students have access to all our resources and can schedule appointments with our consultants on the Hub.
Featured Program News
From a single course to over 60 offerings for public policy students: Inside Harvard Kennedy School’s unique communications program
Students learn from professionals to create policy memos, speeches, op-eds, data visualization, briefings, and even how to publish a book. Article by Susan Hughes, April 2, 2026
The World in a Phrase: A Brief History of the Aphorism.
James Geary spoke to the Gazette about the appeal of short, philosophical phrases, and why memes can be the new aphorisms.
What it’s Like to be a Speechwriter
Writing for the ear rather than the eye, racing to meet teleprompter deadlines, and recasting lost memories as timeless advice with Stephen Krupin, a speechwriter.
Student Published Work
Many HKS students get their op-eds published in major news outlets, read a few of the most recent pieces below:
Delfino (Costa Rica) | May 18, 2026
What Bataán Lives and the GAM Does Not Understand
Orlando Carvajal
The Diplomat | May 12, 2026
India's 'China Reset' Has No Answer to AVIC's Pakistan Admission
Naveen Krishnan
WBUR Cognoscenti | May 1, 2026
Medical school made me numb to grief. Then I lost my grandfather
Alisha Yi
Russian Matters (HKS BCSIF) | April 30, 2026
Mythos in Moscow: Why Russia Will be the Relative Winner of AI Cyber Proliferation
Naveen Krishnan
War on the Rocks | April 16, 2026
Anthropic's Nuclear Bomb
Naveen Krishnan