Journalism Chapter 6 Notes Part 2

Point of View

 Write from third person point of view

 Writing that was he, she, and they are subjects

 Allows to write from non-participating P.O.V.

 Avoid using “you” in straight news stories, sometimes used in indirect leads/okay to use in quotes.

The Storytelling Pattern

 Different style than inverted pyramid

 Storytelling pattern – pattern that invites reader in with an indirect lead, then gives the pertinent facts and information, and ends with a clincher

 Clincher – statement that returns the reader to the opening paragraph or reaches a conclusion necessary to understand the event/story

Journalism Chapt 6 Notes Part 2

Readability

 Short sentences and paragraphs make it easier to read

 Standard reading material appropriate for newspaper = average 17 words per sentence – vary sentence length to keep interesting but keep average of 17 words.

 Sentence structure = easiest = Subject – verb – object (SVO) preferred – avoid allowing to get too long.

 Again, vary sentence structure for interest but majority of sentences should be SVO.

Transitions

 Key word, phrase, theme, or paragraph that links together the sentences and paragraphs of a story. They include:

 Key words, ideas, or themes – same words, ideas, or themes from leads appear throughout the story

 Pronouns – can connect to former – be sure antecedent is clear.

Writing the Story

 Information organized in a circular fashion end refers back to the beginning.

 Choosing a pattern – reporter determines in planning stages

 Hard news stories = usually direct lead/inverted pyramid

 Features/timeless stories = usually indirect lead/storytelling organization

 Human interest = can use either

 Content of some stories organize better into a specific organizational pattern.

 Consider: what need to know AND what’s most interesting

 Accuracy – facts must be checked and rechecked – must have more than one source for info.

 Don’t use info that can’t be verified

 Being wrong is worse than not having the story.

Transitional terms:

Objectivity

 1. Conjunction – and, but, on (connect 2 things).

 2. Additives – also, in addition, next, thus (helps move on).

 3. Contrasts and comparisons – however, likewise, similarly.

 4. Place indicators – near, here, there, across.

 5. Time indicators – later, after, meanwhile, soon.

 Paragraphs and quotations: can move story from one idea to another.

 Report only facts – not own opinions.

 Let readers draw own conclusions.

 Be careful of word choice – words can imply emotion on judgment

 Ex: eagerly, especially, tragic, only.

Editing the News Story

 Editing – checking writing for accuracy, organization, and writing style.

 A continual process

 Each person who writes, reads article should edit it.

 Descriptive words appear more often in features and new stories with indirect leads.

 Descriptive words okay if they add detail without opinion/judgment.

 May use quotes and others opinions and emotions but reporter must not reveal own feelings.