1. SPEECHES, MEETINGS & NEWS CONFERENCES COMM 260W – FA13

2. Overview Here’s a guide to covering speeches, news conferences and panel discussions: 1. Find the subject. The title is an indicator. 2. Determine the purpose. The speaker will be trying to report, explain or persuade, sometimes all three. 3. Locate the main idea. Here is the specific point that will constitute the lede. 4. Gather the evidence used to prove the point. This provides the body of the story. Remember: These stories are based on spoken words. Your story should include plenty of quotations.

3. Checklist – Speeches The speech story includes: What was said: speaker’s main point Who spoke: name and identification The setting or circumstances of the speech Any unusual occurence

4. Checklist – Meetings Major business transacted: votes, decisions, adoption of policies, etc. Purpose, time and location of meeting Items on agenda Discussions and debate. Length of session Quotes from witnesses and experts Comments and statements from onlookers, authorities, and those affected by decision, vote or policy Background Unusual departures from agenda Agenda for next session

5. Checklist – News Conferences Major point of speaker Name and identification of speaker Purpose, time, location and length of conference Background of major point Major point in statement; major points in question-and- answer period Consequences of announcement