1. Climate Change Media Training Media Trainer and Consultant
COMPELLING STORIES
Climate Change Media Training
By Patrick Luganda
Media Trainer and Consultant

2. The Organized Reporter
Is organized
Good time manager
Data banks
Dress code
Dignified/ Respectful/ Trusted
Tools-notebook, pen and telephone, recorder, camera, batteries etc
Listens, observes, records etc

3. Organized Address book of phone contacts and details of sources
Researches and seeks Internet access
Pitches with editor and debriefs
Plans ahead and prepares logistical support
Works on deadline pressure
Relates with editors and peers
Cross checks with sources

4. Attributes of Compelling Stories
New and interesting information: Does it surprise? Or business as usual
Impact: Who does this story affect and how? Why should I read, hear or watch it. 5 W + 1 H
Real people: Humanizing a big, complicated issue is one way of making it easier to understand.
Put a face on the story whenever you can, whether it’s a farmer or a fisherman or even a scientist. Stories about people sell as they see themselves in the story
Significance: It tells the reader why the story is important and why they should care.

5. Compelling Stories….
Focus: Good stories focus on a larger problem/challenge.
Clear explanations: Are you writing in scientific jargon, or are you explaining terms (using analogies, similes, comparisons) to make it clear and simple for the audience?
Use numbers carefully, avoid acronyms and clichés.
Background: What is causing the problem? How long has it been going on? When did it start? Why is it persisting? Who is affected? Where is all this taking place?
Context: Take an individual example (which we can see and hear and relate to) and puts it into a larger context by telling us how many other people are in a similar situation, or what else is going on that is related to the example.

6. Compelling Stories…..
Specific examples and compelling anecdotes: These convince the audience of the story’s main point, while telling little stories.
Color, good quotes: Does the story have a sense of place? Can we hear the people? Can we see it, hear it, smell it, feel it?
Accuracy, attribution, balance, fairness and ethical
Comments from experts (and those involved in the story) for possible solutions to the problem or situation. What’s being done about it?

7. Compelling Stories….
Good organization: An interesting beginning that engages the audience
Tells us clearly what the story is about and why it’s important (main point or theme para)
The middle has good examples and explanations to convince the reader
An ending that helps the reader remember the story
Packaging: Photographs, graphics, pool quotes, sidebars, cartoons, illustrations, actualities, ambience etc. Think visually.
Honesty: Avoid sensationalism to get a headline. Are you careful about links between cause and effect? Examine all possible causes for an event or process?

8. Sources
NGOS have an agenda. Many have agendas and be careful to have both sides of the story
Government officials in line ministries such as Met, agric, water, Universities, Institutes, Humanitarian
Local people on impacts, effects and adaptation. Note may not have the exact data and may give you conflicting information
University researchers and other specialists usually have information
Environment experts including management authorities
Private sector especially waste management experts
Legislators and policy makers
Experts in related sectors-agric, water, health, finance,
International Organizations and line agencies
Specialized institutions UNFCCC, IPCCC, WMO, NBDF etc

9. Ends
Thank You