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{ Writing techniques Hofstra * JRNL 11 *Prof. Vaccaro
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AP Style Quiz No. 1 Reminder to look for work outside of class Recap last class In-class assignment Lecture Next class Today’s road map
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Writing a lead Find the focus Tells the reader most important part of story Reporters should ask questions before writing WHAT was unique or most important? WHO was involved, or said it, or did it? Is there a colorful word or phrase to work in? Must contain Specific information about what happened When the event occurred The location of the event The source of the information (according to who?) Keep the lead short (30-35 words) Lead * Nut graph * Quote * Background Inverted Pyramid Recap last class
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Tips for finding your lead Reader interest – do they care? Memorable item from your reporting Descriptive approach – will a description of the scene find the focus> Mystery lead – Tease the reader with some info, finish the rest in nut graph. *very common! Build on a quote – was the quote the real story? Contrast – would then and now work? Problem/solution – Set up a problem, reader can solve with solution? More on leads
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Conceive the idea What was most interesting? Collect the information Get the basics Construct the story Plan an order Correct and edit Context, accuracy, cut jargon, check grammar Stages of the writing process
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See document on today’s class notes page on HUJournalism.Wordpress.com Write a basic news story with the info presented In-class assignment
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Guide to good writing Make sure you understand the event Start writing after you find the focus Show, don’t tell Put good quotes and human interest high in story Put relevant illustrations or anecdotes high Use colorful action verbs (just not over the top) Avoid judgment and inferences – facts will talk Don’t raise questions you can not answer in writing Write simply, succinctly, honestly and quickly The writer’s art
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Differences between Reporting and Writing Reporting Relevant factual material from personal observation and sources. Details, specifics. Authoritative and knowledgeable human sources for additional information. Significant and complete background information Writing Simple language Illustrations, examples and quotes that document the lead. Appropriate style (AP Style) Human interest Writing v. Reporting
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Things to think about Clarity: must make sense for the reader Punctuation: English class helps here Sentence length: Each sentence should carry only one idea. Cut it if it’s not. Transitions Pronouns: Refer to nouns in previous sentences i.e. “Dr. Baum began teaching in 1986. He took his Ph.D. that year.” Additives: again, also, and, finally, furthermore, in addition, next, thus, so, moreover, as well. Contrasts: but, however, nevertheless, instead, on the other hand, otherwise, yet, nonetheless, farther. Comparisons: likewise, similarly Place: adjacent to, beyond, here, near, opposite Writing tips
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Interviewing techniques More story forms Wall Street journal technique List technique Hour glass technique News Quiz No. 1 Next class
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