Tip Sheet on Writing Ledes, Writing Stories, and Covering Events
Writing the perfect Lede:
-Keep it to 30 words or less
-Remember past tense, but active voice
-Don't back into it
-Remember to keep it blind
-Answer the 5 W's and the 1 H
-SVO not OVS
-Where: Who did what when, source said.
Writing the perfect Story:
-Use a direct lede unless you are writing a feature story; then use a delayed lede.
-Format your story using the Inverted pyramid: Most important facts first, then get to the details
-Check your facts over and over again!
-Make sure your quotes add to the story, and make sure they're correct too!
-If you are writing a day two story, make sure you summarize the first days story and then add updated details, remember its not a rewrite but an entirely new story.
Covering an Event:
-Get as much information you can before the event takes place
-Have some starter questions ready, so you can go off of them later
-Listen carefully and take as many notes as you can
-Have a contact at the event so you can check details or have someone answer your questions
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
chapter 5 questions
1.What is the inverted pyramid?
-The inverted pyramid is a guide to writing; the most important facts at the start of the article; details and the extra information to follow-- this ensures readers get all the facts they need.
2.Whats a delayed lede? What other name does it go by?
-A way to draw in the reader; by placing interesting facts first readers will be intrigued to continue reading. They are also referred to as soft or feature ledes.
3.Whats a nut graf? Where does it come in the story?
-All delayed are followed by a nut graf which helps the reader understand the importance of the story. It provides an opportunity to add more pertinent information the the lede can hold. Essentially, it tells the reader what the story is all about, and helps them to understand why the story matters at all.
4. Where does the 'when' element come in?
-Unless using a delayed lede, the when always is found in the lede of the story. The right order being " who did what when, source said".
5.Whats a summary/chronology story?
-Stories are best told chronologically (in the order they happened). Chronological accounts typically follow a summary lede, and often a nut graf.
6.What special handling does a crime story require when it comes to naming suspects?
-Until a person is formally charged with a crime, its best not to report their name.
7. What is a multiple element story?
-A story that has more than one distinct idea is a multiple element story. In this type of story, the writer features each element in the lede, then elaborates on each in the order listed in the lede.
8.What is a second day story?
-Require total updates from the original story but differ from the original story in two ways. The lede first reflects the change from the initial event and secondly, the story must provide new details and summarize the original.
9.What is the difference between correlation and causation? What special handling does this require in story writing?
-Correlation is events that are happing at the same time which is not to be confused with causation which is when one event causes another. Journalists need to be careful when making assumptions about causation.
10.What kinds of facts should be double checked?
-Names, Dates, Places, Corporate names, Titles, Numbers and Graphics
11. What are the rules when working with quotes?
-Make sure the quote adds to the story.
Make sure the quoted words are the person's exact words.
Paraphrase when necessary.
Don't put words in a speaker's mouth.
Avoid inverted attribution.
Make sure it's clear who is speaking.
Choose verbs carefully.
-The inverted pyramid is a guide to writing; the most important facts at the start of the article; details and the extra information to follow-- this ensures readers get all the facts they need.
2.Whats a delayed lede? What other name does it go by?
-A way to draw in the reader; by placing interesting facts first readers will be intrigued to continue reading. They are also referred to as soft or feature ledes.
3.Whats a nut graf? Where does it come in the story?
-All delayed are followed by a nut graf which helps the reader understand the importance of the story. It provides an opportunity to add more pertinent information the the lede can hold. Essentially, it tells the reader what the story is all about, and helps them to understand why the story matters at all.
4. Where does the 'when' element come in?
-Unless using a delayed lede, the when always is found in the lede of the story. The right order being " who did what when, source said".
5.Whats a summary/chronology story?
-Stories are best told chronologically (in the order they happened). Chronological accounts typically follow a summary lede, and often a nut graf.
6.What special handling does a crime story require when it comes to naming suspects?
-Until a person is formally charged with a crime, its best not to report their name.
7. What is a multiple element story?
-A story that has more than one distinct idea is a multiple element story. In this type of story, the writer features each element in the lede, then elaborates on each in the order listed in the lede.
8.What is a second day story?
-Require total updates from the original story but differ from the original story in two ways. The lede first reflects the change from the initial event and secondly, the story must provide new details and summarize the original.
9.What is the difference between correlation and causation? What special handling does this require in story writing?
-Correlation is events that are happing at the same time which is not to be confused with causation which is when one event causes another. Journalists need to be careful when making assumptions about causation.
10.What kinds of facts should be double checked?
-Names, Dates, Places, Corporate names, Titles, Numbers and Graphics
11. What are the rules when working with quotes?
-Make sure the quote adds to the story.
Make sure the quoted words are the person's exact words.
Paraphrase when necessary.
Don't put words in a speaker's mouth.
Avoid inverted attribution.
Make sure it's clear who is speaking.
Choose verbs carefully.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Rockland News Story
Rockland--A game between two sisters ended in one trapped inside a washing machine.
At the Glen Rock Laundry and Dry Cleaner, 3 year old Jennifer Childs and Sister Elizabeth 7, were playing when Jennifer climbed into the washer and Elizabeth closed the door behind her. When the washer started filling with water Elizabeth ran for their Aunt Janice who was unable to help due to the automatic locks on the washing machines.
Paul Heckler had been shopping when he heard screams from the Laundromat; he quickly took a hammer to the washing machine and pulled Jennifer out. She is listed in good condition.
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