journal #3

Script- what people do and say
Treatment- the summary

Ten Newswriting Guidelines:

1. While making sure you bring the most interesting and surprising elements to the forefront of your story, don't give away everything right at the beginning.

Maintain interest by spreading these "nuggets" throughout the story. And try not to let the lead-in to the story steal the thunder from what follows.

2. Use the active voice: subject, verb, and object.

3. Remember that nouns and verbs are stronger than adjectives and adverbs. Don't tell viewers what they should be feeling by using adjectives, especially shopworn adjectives, such as "tragic," "amazing," and "stunning." If the story's facts don't make such things obvious, you might want to examine your approach.

4. Avoid jargon; use well-known terms. For example, your audience probably won't know what ENG and B-roll mean.

5. Include defining details, such as the make of the car and the type of trees being cut down.

6. Write (tell!) the story as if you were trying to catch the interest of a friend. Try mentally to follow up on the phrases, "Guess what...," or "This may be hard to believe, but...."

7. After you write something, set it aside for at least ten minutes and concentrate on something else. Then go back and review the story with a fresh perspective.

At that point it may be easier to catch and eliminate unnecessary words and phrases.

8. Read the story aloud (not under your breath).

Rewrite:

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sentences that are too long
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tongue-twisting or awkward phrases
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phrases that could be taken two ways
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long titles ("The 18-year-old, College Park Central High School sophomore...")

9. Don't rely on the sound track to tell the story or explain the video. The basic idea should be obvious from the video. At the same time, the audio and video should complement and strengthen each other. (See the section below.)

10. Screen the complete audio and video story (package) as a "doubting Thomas." Have you made statements that could legitimately be challenged? Your clearly stated and verified facts should silence any rational critic.


Wednesday February 23rd- Interviewed students about anti bullying day.
Thursday " " - finished up our introduction and conclusion/edited video