Journalism Chapter 4: Note Taking

Taking Notes

• Note-taking is a crucial part of reporting, as it requires multitasking, listening, observing, interpreting, writing, and reacting quickly to gather accurate information.
• A reliable system for recording and organizing information is essential for good reporting.

Methods of Taking Notes

Notebook

• Advantages: low-tech, no batteries to fail, written notes are easy to access and transcribe later, permanent record of what was heard and seen.
• Disadvantages: quotes may be inaccurate, standing still to write can be cumbersome, some scribbles may be illegible later.

Recording

• Advantages: most accurate way to capture every word, provides proof of what was said, can be used to post interview audio on websites.
• Disadvantages: replaying and transcribing interviews can be time-consuming, background noise can make it difficult to understand, machinery failures can occur.

Typing

• Advantages: fastest way to turn notes into a story, most efficient way to gather last-minute details or fill holes in a story on deadline, can conduct interviews using chat or email.
• Disadvantages: quotes may be inaccurate, computer problems can occur, stuck sitting in one place, staring at the screen.

Interviewing

• Interviews can be quick phoners, in-depth interrogations, or anything in between.
• A good interviewer must be friendly, aggressive, polite, probing, sympathetic, and skeptical.
• Types of interviews:
  • Long, formal interview
  • Quick phoner
  • Walk-around
  • On-the-fly chat
  • Backgrounder

Tips for Successful Interviews

Before the Interview

• Do research on the topic
• Think through the story
• Decide who the best sources will be
• Determine the best way to interview each source
• Set up the interview(s) and be persuasive and polite

During the Interview

• Relax and be friendly and curious
• Don't be afraid to ask questions
• Keep asking until you're satisfied
• Don't let anyone intimidate you
• Start with the basics (name, age, address, title, etc.)
• Budget your time
• Begin with softball questions and save complex topics for later
• Focus your questions and keep them simple

Learn about the importance of effective note-taking in journalism, including listening, observing, and writing skills. Master the art of multitasking to write a compelling story.