Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary focus of media writing when compared to academic writing?
What is the primary focus of media writing when compared to academic writing?
- Emphasizing length and detailed descriptions.
- Focusing on broad, sweeping statements.
- Prioritizing value and conciseness. (correct)
- Encouraging complex jargon and terminology.
Why is accuracy considered the essential virtue in media writing?
Why is accuracy considered the essential virtue in media writing?
- It builds and protects the trust of the readership. (correct)
- It is just a traditional academic value.
- It is expected by every professor.
- It helps writers sound more professional.
What is one reason that new writers might use complex jargon?
What is one reason that new writers might use complex jargon?
- To confuse their readers.
- To showcase their specialized knowledge.
- To sound more verbose.
- To hide their insecurities regarding basic writing. (correct)
What is the relationship between trust and accuracy in media writing?
What is the relationship between trust and accuracy in media writing?
What does the concept of 'being tight' in writing mean?
What does the concept of 'being tight' in writing mean?
Why is using active voice important in writing?
Why is using active voice important in writing?
What does the text imply about the idea that some people are 'born writers'?
What does the text imply about the idea that some people are 'born writers'?
What is one of the quickest ways to lose the readers' trust?
What is one of the quickest ways to lose the readers' trust?
What is the text implying about the use of 'tricks' to make writing longer?
What is the text implying about the use of 'tricks' to make writing longer?
What does the text suggest about the importance of vocabulary for writers?
What does the text suggest about the importance of vocabulary for writers?
According to the information, what is the main goal of clear writing?
According to the information, what is the main goal of clear writing?
Which of the following statements best describes the role of editing in media writing?
Which of the following statements best describes the role of editing in media writing?
What is one of the reasons the text highlights for avoiding the passive voice?
What is one of the reasons the text highlights for avoiding the passive voice?
What is the main message of the section about the 'killer be's' of good writing?
What is the main message of the section about the 'killer be's' of good writing?
What is the practical effect of using the active voice?
What is the practical effect of using the active voice?
What is the primary purpose of using the inverted pyramid structure in media writing?
What is the primary purpose of using the inverted pyramid structure in media writing?
Which of the following best describes the structure of the inverted pyramid?
Which of the following best describes the structure of the inverted pyramid?
What is a key benefit of using the inverted pyramid, especially in the digital age?
What is a key benefit of using the inverted pyramid, especially in the digital age?
How can the inverted pyramid serve as a 'thinking tool' during the writing process?
How can the inverted pyramid serve as a 'thinking tool' during the writing process?
What is the main reason the inverted pyramid gained popularity during the Civil War era, according to the text?
What is the main reason the inverted pyramid gained popularity during the Civil War era, according to the text?
In the context of media writing, what is the primary goal of the ‘lead’ in an inverted pyramid structure?
In the context of media writing, what is the primary goal of the ‘lead’ in an inverted pyramid structure?
Which of the following best describes the 5W’s and 1H in the context of creating a lead?
Which of the following best describes the 5W’s and 1H in the context of creating a lead?
Why is the example about the 45-year-old women at Hometown Foods used in the provided text?
Why is the example about the 45-year-old women at Hometown Foods used in the provided text?
How should professionals approach writing, according to the text’s police source?
How should professionals approach writing, according to the text’s police source?
What is a common mistake that writing chronologically can lead to, according to the police source?
What is a common mistake that writing chronologically can lead to, according to the police source?
Which of the following best describes the benefit of using vigorous verbs in writing?
Which of the following best describes the benefit of using vigorous verbs in writing?
What should a lead not be?
What should a lead not be?
What skills does the police source try to teach their troopers?
What skills does the police source try to teach their troopers?
What is the main issue with using short sentences in a piece of writing, according to the text?
What is the main issue with using short sentences in a piece of writing, according to the text?
What does the text suggest about the optimal length of sentences for good writing?
What does the text suggest about the optimal length of sentences for good writing?
If a writer is following the inverted pyramid while writing a press release on a new company president, who would they likely interview first?
If a writer is following the inverted pyramid while writing a press release on a new company president, who would they likely interview first?
How should you think about the flow of a good piece of writing?
How should you think about the flow of a good piece of writing?
What are some elements that the police source considers as key to their writing style?
What are some elements that the police source considers as key to their writing style?
What does the text emphasize about the importance of quickness in writing?
What does the text emphasize about the importance of quickness in writing?
What does the text primarily emphasize about writing for the media?
What does the text primarily emphasize about writing for the media?
Which writing style is described as 'tried and true' for meeting the needs of readers in media?
Which writing style is described as 'tried and true' for meeting the needs of readers in media?
According to Adam Silverman, what is the main role of a public information officer?
According to Adam Silverman, what is the main role of a public information officer?
What does Adam Silverman mean when he talks about the 'How would you tell your mother?' rule?
What does Adam Silverman mean when he talks about the 'How would you tell your mother?' rule?
According to Adam Silverman, what writing skills from his journalism career have been useful in his role as a public information officer?
According to Adam Silverman, what writing skills from his journalism career have been useful in his role as a public information officer?
What does the text indicate about how sentences should be linked within a piece of writing?
What does the text indicate about how sentences should be linked within a piece of writing?
What is the main point of using medium-paced sentences in a piece, according to the text?
What is the main point of using medium-paced sentences in a piece, according to the text?
What is the 'Be Smooth' aspect of writing meant to emphasize?
What is the 'Be Smooth' aspect of writing meant to emphasize?
The text compares writing to both a tree and a bundle of sticks. What does that indicate about poor writing?
The text compares writing to both a tree and a bundle of sticks. What does that indicate about poor writing?
What is the 'Be Quick' aspect of writing meant to emphasize?
What is the 'Be Quick' aspect of writing meant to emphasize?
What is the significance of Silverman's move from journalism to public information for the Vermont State Police?
What is the significance of Silverman's move from journalism to public information for the Vermont State Police?
What is the primary purpose of identifying the 'who did what to whom' core of a sentence when constructing a lead?
What is the primary purpose of identifying the 'who did what to whom' core of a sentence when constructing a lead?
According to the content, what is a key factor for determining the value of a lead?
According to the content, what is a key factor for determining the value of a lead?
What does the text suggest is the ideal length for an inverted-pyramid lead?
What does the text suggest is the ideal length for an inverted-pyramid lead?
What is the significance of reading a lead aloud during the writing process?
What is the significance of reading a lead aloud during the writing process?
What does the text imply about the use of the 'how' and 'why' elements in a lead?
What does the text imply about the use of the 'how' and 'why' elements in a lead?
What does the content suggest about the relationship between a lead's 'weight' and vocabulary choices?
What does the content suggest about the relationship between a lead's 'weight' and vocabulary choices?
When is it most appropriate to use a name-recognition lead, according to the provided material?
When is it most appropriate to use a name-recognition lead, according to the provided material?
What kind of lead focuses primarily on the action rather than the individual involved?
What kind of lead focuses primarily on the action rather than the individual involved?
In the process of building a lead, what is the recommended order of addressing the components?
In the process of building a lead, what is the recommended order of addressing the components?
What is a common pitfall to avoid in the length and structure of a lead, according to the text?
What is a common pitfall to avoid in the length and structure of a lead, according to the text?
What is the primary function of summary leads in inverted-pyramid stories, as mentioned in the content?
What is the primary function of summary leads in inverted-pyramid stories, as mentioned in the content?
Why is the suggested approach to sentence construction not to use a chronological approach?
Why is the suggested approach to sentence construction not to use a chronological approach?
What aspect of a lead is most closely associated with the aim of establishing the geographic context for the readers?
What aspect of a lead is most closely associated with the aim of establishing the geographic context for the readers?
What FOCII element is leveraged when using a Name Recognition Lead?
What FOCII element is leveraged when using a Name Recognition Lead?
Which common question should you prioritize in a lead, according to this material?
Which common question should you prioritize in a lead, according to this material?
What is the primary goal of an interesting-action lead?
What is the primary goal of an interesting-action lead?
Why is it preferable to shift the focus to the audience when crafting a lead about an event?
Why is it preferable to shift the focus to the audience when crafting a lead about an event?
In event leads, what should a writer focus on?
In event leads, what should a writer focus on?
What is a common mistake to avoid in event leads?
What is a common mistake to avoid in event leads?
What is the key feature of a good second-day lead?
What is the key feature of a good second-day lead?
What does a good second-day lead focus on when reporting on a fundraiser?
What does a good second-day lead focus on when reporting on a fundraiser?
What is the issue with a lead that states "The Alpha Beta fraternity attempted to raise $10,000 this month"?
What is the issue with a lead that states "The Alpha Beta fraternity attempted to raise $10,000 this month"?
According to the content, what should you do when a story involves multiple people and you think the action will be more interesting than the name of an individual?
According to the content, what should you do when a story involves multiple people and you think the action will be more interesting than the name of an individual?
For a public relations campaign, what type of lead should you use in the initial news release?
For a public relations campaign, what type of lead should you use in the initial news release?
What is the best approach to writing a lead when covering a meeting?
What is the best approach to writing a lead when covering a meeting?
In the context of a second-day lead, which of the following is considered a 'bad' approach, as mentioned in the text?
In the context of a second-day lead, which of the following is considered a 'bad' approach, as mentioned in the text?
Why is immediacy important based on the text provided?
Why is immediacy important based on the text provided?
In what way is a 'bad' second-day lead problematic?
In what way is a 'bad' second-day lead problematic?
When determining the best approach to writing a lead, what is advised?
When determining the best approach to writing a lead, what is advised?
What is recommended when crafting an event lead?
What is recommended when crafting an event lead?
What is the primary benefit of a good lead in a news story, according to the text?
What is the primary benefit of a good lead in a news story, according to the text?
Why does the text advise against using 'you' leads in certain media?
Why does the text advise against using 'you' leads in certain media?
What is the main problem with using question leads in journalistic writing?
What is the main problem with using question leads in journalistic writing?
Why are 'you' leads sometimes acceptable in broadcast journalism?
Why are 'you' leads sometimes acceptable in broadcast journalism?
When is it acceptable to use quote leads?
When is it acceptable to use quote leads?
What does the text suggest about shifting from a chronological format to a value-driven format in writing?
What does the text suggest about shifting from a chronological format to a value-driven format in writing?
In the context of advertising, why should question leads be avoided?
In the context of advertising, why should question leads be avoided?
What should a writer focus on when reshaping a second-day news lead?
What should a writer focus on when reshaping a second-day news lead?
What does the example of the Interfraternity Council blood drive illustrate about 'you' leads?
What does the example of the Interfraternity Council blood drive illustrate about 'you' leads?
What should writers avoid when they are writing leads?
What should writers avoid when they are writing leads?
What does the text imply about the use of anecdotes or exemplars in leads?
What does the text imply about the use of anecdotes or exemplars in leads?
What is the text's stance on using dictionary definitions as a lead?
What is the text's stance on using dictionary definitions as a lead?
What was the proposed solution in the text, instead of using 'you' leads when referring to a blood drive?
What was the proposed solution in the text, instead of using 'you' leads when referring to a blood drive?
What does the text suggest about the use of opinions at the start of the lead?
What does the text suggest about the use of opinions at the start of the lead?
What does the Harvard study example demonstrate about writing leads?
What does the Harvard study example demonstrate about writing leads?
According to Adam Silverman, what skills are important for career success?
According to Adam Silverman, what skills are important for career success?
When is a standard lead most appropriate to use?
When is a standard lead most appropriate to use?
What is a key difference between media writing and other forms of writing, such as term papers or texts?
What is a key difference between media writing and other forms of writing, such as term papers or texts?
Why can starting a piece with a quote be problematic?
Why can starting a piece with a quote be problematic?
What is the primary focus of media writing?
What is the primary focus of media writing?
What is the primary issue with using an 'imagine' lead?
What is the primary issue with using an 'imagine' lead?
Why does the provided text suggest media writing can be more challenging compared to other forms of writing?
Why does the provided text suggest media writing can be more challenging compared to other forms of writing?
Which of these is the best way to begin a story with a strong emotional impact?
Which of these is the best way to begin a story with a strong emotional impact?
What is the importance of having varied skills according to Adam Silverman?
What is the importance of having varied skills according to Adam Silverman?
What is the purpose of determining the value of each fact in a piece of writing?
What is the purpose of determining the value of each fact in a piece of writing?
In media writing, where should the focus lie in relation to opinions?
In media writing, where should the focus lie in relation to opinions?
In relation to the lead, what should subsequent sentences in a piece of writing do?
In relation to the lead, what should subsequent sentences in a piece of writing do?
According to the content, what is an appropriate technique to start a story when you want your readers to relate to an emotional piece?
According to the content, what is an appropriate technique to start a story when you want your readers to relate to an emotional piece?
What kind of writing has the student likely practiced before pursuing media writing, according to the text?
What kind of writing has the student likely practiced before pursuing media writing, according to the text?
From the content, what should one do if they find that the story and the lead are not matching up?
From the content, what should one do if they find that the story and the lead are not matching up?
What is NOT described in the text as a parameter for writing?
What is NOT described in the text as a parameter for writing?
What is the main reason to avoid using the 'imagine' style of introduction?
What is the main reason to avoid using the 'imagine' style of introduction?
What is the purpose of a lead in your writing, according to the text?
What is the purpose of a lead in your writing, according to the text?
Why might anecdotes be a better way to open a story compared to direct quotes according to the content?
Why might anecdotes be a better way to open a story compared to direct quotes according to the content?
When considering several facts for a piece of writing, what should guide your choices?
When considering several facts for a piece of writing, what should guide your choices?
Which of the following would be considered a strong lead?
Which of the following would be considered a strong lead?
If you use an anecdote for the lead, what is important for the sentences that follow?
If you use an anecdote for the lead, what is important for the sentences that follow?
What should be done after identifying all facts related to a story?
What should be done after identifying all facts related to a story?
What is the primary structure suggested for writing a story?
What is the primary structure suggested for writing a story?
When should you consider reworking the lead of your piece?
When should you consider reworking the lead of your piece?
How should information be organized in a piece using the inverted pyramid structure?
How should information be organized in a piece using the inverted pyramid structure?
What size of paragraphs is recommended for clarity in an inverted pyramid structure?
What size of paragraphs is recommended for clarity in an inverted pyramid structure?
What is a potential consequence of including too much information in your writing?
What is a potential consequence of including too much information in your writing?
What should a writer regularly evaluate about their facts during the editing process?
What should a writer regularly evaluate about their facts during the editing process?
What technique is recommended to minimize overwhelming readers?
What technique is recommended to minimize overwhelming readers?
Why is it important to justify your writing decisions?
Why is it important to justify your writing decisions?
What is meant by 'notebook emptying' in writing?
What is meant by 'notebook emptying' in writing?
What can help determine if additional content is necessary?
What can help determine if additional content is necessary?
What should you aim to achieve by reviewing your completed writing?
What should you aim to achieve by reviewing your completed writing?
What is the intended outcome of using small indents in paragraphs?
What is the intended outcome of using small indents in paragraphs?
When determining the order of facts, what is crucial?
When determining the order of facts, what is crucial?
What is the primary advantage of using the inverted-pyramid structure in media writing?
What is the primary advantage of using the inverted-pyramid structure in media writing?
Which sentence structure is emphasized as the core of effective writing?
Which sentence structure is emphasized as the core of effective writing?
What should a writer do when they feel they have run out of important points to make?
What should a writer do when they feel they have run out of important points to make?
Which of the following is NOT one of the 5W's and 1H that should be covered in a strong lead?
Which of the following is NOT one of the 5W's and 1H that should be covered in a strong lead?
What is likely to be a result of using complex jargon in media writing?
What is likely to be a result of using complex jargon in media writing?
Why is it important for writers to prioritize the main information in their leads?
Why is it important for writers to prioritize the main information in their leads?
Which type of lead focuses on providing an immediate summary of the news?
Which type of lead focuses on providing an immediate summary of the news?
What is a potential problem caused by failing to write concisely?
What is a potential problem caused by failing to write concisely?
Which element is crucial when trying to fill holes in reporting?
Which element is crucial when trying to fill holes in reporting?
Which aspect should NOT be emphasized when creating a strong lead?
Which aspect should NOT be emphasized when creating a strong lead?
What is the main goal of writing with good flow?
What is the main goal of writing with good flow?
In media writing, what does the term 'holes' refer to?
In media writing, what does the term 'holes' refer to?
What should you do before drafting the final piece of media writing?
What should you do before drafting the final piece of media writing?
Why is it important to know when to stop writing?
Why is it important to know when to stop writing?
Flashcards
Adaptability in Media
Adaptability in Media
The ability to adjust skills across various media roles like writing, photography, and videography.
Killer Be's of Writing
Killer Be's of Writing
Essential principles that enhance writing quality in media contexts.
Inverted Pyramid Structure
Inverted Pyramid Structure
A writing format that prioritizes the most important information at the beginning.
Chronological Approach
Chronological Approach
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5W's and 1H
5W's and 1H
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Target Audience
Target Audience
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Fact-Based Writing
Fact-Based Writing
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Media Writing Challenges
Media Writing Challenges
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Vigorous Verbs
Vigorous Verbs
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Sentence Flow
Sentence Flow
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Inverted Pyramid
Inverted Pyramid
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Descriptive Power
Descriptive Power
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Medium-Paced Sentences
Medium-Paced Sentences
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Cohesion in Writing
Cohesion in Writing
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Active Voice
Active Voice
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Public Information Officer
Public Information Officer
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Clarity in Communication
Clarity in Communication
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How Would You Tell Your Mother? Rule
How Would You Tell Your Mother? Rule
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Descriptive Writing
Descriptive Writing
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Engagement in Writing
Engagement in Writing
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Sentence A to Sentence B Transition
Sentence A to Sentence B Transition
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Tone in Writing
Tone in Writing
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Breaking News Response
Breaking News Response
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Good Writing Elements
Good Writing Elements
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Accuracy
Accuracy
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Trust in Writing
Trust in Writing
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Brevity
Brevity
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Value in Writing
Value in Writing
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Clarity
Clarity
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Passive Voice
Passive Voice
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Editing
Editing
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Writing Skill
Writing Skill
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Credibility
Credibility
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Grammar
Grammar
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Vocabulary
Vocabulary
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Conciseness
Conciseness
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Lead Components
Lead Components
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Value in a Lead
Value in a Lead
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Interest Elements
Interest Elements
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Core Sentence Structure
Core Sentence Structure
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Immediacy and Geography
Immediacy and Geography
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Chronological Order
Chronological Order
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Lead Length
Lead Length
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Descriptive Headlines
Descriptive Headlines
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Reading Aloud
Reading Aloud
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Heavy Leads
Heavy Leads
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Avoiding Jargon
Avoiding Jargon
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Effective Communication
Effective Communication
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Summary Leads
Summary Leads
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5W’s and 1H
5W’s and 1H
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Name-Recognition Leads
Name-Recognition Leads
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Interesting-Action Leads
Interesting-Action Leads
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Lead
Lead
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Focal Point of the Lead
Focal Point of the Lead
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Information-gathering Process
Information-gathering Process
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Editing with Inverted Pyramid
Editing with Inverted Pyramid
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Write Chronologically vs. Focal First
Write Chronologically vs. Focal First
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Lead Weight and Readability
Lead Weight and Readability
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Prominence of Importance
Prominence of Importance
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Journalism Lore
Journalism Lore
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Crafting a Well-Structured Sentence
Crafting a Well-Structured Sentence
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Engaging Writing
Engaging Writing
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Press Release
Press Release
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Audience Anticipation
Audience Anticipation
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Communication Skills for Troopers
Communication Skills for Troopers
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Effective Lead
Effective Lead
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Weak Lead Devices
Weak Lead Devices
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You Leads
You Leads
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Third-Person Approach
Third-Person Approach
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Anecdote in Leads
Anecdote in Leads
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Question Leads
Question Leads
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Clarifying Statements
Clarifying Statements
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Quote Leads
Quote Leads
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Value-Driven Format
Value-Driven Format
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Flagging Problematic Leads
Flagging Problematic Leads
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Contextual Information
Contextual Information
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Clarity in Advertising
Clarity in Advertising
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Audience Engagement
Audience Engagement
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Innovative Leads
Innovative Leads
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Supportive Data
Supportive Data
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Standard Lead
Standard Lead
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Emotionally Driven Lead
Emotionally Driven Lead
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Quote Lead Problems
Quote Lead Problems
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Anecdote Usage
Anecdote Usage
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Cliché Leads
Cliché Leads
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Real-Life Examples
Real-Life Examples
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Determine Fact Value
Determine Fact Value
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Support the Lead
Support the Lead
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Attention-Getter
Attention-Getter
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Weak Leads
Weak Leads
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Road Map for Writing
Road Map for Writing
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Audience Perception
Audience Perception
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Narrative Flow
Narrative Flow
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Fact Selection
Fact Selection
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Confusion from Quotes
Confusion from Quotes
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Focal Point in Leads
Focal Point in Leads
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Event Leads
Event Leads
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Awful Lead Example
Awful Lead Example
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Bad Lead
Bad Lead
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Good Lead
Good Lead
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Second-Day Leads
Second-Day Leads
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Good Update Lead
Good Update Lead
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Awful Update Lead
Awful Update Lead
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Better Update Lead
Better Update Lead
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Engaging Action
Engaging Action
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Audience Interest
Audience Interest
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Noun-Verb Structure
Noun-Verb Structure
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Progress Reporting
Progress Reporting
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Attention-Grabbing Lead
Attention-Grabbing Lead
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Reworking the Lead
Reworking the Lead
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Descending Order of Importance
Descending Order of Importance
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Self-editing
Self-editing
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Small Chunks
Small Chunks
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One-sentence Paragraphs
One-sentence Paragraphs
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Indentation in Writing
Indentation in Writing
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Notebook Emptying
Notebook Emptying
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Connecting with the Audience
Connecting with the Audience
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Importance of Facts
Importance of Facts
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Justifying Your Choices
Justifying Your Choices
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Cutting Unnecessary Content
Cutting Unnecessary Content
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Second Opinion
Second Opinion
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Evaluating Writing Effectiveness
Evaluating Writing Effectiveness
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Practicing Information Balance
Practicing Information Balance
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Inverted Pyramid Writing
Inverted Pyramid Writing
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Killing Your Piece
Killing Your Piece
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Writing Flow
Writing Flow
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Lead Sentence
Lead Sentence
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Clarity in Writing
Clarity in Writing
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Accuracy in Journalism
Accuracy in Journalism
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Problematic Leads
Problematic Leads
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Holes in Information
Holes in Information
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Study Notes
Killer B's of Good Writing
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Be Right: Accuracy is paramount in media writing. Maintain high standards for accuracy to build and retain reader trust. Inaccurate reporting harms credibility, especially in online environments where "fake news" is prevalent.
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Be Tight: Focus on value, not length. Pack each sentence with pertinent information using the fewest words possible. Avoid rambling sentences and lengthy descriptions; prioritize clarity and conciseness to grab attention quickly.
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Be Clear: Use simple language to convey your message. Avoid complex jargon that may confuse readers. Strong vocabulary and understanding of nuance allow clear and effective storytelling.
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Be Active: Employ active voice (noun-verb-object) for tighter, more engaging sentences. Active voice conveys information more effectively and efficiently compared to passive voice.
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Be Smooth: Maintain a natural pace and flow to improve readability. Use medium-length sentences (17-23 words) for a balanced reading experience. Connect sentences using similarities and differences in ideas and points of view for a seamless reading experience.
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Be Quick: Get to the point quickly by prioritizing essential information. Employ tight, medium-paced sentences to immediately convey insights and value to readers.
Inverted Pyramid
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Structure: The inverted pyramid orders information in descending order of importance. Most crucial information appears first, followed by less crucial details.
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History (Legend): The inverted pyramid was reportedly used during the Civil War to ensure vital information reached newsrooms, even with intermittent communication. This legend emphasizes the importance of delivering key information at the beginning of the story.
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Value in Modern Era: The inverted pyramid is still relevant in the digital age, as it quickly communicates key information to readers who may lack time for detailed reading. It's well-suited to press releases, news alerts, and short-form media, providing easy access to vital details.
Adapting the Inverted Pyramid
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Writing Process: Use the inverted pyramid as a tool for both writing and information gathering. Identify and prioritize the most crucial information to focus your research and ensure completeness.
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Editing: Edit your work by identifying "holes" in the copy. Using the inverted pyramid structure allows you to check your work comprehensively to make sure you aren't missing critical information.
Leads: Importance and Conciseness
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Summary Leads: Summary leads summarize the most important information (5W's and 1H) in a concise sentence.
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Value Focus: Value must be emphasized in the lead. Determine what details matter most to the intended audience and present this information in the most relevant way.
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Lead Length: Leads should typically contain 25-35 words. Practice reading them aloud to ensure a smooth flow and appropriate length.
Types of Leads
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Name-Recognition: Use recognizable names (e.g., President, Pope) when familiarity is likely to grab attention.
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Interesting-Action: Focus on engaging activity without immediately naming the person.
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Event Leads: Focus on the specific, impactful outcome of an event rather than the event itself. Focus on what transpired at the event rather than just explaining the event.
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Second-Day Leads: Use second-day leads to provide updates and advancements on a previous event.
Problematic Leads & Fixes
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"You" Leads: Avoid presumptuous "you" leads that assume common reactions, and instead prioritize objectivity and general appeal.
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Question Leads: Question leads can seem like sales pitches. Avoid assuming unanimous responses and instead, present grounded information.
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Quote Leads: Don't rely excessively on quotes. Start with compelling anecdotes or observations that lead naturally into quotes.
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"Imagine" Leads: Avoid cliché "imagine" leads, opting to present concrete examples and details rather than hypothetical scenarios.
Ordering the Pyramid & Additional Information
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Fact Valuation: Determine the relative value of each fact in relation to the lead to eliminate extraneous and unimportant information.
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Support the Lead: Ensure each sentence afterward supports the initial lead by advancing the story in a logical and relevant manner.
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Descending Order: Organize the body in descending order of importance to maintain a natural progression of information.
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Short Paragraphs: Ensure a clear and digestible structure through one- or two-sentence paragraphs, preventing overwhelming the reader with extensive text.
The Big Three
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Priority Information: Emphasize the most important details upfront to ensure immediate reader engagement.
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Fundamental Structure: Rely on the essential parts of a sentence (noun-verb structure) to craft impactful sentences.
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Conciseness: Know when to conclude your writing, avoiding unnecessary details that bore readers.
Discussion Questions
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Killer B's Importance: Focus on how Be Right and Be Clear are most crucial, likely in most media work circumstances, and the value and appropriateness of the other "B" characteristics depending on the situation.
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Inverted Pyramid Benefits: Its ease of information access, value organization, and reader engagement. New journalists struggle due to a tendency to rely on chronological structures.
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Problematic Lead Impacts: "You" leads are presumptive, question leads can seem sales-like, and quote and "imagine" leads can be disorienting. Fix these leads by using objective, engaging, and pertinent information.
Additional Notes
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Study example accident details: Review provided accident details, organizing them in descending order of importance and sharing justifications for decisions.
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Find and Explain "Holes": Analyze given examples with gaps, identify the holes and propose suitable additions.
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Improve Lead Structures: Rephrase given information into stronger, summary leads.
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Incorporate Inverted Pyramid and Lead Examples: Rewrite provided information using appropriate lead types and inverted pyramid structures. This is important, to help organize the information effectively.
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