The Body of a News Story

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The Body of a News Story
Body

• Nicole Park
• Laura Forbeck

2
Capture Attention
Paragraphs
Conclusion
Lead
Give Direction - Foundation
3
Keeping On Track
Styles
Helpful Hints
Transitions
Beef It Up!
4
Writing Styles

• Inverted-Pyramid
• Hourglass
• Focus
• Narrative

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The Inverted-Pyramid Style
Most Important Information
Least Important Information
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The Inverted-Pyramid Style
Advantages Disadvantages
Quick Read Easy Edit Repetition No Surprises Difficult to Follow
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The Hourglass Style
Inverted-Pyramid Style
The Turn
Chronological Conclusion
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The Hourglass Style

• For Reporting
• Sports Contests
• Criminal Investigations
• Natural Disasters
• Political Campaign

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The Focus Style
Focus Lead
Nut Graph
Kicker
Body of Story
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The Focus Style

• For Reporting
• A lead story related to a larger issue
• Advantages
• Flexible
• Can be arranged
• chronologically

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The Narrative Style
Like Painting a Picture with Words
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Helpful Hints

• Avoid Leapfrogging
• Names Dull!
• Avoid Complexities
• Necessary Background Information Only

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Transitions

• Like Railroad Ties
• Transitions help to connect ideas
• Types
• Words
• Sentences

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Transitions

• Words
• Time Causation
• Addition Contrast
• Comparison
• Sentences
• Declarative Interrogative

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Beef It Up!

• How?
• Examples
• Description
• Humor
• Objectivity

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Discussion Questions
Is it sufficient when covering public
controversies to simply report the facts
accurately and fairly? Does it matter that fair
and accurate reporting of facts might not do
justice to the truth about the facts? Does the
practice of objective reporting distance
reporters from the substance of their stories in
ways contrary to the ideals of responsible
journalism?
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Discussion Questions

• Should a journalist release all known case
  details regardless of possible harm?

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End of the Line

• Choose a Style Conducive to Story
• Use the Helpful Hints
• BEEF IT UP!

Follow the 3 Cs Clear Concise Creative