Transcript Writing Stories

Telling the Whole Story
Writing Stories
Copy written to be read
Session One
Further reading: most information from YourBook unit 2
Problem: students don’t read the
articles.
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Generalizations
Ho-hum quotes
Lists of activities and names of participants
Just team statistics, records, and “we had a
great season”
Problem: we write about topics
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Homecoming week
Football
Softball
Beta club
Math
Spring play
Solution: write stories
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Everyday situations
Observe people, not attend events
List priorities of students
Look for personalities or different
“characters” that fit the topic
• Look for someone to fit the story you are
pursuing
Stories
• How-to features
– Entertain with individual anecdotes while explaining
the procedure
• Personality profile
– bring person’s words, actions, mannerisms to life
concerning an event or shared experience
• Historical/Anniversary features
– People associated with the event
• Fads/fashion
– Highlight a product or way of life that students are
copying
Stories
• Informative features
– All serious issues deserve to be recorded (based
on news, but written in a human-interest style)
• Occupational profile
– Instead of hobbies/jobs, look for an unusual
experience or accomplishment. Let the reader
“see” the person doing the activity
Steps to Writing
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Planning
Interviewing
Writing
Editing
Planning
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Start with an angle
Angle = overall approach
Angle  topic sentence or thesis statement
Angle must be consistent throughout story
All elements of the spread should work
together focused on the angle
Planning
Web brainstorming
1. Brainstorm angle and sources from a particular
topic – identify topic and plan the sources
2. Brainstorm possible settings and situations
relevant to the topic – list places relevant to
topic, branch off to possible situations, then
conclude with potential sources
Interviewing
• Planning
• Preparing
• Rules
Arranging the Interview
1. Make a phone call to the person
2. Identify yourself and explain your reason
for calling
3. Ask for an interview
4. Agree on a time and place (give two
choices)
5. Express your appreciation for the
consideration you have been given
Planning Interview Questions
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The Open-Ended Question
The Follow-Up Question
The Direct Information Question
The Yes-No Question
The Forced-Choice Question
The Telling-Back Question
The Open-Ended Question
Main purpose – draw out a topic for
discussion that is important to the person
being interviewed.
Advantage – lets the interviewee know that
you are interested in his or her opinion,
knowledge, and point of view.
Example – Why did you decide to learn to
play the guitar? (why / how questions)
The Follow-Up Question
Main purpose – used to get further information and
to lead an interviewee to expand on earlier
comments.
Advantage – this style of question is not pre-planned
and gives the interviewee feedback, letting him
or her know that you are listening.
Example – That’s very interesting. What are other
reasons you recommend that program?
The Direct Information Question
Main purpose – gives direct and factual
answers to a specific topic.
Advantage – this type of question expects a
direct answer.
Example – How much does a good guitar
cost?
The Yes-No Question
Main purpose – virtually requires a yes or no
response.
Advantage – restricts the interviewee if you
do not wish a discussion on the matter.
Example – Do you know how to read music?
The Forced-Choice Question
Main purpose – requires the interviewee to
choose from a set of alternatives that you
present.
Advantage – shows that you are prepared and
interested in the topic being discussed.
Example – Which do you prefer, sheet music
or tablatures?
The Telling-Back Question
Main purpose – to encourage the interviewee
to continue with a discussion.
Advantage – lets the interviewee know that
you heard and understand – may result in
further development of an idea or in a
simple yes or no.
Example – So, you’re saying that it is more
important to learn notes first, then chords?
Preparing
• Research about the interviewee
• Research the topic
• Prepare questions – begin with two or three
easy questions (one word or yes/no) to
break the ice – ten major questions
• Plan a method to take notes or record the
interview
• Plan a way to end the interview
Rules for Successful Interviewing
1. Always attempt to conduct interviews face-toface rather than over the phone – NEVER send a
note.
2. Be punctual – be on time or early; never late.
Call immediately if an emergency prevents your
prompt arrival.
3. Dress appropriately – dress for the situation, but
always be neat. Good grooming conveys respect.
4. Always be prepared to take notes. Ask
permission to take notes before you start. Tape
recording requires permission.
5. Greet, show appreciation, restate the purpose
Rules (cont)
6. Listen Carefully! – if you don’t
understand, ask. Do not interrupt.
7. Know when to leave
8. Send a note of appreciation
Break Time!
• Session one is completed
Telling the Whole Story
Writing Stories
Copy written to be read
Session Two
Further reading: most information from YourBook unit 2
Writing
• Stories used to written in the inverted
pyramid style
• Now we use a narrative style:
– Opening
– Body
– Closing
• Think of writing as a Circle
Writing
Opening:
• Set the mood and tone of the story
• Does not have a set length
• Opening may include:
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Retelling of relevant anecdote
Description of a scene or setting
Recreation of a specific image or incident
Vivid character sketch
Emotional direct quotation
Writing
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Closing:
Bring the story full circle
All questions should be answered, entire story told
Show subject in the same setting as the opening,
revealing how he has changed or grown
Bring closure without summarizing (possibly with
powerful direct quote)
When closing a tragic or sensitive story, bring
hope through factual details or direct quote
Writing
Approach:
• Write the opening and closing first
– Reflect on how the subject has matured, grown,
changed, and/or survived this incident
• Prepare a final draft of the opening and
closing before starting the body
– Helps the writer stay focused
Writing
• Include sensory details – reader must:
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“see” the character
“hear” the atmospheric noises
“touch” the surroundings
“taste” the extraordinary
“smell” the setting
• SHOW don’t TELL
– You want the reader to be “at the movie theatre
watching the film,” not “hearing about the highlights
from a friend.”
Writing
• Include the Sixth sense:
– Emotion
• With the five senses in the story, the reader
will feel like he is living the moment
• Add Emotion, and the reader will empathize
(interpret and feel) with the subject.
Writing
Tip:
1. Common pitfall of a narrative story is lack of
unity and flow
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Be sure to carry the sensory description throughout
the entire article
2. Common pitfall: including irrelevant details to
pad the story
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Character and setting info relevant to the moment
only, eliminate anything else.
The Story handout
Writing
Improving Story completeness handout
Editing
•Achieving story flow handout
Editing
Improving story flow handout
Editing
Fine details handout
Editing
Complete Package
All design aspects need to work together to
tell the story:
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Headlines/Captions
Cutlines
Copy
Photographs