Transcript Headline Writing

Headline Writing
Much of the time, the headline is the key
factor in a reader’s decision to read a story
or skip it
Six Steps to Writing
Good Headlines
• Step 1: Read and understand story as you
edit it
– Look at tone: if story is serious, head shouldn’t
be lighthearted
– Pay attention if reporter used qualification: if
story says is considering a run, head shouldn’t
announce candidacy
• Step 2: Write a rough headline,
experimenting with word combinations
• Step 3: Choose specific, precise words
– Is there a way I can work 2 angles into
headline?
• Step 4: Make each word count
– Filling up headline space with unnecessary
words – padding – may make head fit, but
doesn’t serve reader
• Step 5: Use action verbs – and some
creativity
– Look up verbs in the thesaurus. Or look for
common adages or play on words.
– But watch out: Taxi and Parties
• Step 6: Start over if stuck