ELEMENTS of the BASIC
News Story
Headline
Lead
Lead Quote
Impact
Attribution
Background
Elaboration
Ending
Graphics
HEADLINE
Based on the main points of the story
Written by editor or copy editor, with SUGGESTIONS from the writer
Writing Tip:
If you are having trouble identifying the main point of a story, think of a headline.
LEAD
What is the story about
Attention-getter (The Hook!)
Can be:
Hard, Soft, Summary
Hard: Boom – here it is
Soft: Usually for features, non time-related
Summary: The 5 W’s of the story
LEAD QUOTE
First quote backing up the lead
Sometimes called the augmenting quote
This is not MANDATORY
A STRONG QUOTE early in the story, first or second paragraph, helps set tone for the story
IMPACT
When possible, explain how the news affects the reader
What about this story is significant?
Why should the reader care?
ATTRIBUTION
Where did you get the information from?
Who told you the facts?
Are you going to quote the person, or simply use the info?
What you did not witness must be attributed!
Common knowledge or indisputable facts do not need attribution
BACKGROUND
Is history of the story important?
Do we need to be reminded of what happened in the past?
Is this a follow-up story that needs an update?
ELABORATION
Supporting points related to the main issue:
Statements
Quotes
More detail
Seek other points of view, for balance and fairness
ENDING
Most stories end with one of the following elements:
Future action
If really important to story, play it higher
A statement or quote of summary
Make sure it is not redundant
More elaboration
GRAPHICS
A Photograph?
Chart
Illustration?
Highlights box?
WHATEVER YOU THINK MIGHT AID THE STORY VISUALLY
QUOTES AND ATTRIBUTION
Is the quote memorable?
Do your quotes repeat your transitions?
If you don’t attribute to a source, can your facts be substantiated?
If you can better say it in your own words, paraphrase.
ARE YOU USING A QUOTE FOR THE BENEFIT OF YOUR SOURCE OR YOUR AUDIENCE?
GOOD QUOTE / BAD QUOTE
Good quotes enhance
Bad quotes take up space
Do Not be redundant and use your own voice (paraphrase) if it helps make the essence of the quote clearer and avoids DULL quotes
What are GOOD QUOTES?
Vivid and Clear
Reveals strong feelings or reactions of the speaker
Something outrageous
Important words from famous person or critical leader
DOES IT ADD SPICE TO MY STORY?
IS IT TOO LONG?
DOES IT CONVEY DRAMATIC ACTION?
GUIDELINES
for How to Use Quotes
Commas, periods, question marks go inside quotation marks (if question mark does not refer to quoted material, it goes outside)
Each NEW speaker must be quoted in a separate paragraph
A single quote is attributed once
Place attribution after first sentence
Don’t interrupt a thought with attribution
PLAGIARISM
Copying the words of other writers
Grounds for DISMISSAL!
Cite ALL sources of information, including other publications
From your own sources, tell reader where you got the information
Simple rule on using information:
BE CAUTIOUS AND BE OPEN