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Working with Words

Working with Words. Journalistic Style. Why are words important?. Words are tools a writer uses Media depends on words to: Tell the facts that go along with the visual images Establish the credibility of a reporter

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Working with Words

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  1. Working with Words Journalistic Style

  2. Why are words important? • Words are tools a writer uses • Media depends on words to: • Tell the facts that go along with the visual images • Establish the credibility of a reporter • Misspelled words or inaccurate presentations can destroy a reporter’s reputation • Can also damage the image of the publication or station

  3. Check Spellings • Misspelled words are the first thing a reader notices • Greatest liability to a reporter’s reputation • Editors think: • Reporter doesn’t take time to check spelling=reporter doesn’t take time to check facts • Causes mistrust

  4. Word Processing: Don’t Always Count on the Spell Check • Creates a false sense of security • Must proofread • There, their, they’re • Too, to, two • Whose, Who’s • Can also make typographical errors, press the wrong key, etc • The teacher placed the bookofthe desk • The teacher placed the book no the desk • Leaving out one letter could cause a correctly spelled word, but still be a disaster

  5. Greeks become geeks AMES, Iowa (AP)—An error in the Iowa State University yearbook has made geeks out of Greeks. The title page of a section of fraternities and sororities refers to “geek houses.” Yearbook officials were printing up 200 correction stickers to be placed over the misspelled word. Those books will go to the Greek houses. (Omaha World Herald).

  6. Choose the Correct Word • One incorrectly used word could change the whole meaning of the story • After a four-hour public hearing, the city planning commission passed the resolution with one descending vote • Descending=to go down; dissenting=to vote against • Homonyms are other examples • What is a homonym? • Words that sound like other words (foul and fowl, red and read) • The police said they suspect fowl play • Sophomores red more books that juniors and seniors combined in the reading contest.

  7. Keep it short and simple:Choosing the Concise Word • If there is a simpler or shorter word that means the same thing, use it • Readers won’t feel insulted; they will feel grateful that they can read a story quickly • Immediately=soon, now, or as soon as possible • Frequently=regularly or often • But, if the bigger word is needed to convey a specific feeling—use it!

  8. Get to the Point:Use Specific Words • You want words that paint a clear picture • Weasel words vague and generic words • Some, fun, a lot, even music • “I had a lot of fun,” she said. • The freshman had an unusual look on his face. • There are many various organizations for students to join. • I’m going to do stuff with my friends. • These words don’t tell the reader anything

  9. Quotes should have genuine substance • Examples: • “I enjoyed meeting the 18 other candidates and hearing about their experiences as participants in the Harvest of Harmony parade,” Central High School candidate Angie Vaga said. • Students may choose from over a dozen organizations, including FHA, DECA, Spirit Squad, National Honor Society, VICA and Science Club.

  10. Modifiers make a real difference?Modifiers really make a difference… • Choosing the best word means placing it properly in the sentence • Misplacing or omitting a modifier can alter the meaning • Dr. Laura Marvel told how one woman escaped from slavery during her review of the book. • In the book review, Dr. Laura Marvel told how one woman escaped from slavery.

  11. Lights, Camera, Action Verbs • Verbs pack power • Choose vigorous, descriptive verbs in the present tense that help the reader or listener SEE the action as it happens • Verbs should give a clear impression of the activity • Slide, seize, amble, roar, slam • He swung the bat and he heard that smack! and the ball screamed into the dark blue sky, higher, higher, until it threatened to bring down a few stars with it. His teammates knew; they leaped off the bench. The fans knew; they roared like animals.

  12. Action Speaks Loud • If he had run the bases, or skipped, walked, strolled, ambled, danced, they all would have displayed a different feeling or thought • Active verbs pump up a story • Digging his cleats into the ground and staring down the pitcher with his big greenish-brown eyes, senior Ben Browning easily cracks a baseball against his aluminum bat, knocking the ball deep into right field. • The only exception is the word said • Don’t give the speaker any emotion • Always use “said” when quoting a person

  13. Active Sentences • Sentence should begin with the name of the person or thing doing the action • Sentences that begin with the object are passive sentences • Passive sentences lack straightforward power

  14. Making Passive Sentences Active • Passive: There were $4,850 worth of scholarships given out at the Future Farmers of America banquet May 16. • Active: Future Farmers of America members collected $4,850 in scholarships at the banquet May 16.

  15. Redundancies, Repetitions, Say that Again? • Redundancy: repeating what’s been said or using unnecessary words • Obvious: 10 a.m. in the morning, two twins • Subtle: both tied, blue in color, small in size • Waste of time and space • Unnecessary words • Lift it up, a dead body, invited guests, went on to say

  16. Common Redundancies • Absolutely necessary • Ask the question • Call up • Canceled out • Continue on • End up • Fall down • Fatally killed • First annual (BIG ONE) • Honest truth • Necessary requirements • Other alternatives • Pay out • Refer back • Small in size • Totally destroyed • Totally unnecessary • True facts

  17. What else is redundant? • Name of school mascot • Name of the school • News is about the school if it’s in the school’s media • “This year” • News is this year unless otherwise specified • If comparing to last year=The team versus last year’s team

  18. Oh, that’s so cliché • Weasel phrases • Sayings that have become a part of shared language…have become meaningless • When the crowning ceremonies were over and the audience was gone, students danced the night away. • After starting its Midwestern League season by winning its first two matches, the women’s varsity tennis team is on a roll. • They should be replaced with information or ommitted

  19. I’d like to buy a comma • Guideline for punctuation=keep it to a minimum • Periods and commas are hard to see • Commas—don’t put one before the AND • Red, white and blue • Colons and semi-colons are used sparingly (create complex sentence structures)

  20. Symbols • Anything other than the dollar sign is spelled out • Percent, cents, degree • Numbers in fractions • In broadcast, all the words—even dollars are written out to make it easier for the newscaster to read aloud.

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