By: Ed Henninger
I have often stated, both on my blog and during presentations that I am not a friend of writers.
Newspapering is not just about writing.
I am a friend of readers.
Years ago, during a workshop I gave for a client, a reporter blurted out: “But we’re in the business of writing.”
“No, we are not,” I said, slowly and carefully mouthing each word to make my position clear. “We are in the business of bringing meaning to reader’s lives.”
Now, that wasn’t my statement. It’s actually the single most important sentence in ‘On Writing Well’, by William Zinsser. I recommend Zinsser’s book time and again and many of those who have taken my advice and read it have thanked me for it.
We are in the business of bringing meaning to reader’s lives. But just how do we do that?
Here are some points I’d share with those who write for newspapers:
DO A STORY LINE. Write the gist of your story in one line (or less) across the screen of your computer. That one line will help you stay on topic as you write. If you can’t put it into one sentence, then you’re going to struggle.
BE BRIEF. You may think your story has to be long for it to be complete. Nope. It has to be as brief as possible. Why? Because readers will see that your article goes on and on and on and they will stop reading (if they ever start). They will decide they don’t have time to read your entire piece. If you can’t be brief!
BREAK IT UP. Find ways to cut your story into pieces that make it easier to follow, easier to read. If, for example, you have a story about five people running for office, it’s much better to run a package of five separate stories ”one on each of the candidates” than one long piece on all of them.
BE CLEAR: Throw the jargon in the junk bin. Just what is a feasibility study.. really? And what does ubiquitous mean? If it’s something your 12-year-old daughter doesn’t understand, odds are your reader won’t either.
PUT THE BIG STUFF FIRST. Readers want to know what your story is all about without having to wade through several paragraphs to read it. So put the important points first. Save the less important material and the background paragraphs for later in the story.
USE QUOTES. I recall hearing time and again the maxim: “Quotes write the story for you.” That’s true. Also, quotes bring a humanity and credibility to the story.
USE INFOBOXES. A newsroom quip that goes w-a-a-a-y back suggests: “Never let the facts get in the way of a good story.” That’s exactly what an infobox can do for you. Use the infobox to list the cold, hard facts wherever possible, saving the text for narrative, quotes and overview.
USE BY-THE-NUMBERS BOXES. Like infoboxes, by-the-numbers boxes can help you clear the story of details that get in the way of the narrative. And they often serve as a great hook to get readers into your story.
WRITE FOR YOUR READER. Remember who your boss is. Your boss is not your editor. Your boss is not your publisher. Your boss is not your source. Your boss your reader.
I could spend hours talking with reporters and writers. I respect who they are and I respect how hard they work. But I really want to share with them that they need to pay less attention to how they write and more attention to how readers read.
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WANT A FREE evaluation of your newspaper’s design? Just contact Ed: edh@henningerconsulting.com | 803-327-3322
IF THIS COLUMN has been helpful, you may be interested in Ed’s books: Henninger on Design and 101 Henninger Helpful Hints. With the help of Ed’s books, you’ll immediately have a better idea how to design for your readers. Find out more about Henninger on Design and 101 Henninger Helpful Hints by visiting Ed’s web site: www.henningerconsulting.com
ED HENNINGER is an independent newspaper consultant and the Director of Henninger Consulting. On the web: www.henningerconsulting.com. Phone: 803-327-3322.
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Ed Henninger | Director | Henninger Consulting
edh@henningerconsulting.com | www.henningerconsulting.com
Ed’s Blog: www.henningerconsulting.com/blog/
Ed on Twitter: @edhenninger
Office: 803-327-3322 | Cell: 803-325-5252
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