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Rockin’ the Interview
Go to the best source with the most reliable info (expert).
How many people should I talk to?
For most stories, interview at least THREE people.
For features or spotlights, one person is fine.
Before the interview
1. Research the person and topic2. Prepare your questions
How do I prepare good questions?
No “yes/no” answer questions Ask open ended questions No –est questions (best part, biggest
worry, greatest accomplishment, etc.) Guideline:
What is your goal? What are your obstacles? How will you overcome obstacles? How did _______ begin?
At the interview
Identify yourself as a reporter for the school paper
Shake hands / make eye contact Write down:
Exact spelling of name (first & last) Job title / Grade level Number of years in position
Show interest
Nod your head Say:
“Interesting.” “Hmmmm.” Laugh at jokes
Ask questions not necessarily on your list
Getting the deets
Use phone to record interview Take really good notes
Write all important details down Get several direct quotes for the
interview story
Today:
Finish Interview Questions Complete interview Write the interview story
Writing the interview story
Write the lead All the best material Includes most of the who, what, when,
where, why & how
Follow the inverted pyramid
Continue to layer facts about the topic with quotes from the people interviewed
Write the headline No a, an, the Written in present tense
Girls basketball wins regional title Only punctuation used: , ‘’ ; Semi-colon used when a period is appropriate
Principal installs security cameras; Students protest Avoid forms of “To Be” (am, is, are, was, were, be,
being, been, have, has, had) Use lower case caps except for:
First letter of first word & proper nouns
Tricks of the Trade
Because headline space is limited: Committee Panel Relative Kin Explosion Blast Reduction Cuts Resigns Quits Selected Named
Tricks of the Trade
Alliteration sometimes okay: Valley vouchers void Bartered books bring big bundle Teachers tests trigger trauma
Puns are sometimes nice: Three booked in library dispute Phone users have many hang-ups Boys baseball hits homerun
Writing the sports story
Know about the sport research and read up on it
Get to know coaches and players how they feel, what they think of the opposition, how they view the big event
Don’t ignore minor sports or freshman or JV teams
Sports features
About sports topics New technology/equipment (new
dugouts, helmets) Personality profiles (athletes, coaches,
AD) Training regimens Info on opposing team
Things to include:
Past years’ scores against teams Condition of athletes (injuries) Key athletes in starting line up Comments on style of play History of rivalry Info on band, halftime shows,
cheerleaders, pep rallies, etc.
At the game
Sit in press box (if football) Take detailed notes of events Watch the sidelines, officials &
spectators You are not there to hangout or cheer
Deets to include:
Sport Whether boys’ or girls’ Freshman, junior-varsity or varsity Score
More ideas:
Interviews with players Descriptions of spectators’ actions
during game Historical perspective on the sport Wrap-ups of the season Explain confusing events that took
place
The Editorial Page
Editorials can…
…Explain things going on around VVHS
…Criticize constructive and suggest solutions
…Lead create change …Praise kudos …Persuade teachers, parents,
students, admin
Parts of the editorial:
1. Intro: brief background/history2. Reaction: explain your position3. Details: give support for your
position/acknowledge other views, but say why yours is better
4. Conclusion: recommend solutions, alternatives, direction & restate position
Other components of the Editorial Page
Opinion polls Letters to editor (written by other students) Diverse viewpoints Profile column Fashion/fads Club column Reviews Advice Columns Random opinions (student body)
Profile Columns
On a person of note (athlete, artist, student, actor, teacher, coach)
Includes her or his: Views on current topics Likes/dislikes Plans for future Activities Community contributions
Writing a Review How is it similar to &/or different from
other products/places? Did it meet your expectations? What are the strengths and
weaknesses?
Ideas: products, restaurants, transportation, hobbies, clothing, technology, colleges, etc.
Performances Acting Sets Dialogue Lighting Sound Direction
Ideas: plays, concerts, movies, videos, etc.
Advertising 101
Steps to sell an ad
1. Make a list of prospective advertisers2. Give “Marketing Survey” to student
body• See pp. 412-413
3. Create “Rate Card” with contact info 4. Prepare “Pitch”
• Include info from survey• Figure out how much per student it will
cost prospective advertisers
Advertising
Establish partners Open your district email Click “Compose Email”