AJ93100 Seminar 1 1 March 2017 The hardest one. If you’ll manage to sit through this seminar today, you’ll manage everything in life. Course Participants SENIOR Helena Brunnerová - PH Peter Docherty - PRR Anna Jílková - ART Michaela Medveďová (in absentia) - ART Barbara Ocsovayová - PR, ART Pavel Peléšek - PR Pavla Wernerová (in absentia) - PR, ART Natália Poláková (in absentia) - ART JUNIOR Anežka Hřežová - ART Patrícia Iliášová - ART Yume Katsumi - ART Bára Skorkovská - ART Eva Růžičková - PH Simona Hromuľáková - PR Teachers and other good-hearted people Teacher: PhDr. Kateřina Tomková, PhD. Assistants: Blanka Šustrová (editor-in-chief) + Tereza Walsbergerová (chief-of-staff) Good-hearted people AKA the rest of the permanent staff (might become your supervisors): Markéta Šonková Anna Formánková Martina Krénová Primary means of communication: ●FB group: to communicate on daily basis, share ideas, leave messages, set polls (befriend Blanka and Tereza on FB, you will be added there) ●Google Drive: to share materials, to submit your work → you will need a Gmail account Supervisor - supervisee(s) contact: ●personal FB messages, group chats: organising, questions, tips ●emails: more substantial issues, discussing the work, sharing the works-in-progress Communication with the rest of the world FB page: Re:Views Magazine Twitter account: @ReViewsMagazine Re:Views Magazine website Magazine email: re.views.magazine@gmail.com LinkedIn: link YouTube: link Guidelines: Article Constituents TEXTUAL COMPONENTS Headline Lead paragraph Body of the article Sources Author’s profile (Your subject’s profile) VISUAL COMPONENTS Highlighted sentences (COLORCODING) Pictures (properly referenced!) Article layout Lead Paragraph = Perex (in CZ) The lead, or opening paragraph, is the most important part of a news story. With so many sources of information – newspapers, magazines, TV, radio, and the Internet – audiences simply are not willing to read beyond the first paragraph (and even sentence) of a story unless it grabs their interest. A good lead does just that. It gives readers the most important information in a clear, concise and interesting manner. It also establishes the voice and direction of an article. Tips for Writing a Lead 1.The Five W’s and H: Before writing a lead, decide which aspect of the story – who, what, when, where, why, how – is most important. You should emphasize those aspects in your lead. Wait to explain less important aspects until the second or third sentence. 2.Conflict: Good stories have conflict. So do many good leads. 3.Specificity: Though you are essentially summarizing information in most leads, try to be specific as possible. If your lead is too broad, it won’t be informative or interesting. 4.Brevity: Readers want to know why the story matters to them and they won’t wait long for the answer. Leads are often one sentence, sometimes two. Generally, they are 25 to 30 words and should rarely be more than 40. 5.Active sentences: Strong verbs will make your lead lively and interesting. Passive constructions, on the other hand, can sound dull and leave out important information, such as the person or thing that caused the action. Incomplete reporting is often a source of passive leads. 6.Audience and context: Take into account what your reader already knows. Remember that in today’s media culture, most readers become aware of breaking news as it happens. 7.Honesty: A lead is an implicit promise to your readers. You must be able to deliver what you promise in your lead. What to Avoid 1.Flowery language: Do not overuse adverbs and adjectives in the leads. Concentrate instead on using strong verbs and nouns. 2.Unnecessary words or phrases: Watch out for unintentional redundancy. For example, 2 p.m. Wednesday afternoon, or very unique. You can’t afford to waste space in a news story, especially in the lead. Avoid clutter and cut right to the heart of the story. 3.Formulaic leads: Readers want information, but they also want to be entertained. Your lead must sound genuine, not merely mechanical. 4.It: Most editors frown on leads that begin with the word it because it is not precise and disorients the reader. Types of Lead Summary lead: This is perhaps the most traditional lead in news writing. It is often used for breaking news. Straight news leads tend to provide answers to the most important three or four of the Five W’s and H. Historically this type of lead has been used to convey who, what, when and where. But in today’s fast-paced media atmosphere, a straightforward recitation of who, what, when and where can sound stale by the time a newspaper hits the stands. Anecdotal lead: Sometimes, beginning a story with a quick anecdote can draw in readers. The anecdote must be interesting and must closely illustrate the article’s broader point. If you use this approach, specificity and concrete detail are essential and the broader significance of the anecdote should be explained within the first few sentences following the lead. Other types of leads: A large number of other approaches exist, and writers should not feel boxed in by formulas. That said, beginning writers can abuse certain kinds of leads. These include leads that begin with a question or direct quotation and those that make a direct appeal using the word you. While such leads might be appropriate in some circumstances, use them sparsely and cautiously. Body of the Article -MLA style -Please, avoid plagiarism at all costs! -It is perfectly OK (even recommended) to quote other sources, make sure, though, you reference them all properly. -You can write all sorts of texts: descriptive (overview study), analytical, and argumentative. Other genres are possible too. -We also do interviews and reviews (books, movies, and TV series). -Always bear in mind who your audience is, what is goal of your article (its core message), and how it fits into the concept of the whole issue. -Length is basically up to you: make sure you say all you need to say without it being unnecessary lengthy or too brief. A bit like MLA but not that stiff - advice on form and style -Follow the MLA rules but don’t be so rigid with the concept of “I’ll state what this is about in the intro and repeat it again in the conclusion” -Think of catchy bomb titles (paraphrased part of the text body, quotation, a wordplay) - you’ll catch reader’s attention from the beginning -Be as much objective as you can. Do not bring your personal attitudes and beliefs in your writing! Use pros and contras and comment on them using reliable and relevant sources! -Don’t use empty academic language to “look smart”, you are writing for fellow students and no one wants to read 5 pages of dead wood. Your articles don’t have to be long -USE STANDARD ENGLISH - no slang, colloquialisms - unless you’re writing about it -Don’t mock, attack, humiliate your reader. Don’t use sarcasm to make them feel inferior. -If unsure, ASK! Always ask us. No question is stupid. Author’s Profile -Please include a brief profile of yourselves too to introduce yourselves to your readers -You obviously do not have to include anything personal or anything you don’t feel like sharing. -It is a good idea to include what you study, your interests, anything you feel like people might enjoy knowing about you. -It does not have to be long. -Our photographer shall take pictures of all of us. -You can have a look into previous issues on various examples of these. Your Subject’s Profile When you are writing about an author, working on a review, etc., please include a brief profile of your subject. What should be included (depending on type of your piece): -Date of birth (death) -Nationality -Occupation -Crucial bio -Most important works -Picture Sources -MLA style -It is necessary to make sure it is always possible to trace your sources -List at the end of your article -Please don’t use Wikipedia IN-TEXT REFERENCING Books and printed sources: the same way as you are already used to from MLA style Online sources: instead of reference in brackets, we use embedded hyperlinks -You can also introduce it as you are used to from essays and then we use the hyperlink etc… zdroje.png links.png Pictures -The authors are also asked to supply pictures -Pictures should be accompanied with a caption -We shall instruct you on copyright issues in one of the future seminars Possible ways to find visual material (also depending on the type of your written contribution): -you find it online (copyright!!) → we’ll talk about copyright next time -you use your own material or take your own pictures -the photographer takes it for you Highlighted Sentences -We use them to visually “break” the lengthy passages -You can choose whichever sentences you like. Mind, though, that taking a sentence out of context may manipulate its message, so careful with that. -How many you choose is up to you (take into consideration how many pictures you wish to supply). higlight.png Color Coding -When the text is copied into the graphic program, all the word formatting gets lost -We came up with a system of “color coding” to make sure your desired formatting is kept and to make it easier for the graphic designer to deal with all the requests 12053254_10207480194274462_2052129093_n.jpg Layout -Should you have any specific requirements as of what you want your article to look like graphically, supply the graphic designer with a layout. -You can do so by drawing a picture in hand or just a simple drawing in MS Office programs and uploading it with the rest of your material. -If you don’t have any specific requirements, the graphic designer will do it as he seems best. If you don’t hand in any requirements, please be ready to respect the way it is going to be done by the GD (unless there is something really bugging you ;) ). Sources Information on & examples of “lead” (edited): https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/735/05/ Are you all warmed up? The next part is coming! anime - writing.gif General writing tips tumblr_m8t0y9xN7O1qb9qh4o1_500.gif article starter-pack Brainstorming Mind Mapping Keywords Outline Data Bank Actual Writing writing-bad.gif 1. BRAINSTORMING Determine your target group (academia, but fun!) Write down everything As in, ALL THE THINGS Even if they seem silly Or out of place Doodle Anything goes Try using actual pen and paper if possible (it pleases the brain) tumblr_mwabl8LZG01r12sfko1_250.gif 2. MIND MAPPING Associations + research items Can be done while brainstorming Organises your thoughts Big concepts in the middle COLOURS! CONNECTIONS! e5c37607c39a834fb2a5dfca082f2235.jpg # PODCASTING # FICTION # STUDYING # AUDIOBOOKS x PODCASTS # IMMERSION # MILLENNIALS # FAN-CASTS # ACCESSIBILITY (will come in handy later!) 4. OUTLINE Use your keywords And your Mind Map Sub-points are love Too many paragraphs is better than too few paragraphs Think about transitions (/segways) and put them in brackets Don’t overthink it tumblr_o1xj57qiTN1qg0u4go4_250.gif ALWAYS save your sources Data AND pictures Preferably in the same document EVEN IF YOU THINK YOU’LL REMEMBER THEM LATER YOU WILL NOT!!!!! Google Drive or Google Keep are your friends tumblr_o2fvigfDps1v72s2uo2_r3_250.gif 6. ACTUAL WRITING Decide on a style Your timeline is the bones Words are the meat Don’t worry about being too messy (that’s what editing is for) Ask questions Short sentences are good for emphasis or comic relief, but don’t stack too many next to each other, you’ll sound like a robot fewer adverbs = good Use transition words Decide on spelling (UK/US/AUS) https://docs.google.com/document/d/1m4Heyi5R14Hb9_1VTrskArLW7uKm9t49DCUf4dOOpi8/edit?usp=sharing giphy.gif CONSTRUCTING YOUR PARAGRAPH Good starter phrases: “According to…” “As…” Time markers “In the last five years...” “In fact,…” Start with a topic sentence Continue with an analysis (supported by up to 3 pieces of evidence) End with a /soft/ conclusion 6 Ws of writing: WHO, WHAT, WHEN/WHERE, WHY, WHO, WHY transition-words.png HANDY WRITING RESOURCES! Write your intro (lead paragraph) at the end Source all your info EDITING, EDITING, EDITING Don’t be scared to cut things Or play with your paragraphs Read it out loud (flow) Ask someone (your supervising person, perhaps) to beta-read before submitting Have fun! tumblr_o4t4pxIYSY1v72s2uo3_r1_250.gif bugs - horse.gif BUT WAIT… THERE’S MORE!!! INTERVIEWS 1.For effective interviews, reporters prepare carefully, and they ask questions that induce the source to talk freely. 2.Questions are directed at obtaining information on a theme that the reporter has in mind before beginning the interview. 3.If a more important theme emerges, the reporter develops it. 4.The reporter notes what is said, how it is said and what is not said. 5.Sources are encouraged by the reporter's gestures and facial expressions to keep talking. RULES WORTH REMEMBERING 1. Prepare carefully, familiarizing yourself with as much background as possible. 2. Establish a relationship with the source conducive to obtaining information. 3. Ask questions that are relevant to the source and that induce the source to talk. 4. Listen and watch attentively. 200 (2).gif WRITE A PROFILE OF THE INTERVIEWEE 1.State relevant biographical info don’t forget any important data, achievements etc. :) 2.On the other hand, don’t overpraise. 3.Put the profile in the lead paragraph or alongside/at the end of text. 4.If possible, include a (good quality) photo. (This is actually highly recommended) 200 (1).gif BEFORE THE INTERVIEW 1.Write down your questions. Don’t prepare too few, always have some extra up your sleeve. 2.Charge your recording device :) 3.Don’t ask the questions you know the answers for or that can be looked up in previous interviews with the particular interviewee. 4.Choose a place that will be quiet and comfortable for both of you. 200.gif DURING THE INTERVIEW 1.Don’t be afraid to interrupt the interviewee if there is a great diversion. 2.BUT let them speak if it is interesting and topic-related. 3.Try to keep the interview under 1 hour, otherwise it really is a pain to transcribe. An example of what will happen when you will not follow these rules: https://docs.google.com/document/d/11JZClyTj3pPtOFFT-CUOgdSpnlV5CX9GEeQma504-7o/edit?usp=sharing 200 (4).gif AFTER THE INTERVIEW 1.Be a careful transcriber and a rigorous editor! 2.Don’t be afraid to get back to the interviewees if you need to clarify something (spelling etc.). 3.Re-listen, crosscheck, and ask people for proofreadings. 4.It’s not obligatory to have your interview approved/authorised, but it is more polite. 200 (6).gif MAKING AN ARTICLE OUT OF INTERVIEW You are writing an article but want to incorporate the information from the interviewee there as well: 1.You can paraphrase, summarize and quote. 2.Include passages that reflect inteviewee’s personality - direct quotes will do well. 3.Stick relevant pieces together and edit, cut, edit, cut and edit again. 4.Have the original transcript at hand and colorcode the topics - it gets much easier. Example: History of KAA (an article made out of interview with Don Sparling) in Issue II. tumblr_lzelz4dcol1r8gaoxo1_250.gif ONLINE INTERVIEWS 1.Good for smaller interviews when you don’t have time to transcribe. Needs less editing as well. 2.But you don’t have a face to face contact with the interviewee and cannot control the interview. 3.Do a good research, prepare simple questions and ask the interviewee for a particular length of the answer. 4.Don’t be scared to give deadlines to the interviewee! You need them! 5.E-mail x Chat 200 (5).gif SOURCES AND FURTHER READING http://www.columbia.edu/itc/journalism/isaacs/edit/MencherIntv1.html http://www.mediahelpingmedia.org/training-resources/journalism-basics/475-20-interviewing-tips-for- journalists http://matadornetwork.com/bnt/13-simple-journalist-techniques-for-effective-interviews/ http://www.sparkminute.com/2011/11/07/30-tips-on-how-to-interview-like-a-journalist/ YOU MADE IT :) Good luck with writing!