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”