Welcome to Journalism 275: People and Events! In this class, we will discuss various column writing techniques, how to avoid sensationalism in your columns, types of columns, how to write descriptively and clearly, how to use specifics instead of generalizations, and editing for various markets.
For this introduction, you also have an assignment, which is listed in the right-hand column. Please complete it by June 3.
The Facebook class page will be used to distribute information regarding changes in the course schedule, discuss columns and class topics, and as a way to get to know your classmates. However, please note that this website is the official course website. The class Facebook page is just an extension of the class in order to supplement discussion on a social media site. Also, I would suggest you “like” The Tech Talk page, as it is our student newspaper, and the Louisiana Tech University page, to ensure that you are kept abreast of what is occurring with the university.
Now, what makes a good column?
What you’re doing with a personal column is basically interviewing yourself. It’s a matter of applying short story techniques to journalism – with columns and some magazine-type features. Now, naturally, this does not mean that you MAKE UP a story. Stick to the truth in your writing and still use short story techniques to hook readers.
When you write, I want you to strive for three short story techniques:
1. Tell a story.
In every column or feature you write, even if it’s a political interview, tell a story that has a beginning, a middle and an end.
2. Use significant details to tell the story.
Put flesh on the bones. We’ll discuss this later.
3. Make the reader identify with the story.
The reader should say, “Oh, I’ve had that same experience,” or “I know that person,” or “I’ve been there.”
Tell a story (make something happen), use significant details, and make the reader identify.
The best compliment to tell readers is to say, “I’ve been through that.” This is where universal themes come in – this will help you write what you know. We write best what we know.
Let’s talk a little bit more about identification. Somebody reads what you’ve written. They say, “That’s right” or “I’ve felt like that” or “That’s the way it was.” What they do here is identify.
You have put into words what they have thought, what they have lived, what they remember. It’s like a flash of lightning for them. And when they say, “Yeah, I’ve felt like that” – they are a little less lonesome.
What do people identify with? What brings us together today?
Remember the first time you were in love…when you held hands and he drove you home before curfew – or when y’all missed curfew and your parents called looking for you. What it’s like to listen to rain fall when you’re snuggled up under a blanket with a dog at your feet.
Humiliation. We all remember the humiliations.
What else is universal?
Embarrassment.
Pity.
Guilt.
Love.
Death.
Fear.
Anger.
Everybody here has experienced all of these things except death – and somebody close to you has died, so you’ve had those unsettling inklings of mortality.
Amazing things happen to all of us because of universal emotions. You have experienced these emotions in one way or another. Write about them! This makes people identify.
Also, please make sure to click on this link about column writing tips!