I really never planned on being on my high school's journalism staff, but my sophomore English teacher told me that I should be on the staff, and before I knew it, I was freaking out about my articles.
Journalism... Journalism... Journalism- is made for another type of "species of people" (as I like to call it)
After my first article, I finally realized that I can only write essays, since that's all I've been doing for my formal education career. I was not prepared to write feature articles and a newspaper article assignment was rammed down my throat. Before I could even swallow it, the deadline was coming. And I was still clueless as to what I was supposed to do. The journalism adviser didn't teach us before the assignment, yet he taught us what we could have done better after the newspaper was issued through out the school.
I was influenced to join this journalism class, which is an already established staff, so it was hard for me to assimilate in. And I had no idea as to what the newspaper staff expected from me... after all, I was new to this whole idea among other experienced journalist writers. I thought I was prepared since I have read so many magazines, yet I was wrong. And I had to learn the tricks to the game-Journalism.
The species of people who will make great journalists
-People-person
-Extrovert
-Grammar and style addict
-Has great relationships with the staff and adviser
-Likes to talk a lot
-Isn't shy to talk to strangers
-Know what they're talking about
-Has a big social network
-Experienced writer
-Knows how to write a newspaper article
Yup... those are some of the characteristics great high school journalists must have. And you can definitely tell that I am lacking a few of these characteristics.
So, to help myself and possibly help you, I have written a 9-step plan to writing an article for your high school newspaper.
1. Brain thunder and lightening storming ideas.
-Ideas should always be original
-Most popular ideas among high school students are subjects concerning love, relationships, dating tips, celebrities, fashion trends, latest video games and networking sites, available classes and opportunities, and the latest scoop on the popular boys, cliques, and young teachers/coaches.
2. Normally, you'll be assigned the article topic by the Editor-in-Chief. Your ideas may be the coolest, but instead, you'll have to write some other article that some other dude came up with. And what the hey, what did that person mean by a "P.E. article?" Ask the editor-in-chiefs to clear up any questions you have at this point.
3. Now you've got your topic in hand and hopefully in mind, as well. Now you're going to answer a TON of questions, but they are really important since the questions are the beginning to organizing your ideas and coming up with a plan.
Questions to answer about the topic you're writing:
-What is your angle? What is your opinion about this topic? What do you want the student body to know about this topic? What do you want them to be influenced to do, to say, to agree with, to dislike? Finally, your opinion will be heard! But don't make your opinion stand out, make sure it's subtle. All you want your angle to do is to provide a direction for your article. It's like a thesis in an essay. The thesis is the paragraph in which you answered the question and provide your opinion/stand on the topic. Like a thesis, the angle must be a framework (or road map) for your article. When you get lost, you look back at your angle.
- What is the focus of your essay?
Your essay would be very boring if it was just a summary of what FBLA or Community service club did over the weekend, instead, have a focus for your article. What was absolutely important and really interesting? Possibly focus on a person's difficult obstacles and what they conquered. Focus on the growing social hierarchy among the student body.If your topic is on the girl's soccer team, focus on two students only, ask them deep questions about what they were doing in preparation of the game. Or what they were thinking while they were on the field. What inspired them to play soccer. So the focus for this would be how soccer had changed the athlete's lives or maybe how they are a totally different person on the soccer field. Focus on a few things very deeply because readers don't want the big picture, they already know what a soccer game looks and sounds like, they want the novel details.
4. Answer why, oh why, oh whyyyyy.
Why, oh why, oh whyyyyy would a student want to read this? Make sure there IS a purpose to the article. Maybe there is a life lesson that you'd like the students to learn about. Its got to be so interesting and purposeful that a student would be gravitated towards the article. After every sentence that you type, always answer "why?" Why did that person do or say that? Why does this belong in the article? Why does this person believe this or that? Why? Why? Why? I believe that why is the most important question out of the Who? What? When? Where? Why? And How? questions. WHY do I believe that? Wow, that's a great question. My answer: Because it pretty much answers everything! And if you're able to answer the why, then you know what the freaking purpose is! And the purpose of why you're writing this article, is just as important to who is your audience, what am I trying to give to the readers, when am I going to get my cheeseburger, where is this person, and how the heck did I end up writing this blog post about journalism?
5. Who? What? When? Where? Why? and How?
I sort of already stated the importance of these questions and really emphasized the "Why?" But yes, please answer all these questions in your article! These elements should be in the beginning of your article along with your thesis and focus at the very beginning!
6. Interview and get those quotes.
Write your articles based off what quotes you get. But if the article is lacking much needed pizazz, just interview more people, and just remember to always search and interview as many people as needed. But what you write should always lead to the quote. And the questions you ask should be pertaining to your focus! And also finding quotes that both contradict and agree with your angle.
7. Edit and Peer Review!
Peer review and editing is absolutely important for anything that will be viewed by a large audience. Especially when that large audience includes your friends, boyfriends, girlfriends, teachers, strangers, and people you just flirt with. The peer readers/editors should check the writing for statements that may be offensive or false. Of course editors should be checking for grammar and spelling. And the designers better know what they are doing to make sure the article looks its best in the newspaper. The paper should be read and edited by at least three people and the adviser (if possible). Questions should be asked at this time. Errors in the articles should be fixed. And a finished product should be done soon afterward.
8. Finished Product.
When the article has been edited by the editors, photos been taken by photographers, and the designer placed the writing in a nice page with amazing designs. Then, you're completed. Just check the new corrections that were made, see if the photos are relevant to the article, and whether the design is flattering. Remember to always give some advice and tips to the people who are also an important part in your article. Tell them what you want for pictures and what design you like! Tell them what they want to hear! If you don't trust them, don't give them the reins to your article. Take control of your article!
Just make sure it looks it's best! Always check it constantly, even seconds before it goes to the press!
9. Let people read your article and let them review it.
Get some feedback and learn from what the readers have to say about your article. Did they like it or not? What should you have done to make it better? Of course, there is always room for improvement. And the purpose of journalism is to become a better writer, photographer, designer, adviser, whatever. Every newspaper issue just gets better and better.
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