Editorials II: Better Thinking, Better Writing

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Editorials II Better Thinking, Better Writing

• JMSC 6014
• Advanced Writing Workshop
• April 6, 2002
• D. Weisenhaus

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Be factual but not too much

• Right amount of facts
• only those necessary for the purpose of editorial
  -- short pieces
• usually less than is needed in a news story of
  the same topic.
• think brevity.

3
Be consistent in point of view

• first person we -- when referring to paper or
  when referring to society , infrequently used
  (NYT,JFK Jr. death, 9/11)
• second person you -- usually on informal or
  personal topics, to address readers. (NYT, 9/11
  Chicago Trib.)
• third person he, she, they -- usually parties
  in the debate
• Try not to switch back and forth but sometimes
  necessary. (NYT on 9/11)

4
Be clear

• Need to be brief but also need to be clear
• Clear references and antecedents. When referring
  to that or that idea or that development,
  make sure we know who or what is being referred
  to (that prospect SCMP, gambling )

5
Be concise

• Short sentences better than long (NYT, 9/11
  remember the ordinary./Chicago Trib Its not
  easy being a kid)
• Economy of words. Dont use There is, the
  fact that -- now we know
• Avoid cliches, jargon the big picture, a step
  in the right direction, reared its ugly head,
  time to stir the pot.
• Be passionate this one brings us closer somehow
  to the mystery of death. (NYT, JFK Jr.)

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Be logical

• Make sure conclusions are logical
• Do your conclusions follow your argument?
• Compare NYT, 9/11/Chicago Tribune

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Next week

• What makes a good columnist?
• Hard reporting
• Know your subject
• Important issues
• Humanize the writing
• Passion