COMPELLING STORIES

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COMPELLING STORIES

• Climate Change Media Training
• By Patrick Luganda
• Media Trainer and Consultant

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The Organized Reporter

• Is organized
• Good time manager
• Data banks
• Dress code
• Dignified/ Respectful/ Trusted
• Tools-notebook, pen and telephone, recorder,
  camera, batteries etc
• Listens, observes, records etc

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Organized

• Address book of phone contacts and details of
  sources
• Researches and seeks Internet access
• Pitches with editor and debriefs
• Plans ahead and prepares logistical support
• Works on deadline pressure
• Relates with editors and peers
• Cross checks with sources

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Attributes of Compelling Stories

• New and interesting information Does it
  surprise? Or business as usual
• Impact Who does this story affect and how? Why
  should I read, hear or watch it. 5 W 1 H
• Real people Humanizing a big, complicated issue
  is one way of making it easier to understand.
• Put a face on the story whenever you can, whether
  its a farmer or a fisherman or even a scientist.
  Stories about people sell as they see themselves
  in the story
• Significance It tells the reader why the story
  is important and why they should care.

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Compelling Stories.

• Focus Good stories focus on a larger
  problem/challenge.
• Clear explanations Are you writing in scientific
  jargon, or are you explaining terms (using
  analogies, similes, comparisons) to make it clear
  and simple for the audience?
• Use numbers carefully, avoid acronyms and
  clichés.
• Background What is causing the problem? How
  long has it been going on? When did it start? Why
  is it persisting? Who is affected? Where is all
  this taking place?
• Context Take an individual example (which we can
  see and hear and relate to) and puts it into a
  larger context by telling us how many other
  people are in a similar situation, or what else
  is going on that is related to the example.

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Compelling Stories..

• Specific examples and compelling anecdotes These
  convince the audience of the storys main point,
  while telling little stories.
• Color, good quotes Does the story have a sense
  of place? Can we hear the people? Can we see it,
  hear it, smell it, feel it?
• Accuracy, attribution, balance, fairness and
  ethical
• Comments from experts (and those involved in the
  story) for possible solutions to the problem or
  situation. Whats being done about it?

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Compelling Stories.

• Good organization An interesting beginning that
  engages the audience
• Tells us clearly what the story is about and why
  its important (main point or theme para)
• The middle has good examples and explanations to
  convince the reader
• An ending that helps the reader remember the
  story
• Packaging Photographs, graphics, pool quotes,
  sidebars, cartoons, illustrations, actualities,
  ambience etc. Think visually.
• Honesty Avoid sensationalism to get a headline.
  Are you careful about links between cause and
  effect? Examine all possible causes for an event
  or process?

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Sources

• NGOS have an agenda. Many have agendas and be
  careful to have both sides of the story
• Government officials in line ministries such as
  Met, agric, water, Universities, Institutes,
  Humanitarian
• Local people on impacts, effects and adaptation.
  Note may not have the exact data and may give you
  conflicting information
• University researchers and other specialists
  usually have information
• Environment experts including management
  authorities
• Private sector especially waste management
  experts
• Legislators and policy makers
• Experts in related sectors-agric, water, health,
  finance,
• International Organizations and line agencies
• Specialized institutions UNFCCC, IPCCC, WMO, NBDF
  etc

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Ends
Thank You