News language
There are 9 golden rules of news speak. It is important to follow the KISS rule of keeping it short and simple, typically consisting of around 16-20 words in a sentence. In addition to this it is a key elemenet to try and create short sentences with the use of normal everyday language to attract a wide vareity of audiences. Being aware of reading for speed so by using appropraite headlines, cross-heads, narrow columns and short words. I also need to remember to never repeat words i.e don't use three words when one is enough to make your point and be effective in what your writing about e.g. ‘In the first instance’ to ‘firstly’. Not repeating yourself is something I need to manange when writing my articles; don’t use words that mean the same thing e.g. ‘final outcome’. Try and always use active verbs e.g. ‘burglars took the dog’ rather than ‘the dog was taken by burglars.’
Key elements to include:
•Use puns and play on words
•Make the story personal which makes it easier to understand
•Categorise people to make it easier to understand and identify stereotypes. For example, '17 school girl dedicated student.'
Things to avoid:
1. Clichés e.g. ‘lovechild’
2. Appearing to be too chatty/gossipy
3. Unnecessary and foreign of America phrases
Headline language:
What techniques are used in these headlines?
•Rhyme
•Rhythm
•Emotive
•Abbreviation
•Slang
•Colloquial
•pun, play-on words
•Sibilance.
People:
This is categorised by appearance, jobs, age and relationships.
Speech:
Use a mixture of direct (in speech marks) and reported speech (when the reporter sums up what the person said)
Opening paragraphs:
Must answer questions for who what where why and when; short and sharp and then in the rest of the article you expand and develop the answers in more details.
