Monday 21st March & Monday 4th April 2011 - Digital Publishing
This is a module which is difficult to write about, but I have a plan. Dreamweaver has been the main focus of this module, as we have had to create our own newspaper website which works. This is why rather than retyping everything we have studied or looked at in lectures I am going to photocopy the notes I have made on how to carry out different tasks with the software.
Thursday 24th March & Thursday 7th April 2011 - Introduction to Professional Writing
Over the last few weeks I have learned how to write both speeches and children's stories. With speeches the aim is to get the audience involved, e.g. make it personal by adding anecdotes and using the word "you".
Children are one of the most difficult audiences to write for and this is because you need to get their attention and hold it. The story needs to focus on plot and turning points rather than character building when writing for younger children.
Friday 25th March & Friday 8th April- Professional Development in Journalism
These last two lectures have been focused on our writing skills and different writing styles. I've learned a lot about my own ability as a journalist, especially when writing for news features.
When writing my own feature after interviewing a colleague I used plenty of humour and descriptive language to keep the piece colourful and memorable.
Important skills I have learned considering my writing include; how to write news storys as new information is brought to light, how to write a news feature and keep the readers attention and how important the questions are which you ask during your interview with people.
Features of a news story and how to write one
-Short, to the point introduction.
-Short paragraphs, usually one sentence, no more than 2.
-Quotes, essential to support story
-The people interviewed matter, make sure the people interviewed are involved, include professionals if story is related to a certain sector or political party, e.g. NHS spokesperson
-Keep the story unbiased, follow your angle but make sure you include the counter argument no matter how small the space is its given.
-Use the WHAT triangle
Writing a news feature
-Quotes, important in bringing the story to life, using words straight from the mouth of the interviewee.
-Build up to the point/ angle, unlike writing a news story the piece can explore other areas and build up tension before the initial point is made.
-Descriptive language, helps the reader to invision what they are being told.
-Humour, can help grip the reader's attention and generally make them laugh.
The final week before Easter the lecture focussed on laws which affect what a journalist writes.
Over the holiday I have several things to do for this module. These include visiting the local magistrates court to find a story and to write it, and to also carry out some extra reading into McNaes essential law for journalists.
Friday 25th & Friday 8th April - Intoduction to Law and Public Affairs
Still don't know how to write about this topic apart from saying what I have learned each week. I have an idea, which is too re-type notes made in class on each topic covered and upload them in a similar way to Dreamweaver notes; this way I will be able to access them whenever I need them, no matter where I am.
Looks like I've got plenty of tasks to keep me going over the summer once I have met my deadlines.
