Top Tips of the Trade
- Start strong. Well begun is half done.
- Read--and understand--your source copy.
- Underline or circle key facts.
- Think. Don't write yet. Think.
- Write the way you talk.
- Apply the rules for broadcast newswriting.
- Have the courage to write simply.
- Refrain from wordy warm-ups.
- Put attribution before assertion.
- Go with S-V-O: subject--verb--object.
- Limit a sentence to one idea.
- Use short words and short sentences.
- Use familiar words in familiar combinations.
- Humanize your copy. And localize it.
- Activate your copy: use active voice--and action verbs.
- Avoid a first sentence whose main verb is any form of to be.
- Avoid a first sentence whose main verb is may, could, seems.
- Use present tense verbs where appropriate.
- Put your sentences in a positive form.
- Don't start with a quotation or a question.
- Use connectives—and, also, but, so, because—to link sentences.
- Put the word or words you wish to stress at the end of your sentence.
- Use contractions--with caution.
- Pep up your copy with words like new, now, but, says.
- Watch out for I, we, our, here, up, down.
- Omit needless words. (Is every word necessary? If it's not necessary to leave it in, it is necessary to leave it out.)
- Hit only the highlights.
- Don't parrot source copy.
- Place the time element, if you need one, after the verb.
- When in doubt, leave it out.
- Don't raise questions you don't answer.
- Read your copy aloud. If it sounds like writing, rewrite it. The art of writing lies in rewriting what you've already rewritten.
- Pray. And polish your résumé.
This list has been adapted from Writing Broadcast News--Shorter, Sharper, Stronger, 2d ed., a professional handbook by Mervin Block. It's published by Bonus Books, Chicago (800-225-3775).
Enter your e-mail address to receive updates from Mervin Block:
Built by Chips & Ink