Writing Your Story

Broadcast scripts are meant to be heard and should be easy to read. As a writer, it is your duty to make your script friendly to both the listening audience and the people reading the script out loud. Follow these basic guidelines for writing a broadcast script.

1. The writing should be casual and conversational. Broadcast writing is aimed toward the listener.
2. Create an outline, listing the highlights and main points of the story.
3. Write the introduction. This should introduce the story to the listener in an entertaining way, to “hook” them into listening to the rest of the story.
4. Write the body. Include all necessary facts and figures and touch on all highlights. Broadcast stories are typically 100 to 300 words, based on the amount of time dedicated to the story. 100 words equates to approximately 30 seconds of air time.
5. Write a conclusion. This will wrap up the story in a clear manner.
6. Format your script. Transfer to powerpoint to use on a teleprompter. (laptop)
7. Edit the script for grammatical and factual errors.

Writing Hints

1. Keep sentences short.
2. Prefer the simple to the complex.  Example: Use words like buy, instead of purchase. Use city, not metropolis.
3. Avoid unnecessary words.
4. Put action in your verbs. "The fullback hits the line." NOT "The line is hit by the fullback."
5. Write like you talk. Ask yourself "How would I say that? What would I tell the person if he were on the other end of a long-distance phone call?"
6. Don't use technical jargon.
7. Write with emphasis on picture. (We are creating a video program not an audio program.)
8. Don't get "wordy." Let the visuals carry the message.
9. Use plenty of pauses or music bridges.
10. Write in transitions. Transitions carry the viewer from one event to the next and become an important element in creating successful videos that flow naturally, without visual disruptions.
11. READ THE COPY ALOUD. That will give you a feeling for timing, transitions, information flow, conversation style and believability. The audience will HEAR a script, not READ it, so it has to be appealing to the ear.

Now it is your turn to write a story.  Don't forget...each story should have a beginning, a middle and an end.  Your final story should be transferred to a storyboard to be used to create your mini-broadcast.  Follow the tips above, and be sure to check out the "Writing a Good Story" rubric so that you know what is expected of you for this assignment.

Need ideas for a story?  Check out what's happening in the news:

http://www.newseum.org/todaysfrontpages

Steps to complete this assignment:

1. Determine story idea.
2. Write rought draft.
3. Edit story.
4. Drop completed story into Mrs. Burke's dropbox.  Name it correctly! (lastname_story.doc)
5. Transfer to storyboard.  Be creative on the media and techniques you want to use!
6. Finished early? Check here for ideas on what you may do.