1. Short, sharp and to the
point.
2.
Utilizes complete sentences (newsprint only*)
3.
Limits 50-cent (big) words
unless part of a specialized story (i.e. a science story and then it is appropriate whenever possible to paraphrase experts)
4.
Define words not commonly used (see experts above)
5.
Include who, what, when, where, why and how (the higher the better)
6.
Written for masses; medium-level reader (usually 6th-8th
grade)
7.
Attributes statements or definitions.
*VARIATIONS FOR
RADIO-TV: Complete sentences are not always important to these media
And therefore aren’t
always required.
BLOGGING & INTERNET:
Developing mass media that sometimes use both styles.
Examples of how
writing/speaking/delivery styles may vary:
PROPER ENGLISH SENTENCE:
Mr. Paul L. Jones,
a forty-two year old native of the City of Los Angeles, decided today that he would run for election to the office of California State dog catcher by placing his
name on the roster.
FOR A NEWSPAPER:
Paul L. Jones, 42,
of Los Angeles, added his name to the list of candidates for
state dog catcher today.
FOR RADIO-TV:
Paul Jones –
a 42-year old native of L-A – has thrown his hat into the ring in the race for state dog catcher.
