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Explaining
the differences between science writing and news
writing
What
people have said about this course:
'Your course
outlines a number of principles to keep in mind to
write effective news stories.'
'Very good examples
- learning by doing.'
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Write
effective news stories
Increasingly those who work on scientific journals are
having to write articles and/or press releases in a 'news
story' format. Many of them find it difficult, partly
because they have had no formal training in this technique,
and partly because it runs counter to much of their early
training. I was asked by several journals to design a
one-day course that will show editorial staff how to write
effective news stories. The technique is easy to understand,
so this will be a practical day with plenty of hands-on
exercises.
By the end of the day participants
will be able to…
- explain the main differences between science writing
and news writing;
- describe and apply a simple model for evaluating the
effectiveness of all writing, including news
stories;
- identify news story 'intros' and apply the news
pyramid structure;
- choose and apply an appropriate style for a news
story;
- use quotations accurately to enhance readability and
credibility of a news story;
- write accurate and attractive headlines to fit the
space available.
Who should - and should not -
attend
This course is suitable for those who have to
write news stories and press releases.
The course is not suitable for those who want a
course on scientific paper writing, grammar and style, or
who are happy with the way they write.
What the course will cost
The cost of the course will be £175 plus VAT
(£205.63) per person. The course will be run at BMA
House on Friday 4 June. It will start at 9.30 and end at
4.30, with breaks for coffee, lunch and tea.
If you want more information about the contents, please
phone Tim Albert on 01372 377848.
If you want to reserve a place, please email Barbara
Albert on:
barbara@timalbert.co.uk
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News writing:
programme
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9.30
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Introduction: participants, tutors and the
course; discussion of needs and individual
goals
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10.00
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Understanding the writing process: a
reader-centred model that can be applied to all
types of writing; recognising when news stories
succeed, and fail; the differences between science
writing and news writing
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10.45
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Coffee
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11.00
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The news story: basic principles for writing an
effective news story
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11.45
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The structure of a news story: writing an intro
(with practical exercises)
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1.00
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Lunch break
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2.00
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Using quotes: when, why and how to use them for
greatest effect
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2.30
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The style of a news story: five golden rules -
and when to break them (practical exercises)
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3.00
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Tea
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3.15
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Writing headlines: practical session on writing
headlines that will fit the space available,
reflect the story, and attract readers
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4.15
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Questions, action plans, evaluation
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4.30
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End of course
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For further information on public courses, go to
open.
For further information on group courses, go to in-house.
For answers to questions on writing, go to ask
questions.
Back to Courses main page
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