Journalism Skills For Beginners

Introduction Preview 00:36

A quick look at the skills before we plunge in.

Are you fearless? Preview 03:13

I am not suggesting you jump into a war zone to report. This is a more fundamental truth and one of the secrets to success in reporting.

A useful secret to know Preview 01:47

Cultivate this if you want to be a successful reporter.

Brainstorming story ideas Preview 02:51

Story ideas are like gold. They are vital for your success.

Write for a specific market Preview 05:05

Targeted writing really helps.

Getting paid vs writing for free Preview 02:00

The underlying aim of this course is for you to report, write and publish a story - and get paid. But on that path, don't discount the benefits of writing some stories for free.

Work on your story idea Preview 02:50

Is your story idea a workable idea?

Your guiding light Preview 03:55

No story will succeed in its aim without this.

When it is okay to change your focus Preview 02:07

Maintain focus - but be flexible when needed.

The five Ws and one H Preview 02:09

The basic reporting nuts and bolts to include in your story. Make sure you include them all.

Feature stories vs news Preview 02:58

A brief overview of the difference between a feature story and a news story.

The feature story approach Preview 02:37

An introduction to a very useful story template, one that will be explained in more depth later in the course.

The pitfalls of passion Preview 03:55

You may be passionate about the subject your are reporting on - but don't let this blind you to the need for taking an objective approach.

Attribution Preview 02:07

Make sure you help inform the reader where you are getting your information and quotes from.

Be honest in your reporting Preview 04:25

This is ground zero - be honest in your reporting and writing.

The Journalist's Code of Ethics Preview 02:17

A full list of the dos and don'ts for journalists.

Take care Preview 02:23

Only certain types of reporting could be classed as dangerous. But it is useful to be aware of the need for commonsense precautions.

Calculated risks and commonsense reporting Preview 02:47

It is best to be prepared when you go out to report.

Specialized training for conflicts Preview 01:31

Some key resources for those planning to report on conflicts.

Don't skip preparation Preview 03:22

Doing your homework beforehand pays dividends.

But don't overdo it Preview 03:24

Know when to stop preparation and planning and get out into the field.

Are you an expert but don't realize it? Preview 03:02

Most people are experts in something. Maybe you can leverage your expertise.

Note taking vs recording Preview 02:53

Digital recorders are great. But note taking matters.

Pen and note pad Preview 02:28

Using a pen and note pad is the core to reporting.

Note-taking practice makes perfect Preview 01:56

You will find out it takes some practice to get good at note taking. Stick at it.

The lost art of shorthand Preview 02:49

If you are going to get serious about taking up reporting, it's worth learning shorthand. But you don't need it to complete this course and get a story published.

Using a recorder Preview 03:47

The dos and don'ts of using a digital recorder.

The secret every boy scout knows Preview 04:27

Always be careful that you are well prepared when you go out to report.

Visit the scene Preview 02:57

This is the core of reporting - and it is the most enjoyable or gratifying part.

Face to face Preview 03:00

Meet your interviewees face to face and add the voices of people into your story.

Take care to get a variety of voices Preview 01:50

Variety is the spice of life - and it helps spice up your story.

Waiting for the "bell" to go off Preview 04:42

This is a secret crucially important to successful storytelling.

Covering the ground Preview 02:44

Make sure you cover what needs to be covered.

Calling it a day Preview 03:17

Know when to stop reporting.

Getting down to the nitty-gritty of interviewing Preview 02:51

Good interviewing is an art - but it can be learned.

Choosing your interviewing situation Preview 03:42

There are a range of situations in which you can interview or get comments from people.

Preparing the questions Preview 01:48

Take care with preparing your questions.

Ask the right questions Preview 01:40

Make sure to include the right questions to get the right information.

Avoid leading questions Preview 01:42

Don't lead your interviewee on.

Follow-up questions Preview 02:15

Be alert to asking follow-up questions when appropriate.

The secret that even professionals fail at Preview 03:58

You won't believe this - even some of the best journalists fall short here.

Professional behavior Preview 03:28

Treat your interviewee professionally and with courtesy, whoever they are.

Finishing on a high note Preview 01:42

Even if you have to ask hard questions - lighten it up at the end.

Summing up interviewing Preview 03:26

An overview of the interviewing process.

You don't need a PhD to tackle complex issues Preview 03:38

There are ways to report on complicated issues without having to spend years at university.

Do your homework Preview 02:41

If you are tackling a complex issue, make sure you do some research.

Don't jump in if it is too complex Preview 00:40

Beware - If it really is too difficult to understand, maybe it is a subject or issue you should avoid.

Examples of tough subjects Preview 00:22

A hit-list of subjects to avoid when you are just starting out in journalism.

Reporting summary Preview 02:47

Here we run over the basic points to remember when reporting.

FUN BONUS Preview 00:49

If you are a movie buff, you might like this.

Introduction and the bonus - Keep Your Editor Happy Preview 01:40

Here I provide an overview of the writing process - and introduce you to a very useful bonus, the importance of keeping your editor happy and the secrets and tips included in the following lessons.

Get organized Preview 03:04

This is useful if you want to remain in control of the writing process.

The five boxes feature template Preview 05:11

This template will help you successfully organize your story.

A secret that will be invaluable for your writing Preview 03:02

Can you guess?

Your focus Preview 03:54

We return to the issue of focus and how crucial it is in the writing process.

Weaving your focus through your story Preview 04:29

Don't just add your focus at the beginning of the story and then let it disappear.

Grab your reader Preview 02:12

This is vitally important if you not only want your reader to start reading your story, but also want he or she to read your story through to the end.

Examples of good leads Preview 07:30

I can describe what does into a lead. But there is nothing better than reading some examples of good leads.

The importance of anecdotes and description Preview 01:51

Whether or not you include this color and action in your story will partly depend on the newspaper, magazine or news service you are writing for. But work to develop competence in this area.

Letting it flow Preview 05:04

Does reading your story equate to the image of a hot knife cutting through butter?

Still a bit rough? Preview 02:32

Working to tidy up your story.

From creative to critic Preview 00:49

You've written your story. Now you need to become a critic.

A secret that sounds worse than it is Preview 00:59

Yes, it will sound shocking. But this is a crucial skill to develop.

Check everything is there Preview 03:23

Make sure you haven't left something important out.

Check grammar, spelling and names Preview 02:44

This goes without saying - but double-check your story.

Get a friend or colleague to check your work Preview 03:10

This can really help - but make sure you chose the right person for the job.

Working to get your story published Preview 03:07

All this effort and you will want to make sure you get your story published.

For money or fame or exposure? Preview 02:57

You need to have a passion or develop a passion for reporting in order to be successful.

Make sure the conditions of submission are clear Preview 02:33

It's is important to check with your targeted publication that they accept story submissions and what they are looking for.

The importance of getting published Preview 03:06

It sounds obvious, right? You should aim to get published, not just go through the motions of reporting and writing without seeing your story online or in print.

The problem and opportunity of working for free Preview 02:40

This course focuses on you getting published and paid. But there are good arguments starting out why you should report and write for free.

Building a portfolio Preview 02:48

Work at this!

Keeping things professional Preview 03:07

If you are looking like you are going to get serious about journalism, keep things professional and start as you mean to carry on.

Many reporters' first attempts suck Preview 02:35

Shock! Horror! Yes, don't expect to come out the gate at full speed with a story that will go into print. It's a learning process and many reporters will discover their first attempts leave a lot to be desired. Stick at it!

Your blog or website Preview 03:02

Want to get serious about journalism? A blog or website can help.

Stick at it Preview 02:52

Tenacity is the hallmark of a good journalist. Practice, practice, practice, and you will have a chance to succeed.

BONUS - The answer to that question about "All the President's Men" Preview 01:28

The answer to that movie-related question - an answer that offers one of the secrets to journalism success.

BONUS - Adding photos to the mix Preview 02:12

This is not part of the main course - but this is arguably plays a crucial role on the path to journalism success.