Chapter 15 - Speeches and Meetings

What is an advance story?

An objective news article written and published before a scheduled event or public meeting happens to inform readers about what is expected to take place.

• Usually published the day a speech or meeting is announced.

• The lead should emphasize what is important or unusual, not just the fact that someone has scheduled a speech or meeting.

  • The rest of the story might elaborate on the speaker of the topic or the most important items on the meeting’s agenda.

  • The date, time and location should also be included.

  • The story should mention whether there is a charge for attending or whether the event is open to the public.

What are reaction stories?

Stories that report the thoughts, opinions and sentiments of those who witnessed or were affected by the speech or meeting.

What are analysis stories?

Stories that explores the implications of the speech or meeting for such things as political relations, economic conditions or social relations.

• Explains the “why” and “how” behind a complex event.

Covering the Speech or Meeting (Tips)

• Preparation helps reporters cover speeches and meetings.

  • Journalists try to learn as much as possible about the participants and issues before a speech or meeting.

• Reporters who cover meetings should learn all the participants’ names before-hand to identify the people who are speaking or making decisions.

  • They should also learn as much as possible about every item on the agenda.

• Sometimes, unexpected issues arise during a meeting.

  • Journalists prepare for those situations by arranging to see the leading participants to ask follow-up questions after a meeting adjourns.

• Reporters like to get advance copies of speeches when possible, so they can follow the printed text and simply record without having to take notes.

What is a follow story? (Reporters write most follow stories in the inverted-pyramid)

Stories that describe the event for those who were unable to attend it. Usually published after a speech or meeting and report on the event in detail.

• Like any story, a speech or meeting story needs a central point. But the fragmented nature of most meetings and some speeches complicates identifying that point.

  • Reporters should remain alert for colorful details that will enliven their stories, add humor or humanize the people and ideas they are writing about.

Organizing Speech or Meeting Stories

• Reporters must select one idea or issue from a speech or meeting as the central point for the story.

  • Journalists then develop each topic in detail, starting with the most important.

  • As specifically as possible, summarize the discussion or action.

  • ATTRIBUTION IS KEY.

Writing Effective Leads

• Usually, leads for follow stories emphasize the most newsworthy information to emerge from a speech or meeting.

  • Often that is the speaker’s main point or the most important action taken or issue discussed at a meeting.

  • Other aspects of newsworthiness: the speaker, the reactions, or an anecdote.

Why is it good to have transitions?

Transitions shift a story from one idea to another. A good transition will connect their ideas and arouse the audience’s interest in the topic being introduced.

Write for Your Audience

• Reporters should write with their audience in mind, clarifying issues so that people can understand how events will affect them and their neighborhood, city or state.

  • Reporters also need to clarify jargon, so that readers, viewers, and listeners can understand the stories.

Check Facts

• Reporters have an obligation to go beyond what is said or done at the speech or meeting to check facts, find opposing points of view and get additional information and comments.

  • Because a speech represents the views of only the speaker, a journalist who does nothing more than report the speaker’s words may be presenting a one-sided and inaccurate view of a topic.

• Reporters must be especially diligent about double-checking personal attacks in order to avoid libel suits.

  • If a speaker makes a defamatory personal attack at a speech or meeting that is not an official government proceeding, the person who is attacked may sue both the speaker and any news organizations that report the statement.

Report What You Hear & Describe What You See

• Citizens need to know competing points of view.

  • Vivid descriptions of participants, audiences and settings add drama to speech and meeting stories. The descriptions can appear anywhere.

Writing About Speeches

Lead should summarize main point/most newsworthy comment(s)

• 2nd para: Powerful quote that reinforces the lead

• 3rd para: when, where, why speech was given

• 4th + paras: round out the details

Story should include minimal biographical data

• Be sure to attribute source information and quotes

• Beware of false statement