Constructive feedback exercise

DO

- Use the 5ws (who, where, what, why, when) in opening of story,
ideally first one or two paragraphs

- Ensure intros are max 30 words broadsheet, 20 words tabloid

- Ensure the story centres on the most up-to-date developments

e.g. Boyzone singer Stephen Gately has been found dead...A
post-mortem is to be held... Boyzone singer Stephen Gately died
of natural causes

- Use the present tense used where possible. Avoid ‘was’ in the
intro. Instead use ‘is’ ‘has been’ or ‘will be.’

- Explore ‘how’ and ‘why’ in the development of the story (after

the 5ws)

- Use ‘active’ language. Focus on the person/thing at the centre of

the action, rather than the action itself , especially in the
intro...this is SO important for getting intros right.

- Use descriptions and titles e.g. A teenager was attacked, a vicar

was left for dead...

- Use quote at least one case study and expert in a news story

DON’T

- Use ‘there was’ or ‘there is’ in the intro of a news story.

- Use ‘label intros’ i.e. ‘A meeting was held’, ‘a speech was given’

- Start news stories with numerals e.g. 400 people were

killed...approximate instead ‘More than 400 people were killed...’

- Use long quotes in news story