Unit VI –Editorial and Opinion

Course contents
1. Writing an editorial for print
2. structure and basic elements of editorial
3. opinion: opinion-article,
4. column,
5. persuasive communication,
6. letter to the editor,
7. gossip writing;
8. talk-shows in radio and TV.

Writing and Editorial

Introduction
A media publication, be it print or digital, is the sum total of news and views. While news covers
the major part of a publication, views give it vibrancy. A newspaper publishes views of
important personalities, people and journalists. The views or opinions play important role in a
democracy. Sometimes they set the agenda for the country, sometimes they let policy makers or
people know the different viewpoints in a particular issue. Different viewpoints are essential for
the survival of a democracy.
As Nepal starts to embrace the digital age slowly, views have become more prominent than
ever. There is a reason behind the same. Today people can access information from a variety of
sources, such as: TV, radio, newspapers, websites and social media. The increasing penetration
of smartphones in Nepal has allowed more and more people to express their opinions and views
on all matters of their concern. This has also made it imperative for media publications to give
space to all types of views for the sake of fairness and journalistic ethics. Newspapers publish
views in the form of editorials, op-ed and middle articles. Apart from them, special articles,
weekend pull-outs and supplements on topical issues are also published to provide a detailed
perspective. As an aspiring journalist, you must learn all these forms of writing
It informs the reader. It analyses issues and events. Sometimes it also entertains. But most
frequently it takes a stance and offers a point of view. Often it tries to persuade the readers. Its
goal is to move the readers to some specific action, to get them to agree the writer, to support or
denounce a cause etc. And among all types of newspaper writing it is the most difficult to write.
Virtually every newspaper and magazine has a separate section set aside for editorial comment,
which is given in the form of editorials. The editorials are important because they represent the
one visible section of the publication where subjectivity reigns over objectivity. On the editorial
page you can find various statements that directly and indirectly reflect the bias attributed to the
publication itself. Indeed, one of the best methods for determining the bias or the leanings of a
publication is to study its editorials over a brief period of time. Reporters are assigned to write
about newsworthy events as they happen, without giving their own opinions. But on the editorial
page the writer is required to take a stand, to state an opinion. At one time, the editors of the
newspapers themselves wrote editorials, but this is not true today. More and more editorials are
written by staffers who know a given subject or situation well. Most newspapers have an
editorial board comprising of senior staffers including the editor. This board meets every day and
decides the topics on which the editorials are to be written. Then on the basis of expertise topics
are assigned.
DEFINITIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF EDITORIALS
A conventional editorial may be defined as a critical interpretation of significant, usually
contemporary, events so that the publication's typical reader will be informed, influenced or
entertained. The world 'critical' is used as evaluating and not exclusively as fault-finding. In
other words, it usually is a considered statement of opinion.
An editorial may also be defined as a journalistic essay which either attempts:
1. to inform or explain,
2. to persuade or convince, or
3. to stimulate insight in an entertaining or humorous manner. It has an introduction, a body
and a conclusion.

The editorial articles are also called "leaders". News interpretation and background articles are
different from the editorials in that they do not seek to convey the editorial views on the subject.
Lester Markel, a famous Sunday editor of the New York Times has said: "What you see is news;
what you know is background; what you feel is opinion."
According to Joseph Pulitzer, the famous editor, newspapers should be "both a daily teacher and
a daily tribune."
Newspaper also carry on their opinion pages from the contributions of columnists. The
columnists are like lawyers presenting a particular point of view. One columnist might differ
completely with another on the same subject and interpret the same development differently.
Reading all shades of opinion on a major controversy would be helpful to the reader to arrive at
his own conclusions and judgement.
An editorial is the official view of a publication about a certain issue. Newspapers have played
an important role in the country with their editorials.
The editorial is usually unsigned. It influences public opinion, promotes critical thinking.
Sometimes an editorial even urge or inspire people to take action on an issue. One can say that
an editorial is an opinionated news story which has the official backing of the publication.
The editorial is considered to be the soul of a newspaper. It reflects the policy and stand of the
newspaper on the important issues of the day. Editorials not only mold the public opinion and act
as catalysts of change, they also serve as watchdogs of public interest. They do so by pointing
out anomalies and irregularities in public policies and developmental works. Editorials also offer
suggestions and solutions to prevailing problems of the society.
Though editorials are published in the name of the editor, they are not always written by the
editor himself. A newspaper generally has a panel of editorial writers who are assigned subjects
by the editor. Sensitive issues are often handled by the editor himself or someone who is
acquainted with the newspaper's policies.
Editorial writing has always been considered an art that needs to be mastered by practice on the
judicious use of language. It is neither written in the style of a news report nor in the format of an
article. Writers have to use their words smartly. A good editorial not only provokes the thought
process but is also highly readable.
Elements of editorial
If you are asked to write an editorial on an issue, you should try to have these elements or
components in your write-up:
1. The editorial should have an introduction, body and conclusion, like other news stories.
2. It should provide an objective explanation of the issue, especially of the complex issues
3. It should contain a timely news angle.
4. The editorial should also have opinions from the opposing viewpoint to give a complete
perspective to the reader.
5. The editorial should try to engage readers on issues, not personalities. You should refrain
from name calling or other petty tactics of persuasion.
6. The editorial should provide an alternative solution to the problem or issue being
criticized.
7. Finally, it should have a solid and concise conclusion. You should give it some punch.
Some more writing tips for an editorial:
a. Make the beginning interesting to grab the reader's attention.
b. Provide strong evidence to support of your stand
c. Use active voice
d. Write in third person most of the time.
e. Don't try to be a preacher.
f. Use credible arguments and back them with authentic facts. Your readers are not fools.

TYPES OF EDITORIALS:
Perhaps you would know that editorials are not always written by the editor of a newspaper
magazine. The editor of a big paper has a band of writers known as editorial writers, leader
writers, assistant editors. Some of them are specialists such as on economics, international affairs
(further sub-divided into global division -West Asia, Africa, Central Europe), UN agencies,
education, literature, law. science, media.
An editorial writers job is to study, and write the piece according to the style of their newspaper.
Journalism text books of which there are many, particularly from the United States. which has a
number of university journalism schools, classify editorials in different ways.

The classification could be according to the purpose of editorial, i.e. it may be informative,
argumentative, or entertaining. An editorial may also be classified on the basis of its form of
composition. i.e., it may be narrative, descriptive or expository. It can also be classified on the
basis of its appeal to readers’ emotion or intellect. An editorial may also be classified on the
basis of its contents which may be political, social, economic, historical, scientific, etc., grouped
under local. national, regional and international heads.
Interpretative and explanatory editorials seek to expand the dimension of the news reports. Both
type of editorials as well as reporters have to keep in view the requirements of a busy reader as
well as of the well-read person with a critical mind. The general length of an editorial in most
Nepalese Newspapers is between 300 to 400 words. The reader may not have the time or
patience to read longer pieces unless it is of gripping interest.
Most newspapers carry at least according to their style, one, two and some, three editorials daily.
The total length of the editorial input for the day usually does not exceed 1,200 words, because
they have to fit in the traditional space allotted for them every day.
An informative editorial about a major foreign development, for instance, would also provide the
background to understand the development and explain to the reader what it means for the rest of
the world. The historic background is useful in appreciating the significance of the development.
This part of the editorial has put together various elements of the confusing situation only from
published reports. Yet it offers its own comments.
The argumentative editorial tries to convince the reader about its point of view. To influence and
mold public opinion has been one of the major objectives of editorial writers. Logic, techniques
of propaganda, blowing one's trumpet, refuting the opponents view and playing on the emotions
of the people are among the weapons in the armory of editorial writers.
Some of the editorials merely "take note" of a development, for example, an earthquake or an air
crash in a distant country that has caused the loss of a large number of lives. The editor has no
particular opinion to offer, except to sympathize with the victims. A train accident or an air crash
in one's own country on the other hand would involve an analysis of the factors that caused the
mishap, finding out whether any one was at fault and a criticism of the authorities responsible for
running the service.
Then there are editorials that amuse and entertain. The light pieces are usually published as the
third edit by major English newspapers. Humor on the editorial pages adds to their appeal for the
reader. whose interests are not confined to politics and economics. The fickle weather, innocent
faux pass committed by those in authority, any unusual incident, literary controversies - subjects
offering themselves for non-serious treatment are many.
Functions of editorial
These are:
a. To Influence Opinion or Action: This is the most important type of editorial, and it is the
one which is usually presented first on the editorial page if there are more than one
editorial. This editorial attempts to get the reader to adopt a particular stand or take a
specific action, and it most often ends with a direct appeal for that action.
b. To Give Important Information: This classification includes editorials designed to give
readers additional information about some important issue. It may explain, in detail, what
would happen if a proposed amendment were passed, or it may offer its explanation of
some new facet of local or national issues. Although the purpose of this type of editorial
is to give information, the reader must be aware of the overall bias of the publication in
which the editorial appears.
c. To Recognize Existence of a Wrong: Since the journalist often sees himself as a moral
voice, he sometimes uses the editorial to point out the existence of a major wrong doing.
This type of an editorial is structured so that it exposes the wrong, illustrates it, and then
proposes one or more possible solutions. Although this type of editorial is similar to the
one designed to influence opinion and urge action, it is different in that it is not an
argument, but a direct statement of fact.
d. To Aid a Worthy Cause: A publication often uses its editorial voice to urge support of a
charity drive, a local clean-up campaign, fire-prevention week, or some other similarly
worthy cause. The editorial, in this instance, is recognition of the cause and its
importance, and a plea for support.
e. To Praise a Worthy Individual or Group: This type of editorial recognizes an unusually
worthy contribution.
f. To Amuse or Entertain: Not all editorials are written in a serious tone. Sometimes certain
aspects of certain events are entertaining, or there may be an amusing sidelight to a
serious story. The editorial of this type is often written on "ever green" topics and thus is
not outdated by its content. Thus it can be used as “filler” to fill the editorial page on days
when sufficient material of other types is not available. The Kathmandu Post regularly
published such an editorial as the third editorial.

STRUCTURE OF THE EDITORIAL

If you want to write editorials, your first task is obviously to know the issue or topic about which
you are writing. To know the subject extremely well, and to relate those issues properly to the
editorial policy of the publication for which you work are essential requirements for editorial
writing. You must be certain that you have the right facts and that you use them in a persuasive
and logical manner. Three inherent qualities of a good editorial are listed below: It must be
written generally on a matter of interest to your readers. Since the editorial page reflects the bias
of a publication, it has special appeal to a certain type of readers. You must know what your
readers are interested in and write accordingly.
Another aspect of interest in a subject is, necessarily, that of time. An out of date editorial is
absolutely worthless. Try to appeal to the readers’ most current interests. It must be brief. If you
are a typical reader who scans the editorial page, you probably admit that longer stories and
articles don’t attract you. You would read a short editorial instead of a long one. Or at best, you
scan the longer editorials and articles. This emphasis upon brevity obviously demands careful
and concise writing. It must be specific. You should never write an editorial that states an
opinion in which you do not believe because your wording and tone will usually betray you. You
must convince your reader that you know what you are writing about and that you believe in it.
The editorial must indicate a definite stance on part of the writer and, thus, of the
publication. The basic structure of editorial can be including as below.
A. THE BEGINNING
B. THE BODY
C. THE CONCLUSION

THE BEGINNING (INTRO): The beginning of an editorial should fulfill two functions:

a. announces the subject matter and

b. capture the reader's interest.

Since the editorial is a specialized form or writing, you are not limited to the
traditional journalistic leads.

Here are some of the most popular types of editorial openings:

A direct lead statement:
Although you need not be confined by its limitations, you may find that the direct statement is
the best way to begin your editorial. In such a lead you state what the subject matter will be, and
present your attitude in relation to it.
This type of introduction appears most often in editorials that seek to induce action or sway
opinion.
 A startling or striking statement:
A very striking sentence that provokes your reader’s attention or appeals to his interest
sometimes provides an excellent beginning. “Is your child dumb?”

Such a lead sentence would probably attract many parents to read further about
weaknesses in schools in the city. “Murder, robbery, adultery, homosexuality - take your
pick," might be an effective opening for an editorial criticizing current trends in movies.
 When used, this kind of opening statement is usually set in a paragraph by itself so that it
will stand out from the body of the editorial even more vividly.
 A question:
An effectively worded question can often arrest your reader’s attention and get him to
read further. “What does Red China really want from the United States?” and “Just how
much does shoplifting cost your family in a year?” are examples of questions that would
probably cause the reader to continue reading.
 A narrative:
Often facts cannot be condensed and take up large amount of space. In such situations, a
story is quite often an effective beginning. "Yesterday a 36-year-old, crippled man was
robbed and beaten on the bank of Baghmati. At least nine persons, including one lawyer,
witnessed the incident, but no one helped and no one called the police". This brief
narrative beginning might well serve as the starting point for an editorial urging greater
public involvement in support of law enforcement.
 A quotation:
A brief quotation is sometimes effective as a starting point in an editorial. The most
effective quotations are short and generally, well known to the readers. An editorial
pointing up lack of educational opportunities in a city could begin, "To be or not to be,
that is the question. But at least Hamlet had a choice to make; many of our local citizens
do not!”

THE BODY:
The bulk of space assigned to an editorial should, naturally, be reserved for the body of the
argument or statement. It is here that you should present your evidence to support your position.
A good editorial writer gives his reader the feeling that he has examined all aspects of an issue,
but he devotes space for the one aspect he is supporting. It is usually not wise to waste valuable
editorial space giving the reasons you rejected other aspects of an issue. Use the space, instead,
to "sell” or promote your own beliefs.
The body of an editorial is the only defensible place where you present not your personal
viewpoints, but those of your organization. As the writer of the editorial, you are a spokesman
for others, and you are voicing the editorial policy of your publication. The editorial is used to
express that collective opinion and, also to suggest to your reader that he is a part of the group,
and to make him think and act in the way you are suggesting.

THE CONCLUSION:
Usually, your editorial will end with a brief paragraph in which you state precisely what action it
is that you would like your reader to take. If you have offered an opinion or made a
recommendation, but have not urged a specification, the conclusion should be a tight, one-
paragraph summary of your ideas. This is because editorials are usually small in size and mostly
range between 300 to 400 words.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EDITORIAL AND OTHER NEWSPAPER WRITINGS
About the distinction between the various types of writing in newspaper it should be said that the
news story is an essay which combines the elements of exposition and narration, which normally
does not contain opinions. Special feature article is an essay which combines the same two
elements of style, but is longer, contains little or no opinion, and is a looser and freer form of
composition. The editorial, however, is a compact essay of exposition or argumentation. An
editorial is normally of not more than 300-400 words. It contains virtually no elements of
narration, and represents the opinion of the institution, i.e. the newspaper, rather than that of the
individual writer.

OP-ED PAGE AND MIDDLE

Merriam-Webster dictionary defines an Op-ed as a “a page of special features usually opposite
the editorial page of a newspaper”.
Op-ed is synonymously used for an article or essay giving the opinion of a writer on an issue.
The dictionary defines it as: “an essay in a newspaper or magazine that gives the opinion of the
writer who is not employed by the newspaper or magazine.”
An op-ed, abbreviated from opposite the editorial page, though often mistaken for opinion-
editorial, is a newspaper article that expresses the opinions of a named writer who is usually
unaffiliated with the newspaper’s editorial board. These are different from editorials, which are
usually unsigned and written by editorial board members.
An op- ed is a piece of writing, expressing an opinion. The name originated from the tradition of
newspaper placing such materials on the page opposite to the editorial page. The term op-ed is
derived from combining the two words “opposite” and “editorial”. It is primarily an American
term. In the past, newspaper size was small and one page was separated for editorial and another
page was for opinion. So the opinion page was called “opposite to editorial “or op-ed.
Nowadays, some media practitioners define op-ed page as opinion and editorial page. The
editorial page contains editorials and the op-ed page contains opinion column and sometimes
cartoons:
a. Editorials are usually short opinion pieces, written by members of the editorial board of
the paper. They reflect the stance of the paper and do not have bylines.
b. The opinions expressed on op-ed pages reflect those of the individual authors, not the
paper. The articles have bylines and are usually written by individual written by
individual free- lance writers or syndicated columnist. Sometimes editorial writers write
signed columns for the op-ed page.
 Most op-ed pieces take the form of an essay, using arguments to promote a point of view.
Newspapers often publish op-ed pieces that are in line with their editorial slants, though
dissenting opinions are often given space to promote balance and discussion.

Editorial Cartoons
A cartoon is a picture with or without words which on first exposure makes a devastating visual
and intellectual impact and evokes laughter. The author argues that cartoons have become a
valuable mass media content which strike readers’ visual and intellectual cord while stimulating
laughter simultaneously. Apart from the stimulation of laughter, entertainment and education,
cartoons still enlighten and educate the audience on social issues. There are different types of
cartoon which are often used to address social issues.
Important tips for writing process of Op-ed.
The University of Illinois in the US has provided important tips on the writing process of an Op-
ed. These are useful in the Nepalese context as well.
a. Ask what the message you want to get across is.
b. List all your arguments in no particular order.
c. Pick four or five arguments that will be most appealing to your readers.
d. Write your first draft. Connect your themes to your peg in the first paragraph.
e. Now read your draft and ask: What is the most powerful paragraph here? Is it the opening /
closing paragraph?
f. Whichever one it is, rewrite the op-ed with the most powerful, most exciting paragraph first
to grab the reader’s attention, elaborate with two or three supporting points in the following
paragraphs. Make sure your paragraphs are short and contain one main idea.
g. Use facts, statistics and studies to support your arguments.

Middle
The Middle forms an important part of the editorial page of a newspaper. Its main objective is to
provide humor and wit on a page that mostly contains serious content in the form of editorials,
articles and letters to the editor. While writing middle, you should keep these points in mind:
a. The length of a middle should be around four hundred words.
b. Middle is generally positioned between the two articles of the editorial page.
c. Pick up a topical subject and try to give it a humorous twist.
d. End the Middle with a punch line that provides the reader a humorous or satiric fare.
e. You can experiment with the language while writing a Middle.
f. No journalistic restrictions will come in your way.
g. You can even use colloquial words and slangs.
h. However, please ensure decency and decorum.
i. You are writing for a newspaper. So don’t get abusive.
Opinion/ opinion writing / (and sometimes called public opinion)

Presently, news has gone beyond the 5Ws and H. People now want to know not only what
happened. They also need to know why it happened. They need those issues to be interpreted and
put in proper perspective for better understanding. They also want to know the opinion of the
people on topical issues especially those whose opinion matters. This also helps them in opinion
formations. Most newspapers dedicate a page for opinions. Newspaper has its own corporate
opinions. But, the trend is changing. Apart from the opinion page, newspapers are presently
dedicating more pages including the page for opinions.
Public opinion or simply opinion is the aggregate of the views of members of the society on a
given issue. It is the harvest of the views and feelings of members of the public on topical and
germane issues of the day. The issue could be political, social or an economic one but it must be
of public significance and public views must be sought on it. That is when you have public
opinion. Public views can be harvested on the issue and the position of the public can be made
known via the mass media.
Importance of Opinion
The mass media is indisputably the mouth piece of the society. Because of the aggressive
expansion of societies in recent times as a result of population explosion, the mass media remain
the only sure voice or platform whereby members of the society will express their feelings,
views, opinions, etc.
opinion is useful or beneficial in the following ways:
1. Provides the resources for determining the current image of an individual or organization.
If for instance a political office holder wish to measure or test his/her popularity, public
opinion will be the way forward. The media will only take the individual concern to the
court of public opinion and either the vote of confidence or no-confidence would be
passed on the person. The same thing could be applicable to an organization that wishes
to measure its profile in the eyes of the public.
2. Reveals need for social change. Social change is the “alteration in the sources or
organization of society or its component parts overtime.
3. Predicts financial and developmental future of an organization. The mass media may
keep its watchful eyes on a particular organization and predict the organization’s future
financial status through the help of public opinion.
4. Provides raw materials for research purposes. By exposing some grey areas of a
phenomenon through public opinion or debate, researchers could benefit much in the art
and science of public opinion.
5. Aids policy formulation and planning in society. Through public opinion, government
can know the views of the people and can formulate policies for their good governance.
Sets agenda for the society. One of the major functions of the press is to set agenda for
 the good governance of the society. The journalist without getting in touch with the views
of members of the society cannot set any effective agenda.
6. It is important to note that opinion can be measured through opinion polls, elections,
referendum and by meeting with the people.
Formation of Opinion
Generally, controversial issues are batteries for formation of public opinion. However, public
opinion can be formed in other diverse ways.
These include:
1. Through the mass media. That is the expression of people’s views through radio, TV,
newspapers, magazines.
2. Peer groups. A group of young people moving together and sharing common ties and
influences. Pressure group and political parties. Pressure group, professional leanings and
political parties provide a bazaar of information that forms and shapes public opinion.
3. Symposia and lectures- Symposia and public lectures provide avenues for brainstorming
on ideas whose molecules can be used in constructing public opinion.
4. Election – Political advertisements and other kinds of electioneering campaigns often
provoke important public issues that result in formation of public opinion.
5. Individual orientation or background- A person who, by geographical, professional or
social background is thoroughly exposed to public issues or debates can serve as a useful
resource in the formation of public opinion.

ARTICLES
Any newspaper is a collection of news stories, features, editorial(s) and articles. A news story
provides hard news. It provides information in a straightforward manner. A feature appeals to the
emotions. It covers all kinds of topics and provides the information in an interesting and easy-to-
read manner.
A feature tries to entertain while informing. Editorials provide the newspaper's point of view.
Articles, on the other hand, provide the point of view of individual writers. Like editorials,
articles also analyze and interpret. An article provides arguments and counter-arguments.
An article goes to the root cause of an event or happening and provides background information.
Then it describes the present situation and finally peeps into the future also. But it is not
necessary that an article follow this past-present-future course. An article may start with a peep
into the future and then cover the past and present. It may start with the present situation, go to
the past and then look into the future. Also it is not necessary that an article should deal with the
past or predict the future.
PURPOSES OF ARTICLES:
Like in case of features and editorials, it is difficult to categorize articles. Articles are written on
all kinds of topics and subjects- past, present and future. The nature of the topic or issue is no bar
to write an article.
The various types of articles that are written in newspapers have the following purposes:
1. To analyze the present.
2. To interpret a trend.
3. To provide some important information.
4. To predict the future.
5. To present a point of view.
BASIC GUIDELINES FOR ARTICLE WRITING:
Articles appeal to the head. Article writers analyze and interpret things and events. They try to
rationalize. There is no place for humor and such emotions in articles. Articles are sober, serious-
both in content and treatment. The basics of writing apply to article also. Consistency,
conciseness, completeness, continuity, etc., are equally needed in an article as in a news story,
feature or editorial. One element that is an absolute must for articles in credibility. So often only
established experts write articles. In fact, such established writers write regular columns. They
are free to write only one subject or a variety of subjects.
Some basic guidelines about article writing are:
1. Topic Selection:
The topic for an article should be selected on the basis of how much interest it can
generate among readers. More readers will read high interest generating topics. The topic
must be concrete. An article on an interesting topic could be boring if the details provided
are sketchy. Article writers try to provide all the relevant information to make the article
concrete and complete. An article must be believable also. Relevant facts, source
credibility, authentic research, original quotes are few things that make an article
believable. Article writers try to cover all aspects of the topic and provide a lot of support
material as proof to substantiate the points they are making or the stance they are taking.

2. Maintaining Structure of an Article:

An article has a definite beginning (lead or introduction), a body, and an end
(conclusion). The basic formats used for articles are the chronological format (past-
present-future), the reverse chronological format (future present-past), and the flashback
format.

In the flashback format, the article may start in the present, go back to the past and then
go to the future. The lead or intro introduces the topic to the readers, arouses and sustains
their interest. It could be a direct lead one where information is given in a straightforward
manner.
 Articles can also start with a statement or quotation to provide interest. A statement or a
quotation also helps in telling something about the topic of the article.

Sometimes statistics or numerical data are used to startle the readers. Articles can begin
with a question. Sometimes writers use a number of questions also. Questions arouse
curiosity in the minds of the readers and they read further to find answer to the
question(s).

The body takes up about three quarters of the total space of an article. Here the writer
tries to answer the question(s) put in the lead. The claims made in the lead are
substantiated. The statements and quotations made are elaborated. So explanation,
description elaboration, substantiation, etc., are what the body of an article is all about.
Writers provide details, statistics, claims, and counter-claims in the body to present,
project and promote their point of views. The body of an article is where claims are
supported and defended while opposing viewpoints are attacked.

The conclusions portion simply closes the argument. Often it summarizes what the author
has said before. The conclusion is always brief. It states the crux or gist of the article.
Hence
An article is like an essay. But, it is not an essay as it is less personal and less limited in
scope. It is a written composition of variable length, intended to convey ideas and facts
for the purpose of informing, educating, enlightening, convincing, instructing or
entertaining.

Do not get confused by what is meant by variable length. Every publication has limitation
of space. At the same time, it has certain ideas about display. An article, and for that
matter any write-up, has to fit into this slot. You may again wonder about the ideal
length. In fact, there is nothing like an ideal length. However, periodicals prefer a piece
written within 1,000 to 1,200 - 1,500 words depending on the subject. In exceptional
cases, where some periodicals want the issue to be dealt with in detail, the length may
exceed 5,000 words or more. However, in such cases you must take the prior approval of
the editor and discuss his exact requirements, else, in all probability. your piece will be
rejected.

There is no exact set of rule for how to begin an article. Generally, it can begin with a
catchy introduction to attract the reader, and then ideas and facts max be interestingly
intertwined. Articles can be written on umpteen subjects - plain facts that may be
unknown, new ideas to mold a project or schemes.

SPECIAL ARTICLES, WEEKEND PULL-OUTS, SUPPLEMENTS

Newspapers come up with special articles, weekend pull-outs and supplements to increase the
reader engagement. Special articles provide a detailed analysis as well as perspectives on an
issue, a place and event. While a special article is generally published inside the newspaper,
weekend pull-out and supplements cater to different tastes of readers. All major newspapers
publish weekend pull-outs and supplements regularly these days.
Writing principles for special articles, weekend pull-outs or supplements remain more or less the
same. You must try to write in an interesting and legible manner. Your objective should be to get
the attention of the reader and engage her or him. While writing, always keep you target reader
in mind and write accordingly.

COLUMN WRITING
Meaning
Let us begin by asking ourselves what a ‘column’ is. There are several meanings of this word.
1. It is a standard vertical division of a newspapers page, hence comes the word
‘column’ measure.
2. The vertical division of the news page is usually referred to as a column. A standard
size newspaper is divided into five to eight columns.
3. A signed article of opinion or strong personal expression frequently by an authority or
expert is also a column. Thus, we have a sports column, a political or social column
and so on. From the word ‘column’, we get the word columnist. A regular writer on a
particular subject is a columnist. He is usually a feature writer.

Definition
Column has been described as an editorial with a by-line by the journalists. There are many
phases of similarities between a column in an editorial, which makes their distinction and
difference, really matter for experts’ opinions. They bear close similarities as far as their form,
style and material are concerned. However, all the columns cannot be said to have close
similarities with an editorial. It has been rightly said that column-writing is one -of the most
satisfying and rewarding journalistic exercise or assignment which is equal to personalized
journalism.
It is the field where a column writer is invested with ample independence and liberty to write on
any topic or subject, with a clear flair of creative approach.
Various definitions
1. “All those writings are columns published on regular basis under a permanent caption in
the periodicals and the periodicals.”
2. “A certain type of writing under a permanent caption”
 3. “There are certain permanent topics in every newspaper. Under some presented news
announcements or information. Under some are given humorous, medical or scientific
writings. These permanent topics and their matter are given name of columns. And the
writer is called columnists.”
From the above definitions, we can naturally gauge the nature of the column writings, on a wider
canvas and scale. Actually columns serve the purpose of dividing the page vertically or reducing
its length of lines in the newspapers, which makes the reading of the newspapers easy and
enjoyable and specially to make correct connection between the different lines of the
newspapers.
Apparently, the columns go to a long way in making the pages of the newspapers a beautifying
proportions and symmetrical division of the newspapers and the periodicals. Column also
implies more in length than in width, also utilized for the purpose of headlines, for example
single column headline, double column headline etc.
Column-writing can be equated with the concept and practice of personal journalism of the past.
Columns are written on a multitude of subjects, with a natural flair of conversation and a direct
address to the readers without any intermediary. There are syndicated and non-syndicated
columns on diverse topics. It can be said that any subject is an apt subject for the columnist.
Under a column, different news, announcements, and information can be gathered.
Columns are really the concise and precise rather pointed comments on the news of the day.
Column may include in its range the humor, criticism, wisecracks, judgements, observations,
philosophies, apologies etc. Columns are the unique devices of direct contact and address with
the general masses, as being the most modern and sophisticated form of personal journalism of
the past. These are the decorating pieces of the newspapers and hold the position of permanent
topics and subjects.
Column-writing is a unique form of lively journalism, and is easily attuned to the information,
instruction, address, entertainment and amusement, guidance, enlightenment of the readers.
Columns are of multi-purpose nature and can include diverse writings on national and
international topics and subjects, social and cultural issues, literacy and light subjects, economic
and political subjects besides humorous writings, and sarcastic writings, which were replaced, by
the serious subjects. Both are equally popular and important. Today column-writing includes
anecdotes, short essays, reviews, and editorials, comments, on news, announcements, and
readers’ contributions.
A column is both a general and a specialized writing, which may entail the elucidation or
expression of the policy of the newspapers, or it may be based on the independent thinking of an
individual. It is asserted that the style and approach in writing a column is usually determined by
the local conditions and the predilections of the concerned writers.
However, the sole criteria for gauging the success of a columnist lie in his efficiency and
proficiency to attract and hold the readers. A successful columnist must possess some cardinal
points to impel the readers to continue the perusals of the column carefully and with deep and
keen interest.
It is estimated that only from ten to fifteen percent - people who read the editorials from
beginning to the end. However, the columns are most sought after and consulted frequently.
Columns are published with the real name of the writer or under a pseudonym. However, most of
the writers are writing with real names.
Columns are considered to be the most powerful medium of any newspaper, next to news.
However, the importance of the features and articles is never undermined. Moreover, a column
has the longest life of all newspaper items, as people like to keep track of the writers’ thinking.
This also adds to the fact that the columnists are the most criticized of all as well. One of the
important reasons behind the popularity of the columns is that these can be written on any
subject as well. From personal experiences to any research done in any part of the world, is a
subject for a columnist.

Why most powerful?

Columns’ message is always very strong, both for the readers and people who are connected to
the writing in any way. Hence people prefer to analyses and react. Secondly, columns are read
by those who are either the decision-makers or their critics; hence it adds to the fact that the
columns are most powerful part of any newspaper. Present-day columns are mostly political,
which is due to the political situation of the country.
Nevertheless, people are writing on other subjects, which are of common interest. Columnists
become known over a short period of time depending upon the subject choice, language, ideas
and their wisdom beside other attributes. While writing a column over a period of time, the best
of the writers comes out in the columns, which is another reason for the popularity of the
columns and columnists.
News can be one-sided version at time, but analysis, criticism, and solution given in the columns
are definitely presenting a well-rounded picture. Due to this reason, columns are considered to be
the highly opinionated write-ups. However, balancing factors are always there to have better
write-ups.
Scope
Column writing is the hardest type of writing of all because it requires good thinking. To write a
good column requires more than just the ability to articulate an opinion. Your opinions must
make sense, provide insight and be convincing. And you must do all this in an entertaining way.
Anybody can be trained to write straight news because it’s very mechanical. Feature articles,
though also somewhat formulaic, are harder because they require good writing. But column
writing is the hardest type of writing of all because it requires good thinking.
To write a good column requires more than just the ability to articulate an opinion. Your
opinions must make sense, provide insight and be convincing. And you must do all this in an
entertaining way. It requires you to be almost like a lawyer. Through your arguments, you will
need to convince the jury (your readers) that your client (your viewpoint) is right. Shaping a
powerful argument takes practice and requires both breadth and depth of knowledge as well as
the ability to critically analyses a particular issue.
Column writing is different from other forms of writing because unlike straight news and feature
writing, as columns have dedicated readerships. A columnist develops a following because his
readers feel they can gain knowledge, insight and entertainment from reading his writings.
TYPES OF COLUMNS
There are divergent types of columns owing to the subject variation. It is said “Columns, like
news stories, may fit into several pigeonholes at the same time.”
1. Reporting-in-Depth Columns
Background, perspective, and interpretation are given to various happenings, usually
already presented in hard news. In these columns, current news events are related to the
past and also to the future.
2. “I Think” or Opinionated Columns
Either because of extensive training, long time observations, or sheer lack of modesty,
Columnists set themselves up as experts and then expound their opinions for the general
public. They try to compensate in heat for what they cannot provide in light.
3. Gossip Column
Everybody likes to learn a juicy bit of gossip. One whole field of column writing is built
on this characteristic. Such a column contains little except its unquestionably titillating
value; this needs not be the writer’s exclusive domain. The uncovering of a government
scandal may have profound (and beneficial) ramifications. No daily newspaper carries a
gossip column and its natural habit is the film magazine, which flourishes on gossip,
some malicious, some harmless but unquestionably titillating.
4. Humorous Columns
Columnist tries to find the humorous aspects in life to amuse readers. Sometimes, these
spotlight an event more clearly than thousands of words of expounding and explaining.
Many papers still shy of having regular daily humorous column. Columns are much
liked, which contain some satirical comments. Many papers still shy of having regular
daily humorous column. However, these columns are much liked, which contain some
satirical comments.
5. Essay Columns
Just as nature and color editorials have appeal for many a metropolitan daily editor, so the
columnist, who arouses a similar nostalgia and mood in his writing, attracts attention.
These require perceptiveness or possibly just and overpowering interest in people. All
authors do not possess this. This type of column is rare today. Students of English
literature will recognize the essay columns of Joseph Chesterton and A.A. Mime. As an
essay, it has style. Its range is unlimited but it must stick to one rigid rule-it must never be
deductive or dull.
6. Personality Diary Columns
 The Diary columns come from public figures, who are talking about their interesting
incidents with others.
7. How- to-do or Advice Columns
These educate the readers, as there is a gentle instruction written in such a way as not to
appear to be a lesson. These columns usually appear on magazine and daily pages.
8. Sports Column
There was a time when some leading newspapers had their daily sports columns, but this
is getting to be rarer these days. However, event-based article-cum-columns are there.
Some newspapers try to make-up for the dearth this way. Perhaps it is still a field less
trodden.
9. Question and Answer Column
This column comes in various colors. It could be a medical column in which a qualified
doctor answers queries on health. It could be a sober column in which readers ask
questions about their personal problems and get appropriate answers depending on
whether the questions are plain, plain silly or serious. Under this style of column-writing,
a columnist gives a question and then answers it. By this style, a columnist makes the
columns easy to understand and intelligible even to the general readers. This style of
writing a column gives ample opportunities to the columnist to raise questions of national
and paramount importance and then answers them in easy and understandable style and
language. In this way, a good columnist paves the way for instruction, teaching and
improving educational values and standard of the general masses in an effective way.
10. Standard Column
This type of column handles editorial subjects of lesser importance and deals with each in
a paragraph or two. They are unsigned and are frequently the work of two or more
members of the editorial staff. Outstanding columns in this category are ‘Topics of the
Times” in the New York Times.
11. Political column
These are an extension of the Standard Column, but it is considered of very serious
nature. This is especially done in pursuance of the Editorial policy of the newspaper, and
these are considered to be one of the most-read columns.
12. The Middle Column
The ‘middle’ is so-called because it occupies a position on the editorial page between the
main article and the standard column. Its sole purpose is to lighten what could otherwise
be serious reading, which an editorial page normally is and is expected to be. It is
generally humorous and in any event it should be entertaining and is usually written in a
lighter vein. In length it is about 500 words and the more off- beat it is the better.
13. The Hodge-Podge Column
Here the columnist presents to his reader a Hodge Podge of stuff a little or no
consequence on the principle that variety is not only the spice of life but a sure formula to
catch reader’s interest.
14. Editorial Column It is properly called the signed editorial column. In it we find what
resembles an editorial in form, but an editorial so palpably personal that it is a cross
between an editorial and a column. When an editor writes a piece under his own name he
 is trying to lay his prestige on the line. These do not necessarily depend on humorous
elements only. They are and can be handled efficiently by the experienced and stylish
writer of columns. Its demands are different than the other forms of columns. In it are
included one’s personal views and opinions on any subject or topic in the world like an
editorial in any style.
15. Specialized Column
These types of columns are generally limited and confined to a single subject or topic,
with the underlying purpose to render better and detailed service to the subject or topic
under study and examination. It may be confined to a single department of life or
learning. Specialized Columns are arranged in accordance with the circumstances. Under
specialized columns are included the columns like, “Legal Column”. “Religious
Column”, ‘Astrology’ or Palmistry Column”, ‘Sports Columns”, “Fashion Column”,
Medical Column”, “Women’s Column”, ‘Students, Laborers” or Children Column”. In
the specialized Columns, there is simplicity of language and style and no literary tastes
are added unnecessarily, nor do they reflect any personal or individual trends. Specialized
Columns can be called “Professional Columns”.
16. Miscellaneous Columns
These mainly comprise of commentary and criticism on books, Criticism columns on
films and theatre, columns on performance in sports, columns on the study of the
impending and actual changes in the different walks of life etc.
17. Literary Columns Today, we notice a good number of columns on the national and
foreign literature and literary trends, literary and educational problems, columns on
literary congresses held in and outside the country. These usually serve to convey a
detailed report and the activities taking place on the national as well as the international
arena. They also serve the purpose of explanation and explication and thus manage to
enrich and enlighten the reader about the coming changes in literary tastes and upsurge of
certain literary movements in the world. In a sense all these, in essence, are opinion
pieces, as are editorials, theatre, film, art and music criticisms. It is not every reporter
who can aspire to be humorous columnists, an art critic or a sports commentator. From
each a certain amount of expertise is called for, the critic, in the first place, must have
credibility. In other words, he must have a wider knowledge of life and letters. The
narrow specialist may have credibility but it is the specialist generalist who will have the
audience. To review any piece of creative work, the reviewer must not only be aware of
the artist’s own past work, but must be able to judge it in the context of other works of
the same genre either of his contemporaries or his predecessors or preferably both.

PERSUASIVE COMMUNICATION AS TECHNIQUES IN EDITORIAL

WRITING
INTRODUCTION
Most editorials are aimed at winning the affection of the readers. For an editorial writer to
convince his readers to accept his point of view, the editorial piece must contain reasonable
molecules of persuasion. This writing revolves around convincing someone. Persuasion requires
great skill and effort to convince your readers to endorse your opinion or viewpoint. You write
with the sole objective of persuading your readers. Persuasive writing utilizes the power of
words to confidently and passionately convey a very important matter. Such writings are usually
written with precision and authority.
Persuasive texts are set out to argue and prove a case by presenting ideas that follow in logical
progression. It aims to convince a targeted audience of the validity of a viewpoint on an issue by
presenting logical arguments. Anticipating and answering possible objections or opposing
arguments, all types of persuasive writings should present well researched evidence to support
the case and also provide facts from authorities to prove or disapprove an argument. The most
common forms of persuasive texts include essays, editorials, letters to the editor, opinion articles,
feature articles, interviews, speeches and submissions.
Definition of Persuasion
Persuasion according to Weaver, R and S. Hybels (2001) is a process that occurs when the
communicator (sender) influences the values, beliefs and attitudes or behaviors of another person
(receiver). Persuasion is a planned and deliberate effort by the communicator to get his point of
view patronized or accepted by his target audience. It is a soul-searching exercise that tends to
get other people to accept one’s position on an issue or subject matter.
Persuasive communication is any message that is intended to shape, reinforce, or change the
responses of another or others.1 Such responses are modified by symbolic transactions
(messages) which are sometimes, but not always, linked with coercive force (indirectly coercive)
and which appeal to the reason and emotions of the target. Generally, persuasion refers to such
communicative activities that are mediated. Those that are face-to-face are called compliance-
gaining.
Persuasive communication can be targeted at:
1. Cognition- Persuasion can be used to change individuals’ beliefs about an object or an
issue, which includes attributes, interpretation, definition, outcome, etc.
2. Attitude-Persuasion can be used to change individuals’ attitude toward an object or an
issue, which refers to the categorization of an object or an issue along an evaluative
dimension (from negative to positive).
3. Behavior-Persuasion can be used to change individuals’ behavior, which is the overt
actions regarding an object or an issue.

Persuasive Techniques in Editorial Writing

For editorials to be arresting and catchy, certain literary techniques must be employed in their
introduction, comment and conclusion.
Some of these techniques which Ate (2006) tagged “editorial essential balms” are as follows:
 1. Keep the writing simple but mature and corporate:
Don’t write to intimidate the reader with bombastic grammar. Write to communicate. An
editorial should be simple and compact for easy understanding of the audience.
2. Mind your language:
Language is the pillar of communication. Even though the editorial audiences are mostly
sophisticated in terms of education, the editorial writer has to mind his/her language in
order not to censor the barely literate out of communication. The language must be
unambiguous, punchy, concise and meaningful.
3. Create a remarkable first impression:
The introduction or opening paragraph of an editorial must not be dull. It should not be
sleepy or lifeless. That would put the readers off. The first, second and third paragraphs
of an editorial must be inviting so as to “transport” the audience to the body and
conclusion of the opinion piece.
4. Sustain the first impression:
Having created a remarkable first impression in the opening paragraph of an editorial, the
writer must sustain the piece with solid and concrete facts drawn from credible sources
and authentic documents. An editorial would potently sustain the interest of the reader if
it is rooted with uncontestable facts. The first impression therefore can be sustained with
undiluted facts; the use of parallelism and proper enumerations.
5. Say exactly what you mean:
Don’t beat about the bush or meander into the forests of ideas or semantics before
delivering your message.
6. Make use of repetition: Salient points in the editorial must be reechoed again and again to
ensure that the reader is at home with the message.
7. Caution:
This persuasive technique if not well employed can be abused by inexperienced
editorialists. The technique must therefore be used tactically and intelligently.
8. Use a lot of literary devices:
Literary devices polish the tone, style and approach of the editorial. Devices like
metaphors; smiles to mention only a few should be used judiciously in an editorial to
achieve desired effects.
9. A strong closing appeal:
For the average editorial reader to be persuaded, the piece has to charge him/her up. The
construction of strong, memorable appealing words towards the end of an editorial is a
needed persuasive dose to call your audience into action. You must leave them with
something to giggle about. It must be extremely arresting and highly captivating.

Gossip Column writing

This is a type of column where the columnists provide the latest chitchat about celebrities and
other prominent people. They focus on celebrities’ relationships, families and personal scandals.
The columnist often goes to the extent of conjecturing up stories about celebrities’ private lives
or what they may do in the future. Such columns are mostly found in newspapers and celebrity
magazines.
Gossip is a mass medium or rumor, especially about the personal or private affairs of others; the
act is also known as dishing or tattling.
Gossip has been researched in terms of its origins in evolutionary psychology, which has found
gossip to be an important means for people to monitor cooperative reputations and so maintain
widespread indirect reciprocity.  Indirect reciprocity is a social interaction in which one actor
helps another and is then benefited by a third party. Gossip has also been identified by Robin
Dunbar, an evolutionary biologist, as aiding social bonding in large groups.
A gossip columnist is someone who writes a gossip column in a newspaper or magazine,
especially a gossip magazine. Gossip columns are material written in a light, informal style,
which relates the gossip columnist's opinions about the personal lives or conduct
of celebrities from show business (motion picture  movie stars,  theater, and television actors),
politicians,  professional sports stars, and other wealthy people or public figures. Some gossip
columnists broadcast segments on radio and television The columns mix factual material on
arrests, divorces, marriages and pregnancies, obtained from official records, with more
speculative gossip stories, rumors, and innuendo about romantic relationships, affairs, and
purported personal problems. Gossip columnists have a reciprocal relationship with the
celebrities whose private lives are splashed about in the gossip column's pages.
While gossip columnists sometimes engage in (borderline) defamatory conduct, spreading
innuendo about alleged immoral or illegal conduct that can injure celebrities' reputations, they
also are an important part of the "Star System" publicity machine that turns movie actors and
musicians into celebrities and superstars that are the objects of the public's obsessive attention
and interest. The publicity agents of celebrities often provide or "leak" information or rumors to
gossip columnists to publicize the celebrity or their projects, or to counteract "bad press" that has
recently surfaced about their conduct.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Letters to, the editor are published usually in the opinion columns. Though an editor cannot be
expected to publish all letters representing various points of view on a controversial matter, he is
expected to make an honest endeavor to select and publish a balanced gist of these letters on the
issue.
Though an editor enjoys wide discretion in the matter of selection of letters, readers enjoying
certain locus stand on an issue should be allowed to air their views.
If in the opinion of an editor, an article or news items submitted for publication could be liable to
legal proceedings or any future complications, its publication would rest on the discretion of the
editor since it is he who is answerable for anything published in the paper.
The editorial is a journalistic essay, its title should aim to inform the reader about the subject of
the editorial and arouse his interest. The simplest form of editorial structure is to state the subject
and to comment on it. In writing an editorial, a pattern may be employed:
1. the statement of the subject;
2. the expansion of the subject by means of comment; and
3. an application or conclusion drawn from the comment.

Letters to the editor are among the most widely read features in any newspaper or magazine.
They allow you to reach a large audience. You can probably think of many more specific reasons
why you might want to write to the editor. A letter to the editor is a written way of speaking to a
newspaper, magazine, or other regularly printed publication. Letters to the editor are generally
found in the first section of the newspaper, or towards the beginning of a magazine, or in the
editorial page. They can take a position for or against an issue, or simply inform, or both. They
can convince readers by using emotions, or facts, or emotions and facts combined. Letters to the
editor are usually short and tight, rarely longer than 300 words.
Letters to the editor can be written any time you want to shape public opinion, tell others how
you feel about people, programs, or ideas, or just inform the public on a certain issue. They are a
great way to increase awareness of the issues that you or your organization are working for, as
well as to advocate for your cause.
Letters to the editor can also be used to start a community conversation about an issue important
to you. A planned series of letters to the editor can stimulate public interest and media coverage.
It's up to you to determine when is the best time to start writing the letters, allowing time for
them to be published.
The larger the newspaper or magazine, the more competition there is for letters-to-the editor
space. This means your letter will need to stand out in order to get printed. Keep in mind that if
you want to inform the public of a certain action your organization is about to take, you may
want to think of issuing a press release instead. If newspapers consistently ignore your news
releases, your best choice may be a letter to the editor.
If you feel strongly about an issue, and you want to let people know what you think, then Letters
to the editor can be a strategic choice. If you want to reach an audience larger than just your
friends or your group membership, Letters to the editor can be an effective way to get the word
out.
Using a few carefully placed letters, you can generate plenty of community discussion. You can
also keep an issue going by preventing it from disappearing from the public eye. You can
stimulate the interest of the news media and create more coverage for the matters you're working
on. You can also send a "good news" letter to bring recognition to people who deserve it or
acknowledge the success of an effort.

Talk Shows in TV and Radio

Generally, an expert is called to speak 7-8 minutes on a subject of current interest. This is
followed by a talk between him and an anchorperson. Such programs usually last for 25-30
minutes with the main purpose of giving a detailed view of an issue which has surfaced recently
in one way or the other. Or a new dimension assumed by an old issue, may also be the topic for
the talk in these shows.
The opening remarks about the topic and the necessity to run a program, introduction of the
participants and the questions are all lying on the table as a script to begin a program. At times
some lines are so hard and fast, that the anchorperson has to rehearse them well before the time.
But much of the talk shows is the same as in the programs like interviews. The anchorperson of
talk shows must be equipped with information related to the person or the topic.
For example, if the discussion is to take place on globalization of economy, the compere must be
familiar with the concepts of free market economy, the various rounds of the World Trade
Organization to update various provisions for the global trade, and at the top of it, country’s
position on certain developments in the world trade, reaction of the business community and the
possible amendments which may remove obstacles in a smooth international trade. From here on
the discussion must start to find new ideas on various aspects of the topic under discussion. If
this is not done this way, then the program would be repeating things which are already in the
knowledge of listeners.
Gestures replace words in Talk Shows
The talk shows are common for both broadcasts - radio as well as TV. But script which the two
talents would follow is different. On radio if the anchorpersons want someone to speak, he/ she
would ask the speaker to say, or reply or comment. On a similar talk show on TV, the
anchorperson may be turning his/ her face to a speaker and with the gesture of hands may urge
the speaker to say something. There are so many other things which are there which a TV
compere doesn’t need to explain but a radio talent would need to explain those in words so that
listeners may know what is in the surrounding, especially if a talk show is arranged outside the
studio.
It is amazing to watch the body language of people taking part in talk shows on the mini screen.
On radio if someone amongst the participant’s nods head in disagreement, the listeners would
never be in a position to feel it until the dissident get a chance to speak. But on TV if such a
scene appears, viewers are in great position that a point has not been endorsed by certain
participants even if they do not get a chance to speak!
Since the visual medium is very strong and helps communication to take place in many ways,
aware of this strength of the medium, participants also avoid dropping unnecessary observation.
This favors a great deal to the anchorperson in conducting the program.
Also appearance of text – pronouncing names and designations or brief account of the subject
matter during the course of discussion which gives a new dimension to talk shows as the viewers
can see again and again what and who is the person saying certain things. This is something not
possible on a radio broadcast where an introduction of the participants is given once at the start.
If you have tuned in a little late, you do not get till last that who, the person was making certain
observations.
Studios for Talk Shows/ Discussions
Since long it has been a practice by different broadcasting houses to invite people from different
walks of life, their representatives, city mayors, ministers and others to participate in talks and
discussions, there are studios which can facilitate such programs. In this case a studio is not very
large in size, its interior also looks different. There is a rather long table, which could help about
half a dozen people to sit around. The arrangement of microphones is also in a manner that all of
them could easily get their voice recorded without creeping up to the mike. Since a number of
people are likely to talk at the same time during the course of discussion, especially if it is a
heated debate, special arrangements are made to beat the extra noise with the help of different
soundproofing systems. There is always a different position given to the anchor-person so that
he/she could easily address others and indeed, control them if one of them does not come to
terms.
Basic techniques to be followed in talk shows: -
 Interviewer will introduce the guest and ask question which will also tend to introduce
him. It is not bad plan to ask some rather light, frivolous questions that may start the
program with a spurt of humor, for this put the interviewee at ease and please the
viewers.
 It is essential that there be no pauses of any length, consequently the person who is doing
the interviewing must be alert to discover the leads in the answers he receives.
 First few minutes will be devoted to less serious discussion in order to brighten the
subject and to encourage the interviewee to articulate comfortably.
 There is a tendency to allow the interview to become argumentative but this should not
be avoided because it makes the interviewer express his ideas, which are not of
importance. The interviewer must remember that he is not interviewing himself. His
job is to ask stimulating questions, not to supply the answers; to bring out the
interviewee’s personality not of his own.
 Do not try to influence the guest by leading questions. The person who is important
enough to be interviewed must have something interesting enough to appeal the viewers.
 Try to dig down and disclose the person off guard; by that it is meant that there should be
revelation not the exposure.
 The host should have the general knowledge so that he can ask good and intelligent
questions about the relevant field of the guest and his interest.
 Most of the questions should be of such nature as to require more that “yes” or “no”
answers, however interviewee must not be forced to give too lengthy replies.
 It is permissible for the anchor to raise his hand and interrupt the speaker if he gets
started on an oration or a long speech.
 If some definite topic is to be discussed, the questioner must strive to keep the speaker
talking about the topic and lead him back to subject if necessary.
 The talk must be natural and conversational. Mild laughter may be heard but it is not
advisable for the announcer to laugh too heartily at his own comments.
 Repetition in style of questions should be avoided such as starting questions with the
word “well” or “I see” or “okay” and “fine” after each answer.