Journalistic Writing

Lecture 1: Introduction to the course

Imran Chaudary
Lecture 1: Introduction to the course

“The invention of writing is probably the most

important tool for human advancement,
making it possible for each new generation to
build upon the work of the previous, to
transmit knowledge from person to person,
across cultures and time.“
Donald Norman – Stanford University
Lecture 1: Introduction to the course

Writing is:
 Practical.
 Job-Related.
 Social.
 Stimulating.
 Therapeutic.
Lecture 1: Introduction to the course

Writing well requires:

 Clear thinking.
 Sufficient time.
 A Meaningful Task.
 Interest.
 Practice.
 Revising.
 Lecture 1: Introduction to the course

Things to Do:
1. Make it real. 5. Write together.
2. Take notes. 6. Use games.
3. Brainstorm. 7. Making lists.
4. Keep a journal. 8. Copy facts.
 Lecture 1: Introduction to the course
Speaking VS. Writing

 Speech is UNIVERSAL and writing is not.

 Dialect Variations
 Speakers use VOICES, BODIES. Writers rely
on words.
 Speakers use PAUSE AND INTONATION.
Writers PUNCTUATE.
 Speakers PRONOUNCE. Writers SPELL.
 PLANNING.
-Cont’d-
Lecture 1: Introduction to the course
Speaking VS. Writing

 Listener is right there. Reader is absent.

 Speech is usually INFORMAL AND
REPETITIVE. Writing is COMPACT AND
FORMAL.
 Speakers use Simple sentences and writers
use complex sentences
Lecture 1: Introduction to the course
Speaking VS. Writing

 “His father runs ten miles every day and is

very healthy.”
VS.
 “His father, who runs ten miles every day, is
very healthy.”
Lecture 1: Introduction to the course
Speaking VS. Writing

All the guests at San Pietro seemed to be on honeymoons, whether

first, second, or 25th. The crowd – primarily Italian, British, German,
and American – was sophisticated and decidedly unsnobbish. There
were even a few celebrities on view. A famous producer, his wife and
friends stopped by for dinner while their chartered yacht lay anchored
in the harbor. Two well-know actors arrived the day we left. Another
star was there but, for some reasons, stayed in her room most of the
time. Nobody asked for autographs-probably too busy having their own
good time. Pamela Fiori/Travel and Leisure.
Lecture 1: Introduction to the course
Speaking VS. Writing

Hey, Jane. Bob and I just got back from a fabulous honeymoon at a
place in Italy. It’s called San Pietro. It’s loaded with atmosphere. And
everyone else seemed to be on a honeymoon also. I guessed some
could have been on their 25th! People from all over-Italy, England,
Germany, even some of us from America. And no one was at all
snobby. There were some famous people there too. A producer had
this huge yacht, and he and his friends ate dinner at the hotel. And
then there were movie stars. But, you know, no one asked for
autographs. I guess we were all too busy doing our own thing.”
 Lecture 1: Introduction to the course
Speaking VS. Writing

A B
 For the standard of building  We think that the standard
envisaged, maximum of a of building we have in mind,
10% variation would, in our a 10% variation would give
opinion, give a price level at the sort of price, which
which these standards could would make these standards
be attained within the possible inside the contract
contract period stated. period we’ve decided on.
 Lecture 1: Introduction to the course
Speaking VS. Writing

1. You must keep it and show it if 2. The information may be changed

you are asked to. without warning.

1. To be retained and produced on 2. This information subject to be

request. altered without prior notice.

3. If there is anything wrong with the 4. You must pay a deposit when
machine, go back to the shop where you book, and you won’t get it back.
you got it.
4. A non-refundable deposit is to be
3. Contact the supplier should you paid at the time of reservation.
find any defect in the machine