Tips for Effective Broadcast Segments
A Beginner's Guide to Working on News Stories
The following information is to help students with the basics in writing, producing, editing and video skills.
Delivery How is the voice used to tell the story? Did the reporter sound natural? (Pitch, tone, pacing, diction)
Interviews Were sound bites interesting and did they enhance the story?
Originality Was the story creative, unique, a fresh perspective?
Writing Was the report written clearly, creatively and grammatically correct? Were the people interviews introduced in the voice-over?
Video Do the pictures illustrate the story? (Composition, lighting, steadiness)
Audio How was the sound used to enhance the story? (Clarity, consistency, natural sound)
Editing Were the pictures and sound used in the proper sequence to tell the story? Was the first shot an action shot? Did you grab the viewer's attention with the images? Was there 5 seconds of video/audio padding at the beginning and end of the story?
Overall How were all of the elements used to tell an interesting story for the viewer?
Shooting the Stand-up
One of the most difficult elements of a news package is the stand-up. Two questions you have to ask yourself are:
1. Where do you put it? and,
2. What do you say when you are out in the field and you haven't even put the story together yet?
The following guidelines should help you in developing and positioning your stand-up.
A stand-up is where the reporter is seen in the story.
It is usually placed in the middle or end of a news package. The simplest spot is at the end of the story before doing the tag-out.
How to use the stand-up in the middle of the story
This type of stand-up is often used as a bridge to carry your story from one thought or point to another.
Example "Another aspect of reporting is how to set up an interview."
The key word is "another". This changes the direction of the story. You can also use a stand-up to change gears by highlighting an opposing viewpoint.
Example "But not everyone agrees with the guidelines...Some reporters think stand-ups are unnecessary."
This approach is often used as a segue to tell the other side of the story.
How to use a stand-up at the end of the story to brin!g it to a close
A warning here! Do NOT sum up a story by editorializing (adding your opinion)
Incorrect - Example do NOT say: "After seeing the way these stand-ups are done first hand, I think it's easier said than done."
Correct - Example of how to put a fact or information into the stand-up: "The group plans to meet next Saturday to discuss what to say in stand-ups. I'm --- for BlueEagle News.
"I'm -- for BlueEagle News is the Tag Out (who you are and the program you work for)
Please be aware, never, NEVER, say only your name in the stand-up. You must use your stand-up to bring information to your story. Not just who you are.
Where should you do your stand-up?
A stand-up should be done at the location of your story. You want to show the viewers that you were there.
Example - If your story is about how firefighters helped children jump from a second floor window. Stand in front of the building, tell the viewers what happened and point to the exact window where the children jumped.
Most Frequent Mistakes
Never start a story with a stand-up
Only do one stand-up in the story...in the middle or at the end.
If a stand-up is at the end then use a summary (wrap up) sentence before the reporter tags out.
Never say "signing off". You are not "live", you are on tape.
Editing the Story