Narrowing Topics Down

by: Gabriela Isobelle Niña N. Vaño

Narrowing topics down can be such a bane to others. But it's never good to write about something that's too general. So, this blog aims to help you with that.

First things first, you need a topic. In choosing a topic, it is advisable that you choose the ones which are in line with your interests. If you're fascinated with books, then go for books. If youre fascinated with fashion, then cover that as well, and so on.

After finding a topic, you must then choose a self-limiting topic under that. For your article to be effective, it is best that you cover a specific aspect of your chosen topic. Take for example, you chose to write about footwear. Instead of writing everything about footwear, you can write about the kind of footwear which is best suited for (let's say for example) summer. You can also write about a specific brand of footwear. For example, you can write about Converse, how it was popularized and so on.

Just in case you still have trouble finding a self-limiting topic, you can make use of outlines. A general topic always has subtopics. You can list down these sub topics and from there you can just scratch out the topics that don't really appeal to you. You can continue this process until you find the outline that's just right for you.

If this style still doesn't work well with you, you can also try a more subjective approach. Given that you have a topic and that it is interesting enough for people to read, you can narrow it down by taking and breaking it into categories and asking the five W's and the H. You can also try to evaluate similarities and differences within the topic or, with the topic and another topic.

Finally, you can even consider the following areas related to the topic:

• The problems faced by the topic
• The problems overcome by the topic
• The motives of the topic
• The topic's effects on a group
• The topic as a member of a group
• The group affected by the topic
• The group getting benefits from the topic
• The group responsible for the topic, etc...

Enough said, that ends this blog. Hopefully this helped and that narrowing topics down won't be as hard as it used to be. Have a good day!

HOW TO CHOOSE A TOPIC (Overall)

Rachelle D. Sindo
University of the Philippines in the Visayas-Cebu College; BA Mass Communication 2
Mobile number: 09289072778; E-mail address: rachelle_sindo@yahoo.com.ph

SUBJECT: How to choose a topic (General topic)
Characters with space: 3, 509

A Good Choice, Indeed
You love foods. All of us definitely do. Yet, when instances occur that we have to really decide only one food that we could eat, I tell you, it will not be as easy as loving it anymore.

This scenario is somehow similar to a journalist who loves playing with a pen and its ink or with a computer and its encoding software. But then, when the writing is no more free and its time already to choose one specific topic to write, just like picking one food to feed yourself, it will not anymore be a simple task to do.

I could absolutely relate in both situations mentioned above. I am a food lover and at the same time, an amateur journalist. Although food and an article are entirely different things, choosing what to eat and deciding what to write have certain similarities that would make my comparison justifiable.

Let us begin with the question: how do you choose a topic for an article?

Well, this query has been answered so numerous times already but what I will be sharing with you are the class priorities of some of the 2nd year Journalism 103 (Interpretive Writing) students of the Mass Communication program in the University of the Philippines in the Visayas – Cebu College, based on their experiences in their Journalism 102 (News Writing) course.

First on the list is to choose a topic according to your interest just as you choose your food according to what your appetite dictates. “It is easier to write an article if you yourself love to write about it,” says one student.

Your proximity to source or your connection is another approach. Likewise, most of your choices on what to eat are the most accessible foods in your place or foods in which the ingredients needed are readily available. This simply indicates that if you already have an idea of whom to interview for a specific topic, it will not be difficult to make a story of it anymore.

Third in rank is choosing a topic depending upon the relevant events or current issues just as the newest cuisine in town affects your preference of food. Also in the third spot is the consideration of suggested topic of family members and friends. Recommended course of others is similarly an alternative in choosing what to eat.

Surfing the net or researching is also an option. “Nowadays, the world wide web provides you with so many good ideas on what to write,” remarks another student. Correspondingly, exploring restaurants, food chains, and eateries gives you a handful of menu to choose from.

Deciding a topic based on the events attended, activities undertaken, and unique things discovered are all fourth in the list. In one way or another, these are all identical to eating something which you have tried or tasted before and foods that are exotic or rarely eaten.

Sports tidbits and ideas that are products of brainstorming are among the least cited ways of selecting a topic. These may apply to selecting a food that are energizing and foods which are outcomes of prior thinking. According to the sources of the said techniques, sports is ting and is an interesting and unusual topic to write about while brainstorming is an effective way of having various ideas for an article. Sports writing, however, is not everyone’s forte and the process of brainstorming is usually time-consuming. Hence, these are not applied by the majority of the respondents.

One student also wrote a distinctive way of how to choose a subject. A topic that just pop up in his/her mind is what he/she considers to be the topic destined for him/her. This can probably be associated when you choose a food merely because you happened to pass by it or encountered it along your way. Nevertheless, this method should not be practiced since it is not reliable and this mentality is not applicable to journalists who have deadlines to meet.
These are only few of the many techniques on how to choose a topic to write and you can even have your personal manner of doing so. It does not matter how you arrived on a topic as long as it will be a valuable article serving its purpose to persuade, inform or entertain. And this tells so much truth on deciding what food to eat. For as long as it satisfies your cravings, dispenses nutrients to your body, and supplies you with vitality, it will always be a good choice.

Overview in Finalizing a Proposal

by: Julie A. Nieva

A journey of a thousand begins with a single step. This quote from the famous Chinese philosopher, Lao Tzu, can be applied to all kinds of work, especially in journalism.

Like a ladder to success, a writer must follow certain steps in order to accomplish a story. One of these steps is finalizing a proposal.

A proposal serves as a guide in writing an article. However, even coming up with a topic is hard.

When asked about what steps should be undertaken in finalizing a proposal, majority of our journalism class agreed that finding a definite angle, having enough sources to interview, conducting research for additional facts and resources, looking for a newsworthy topic, seeking suggestions from pros, and checking if the article is time-constrained are the factors that should be considered in finalizing a proposal.

Our cluster, however, has different priorities on the steps in finalizing a proposal.

First, the cluster believes that looking for a newsworthy topic is important. An article has a bigger chance of getting published and can easily attract attention from the readers if it tackles new things.

Second, with a topic in mind, it is best for the writer to find an interesting angle in discussing the subject. Readers would not want to spend time reading articles with the same ideas and with similar descriptions.

Third, the writer must consider the time or the preparation in writing an article. There are some write-ups that are time-constrained. If the writer is not careful, his/her story might go stale.

Fourth, the writer must check if there are enough sources to interview. To avoid a biased story, an article must have at least two or three sources in order to present the different sides of the story.

Fifth, conducting research for additional facts is also essential. Readers would understand better if a lot of information is included.

Finally, seeking suggestions from the readers is also advisable. After all, the article is written to entertain, inform and educate the mass.

With these steps in hand, the cluster believes that a writer can finalize a good proposal that will be a guide in writing an interesting and newsworthy article.

how to choose a topic to write about by manabat

Getting Your Article Published in a Newspaper or Magazine

By Jessa Angelie S. Lausa


You have written a good article and you want the people to read it because you’ve worked hard for it, so get it published.


Getting your article published is as hard as making the article itself. But do not be discouraged. The writer needs to have hard work, perseverance, and a positive mental attitude if he/she wants his/her article to be published.


Want to get your article printed on papers with your name on it? Here are some tips that will guide you in getting your article published:


1. Ask your peers and a professional to read and criticize your article.

Even when you think that your article is okay already, it is always
better to let your peers and a professional read it to check on its
grammar and comment on it. Value their comments, and follow their
suggestions to elevate your article’s quality. Don’t submit a mediocre
article to an editor because there are thousands of articles that you
compete with.


2. Look for a specific section of a paper/ magazine where your article best
fits.

Gather a few issues of a newspaper or a magazine. Study carefully on
how they put each topic to a specific section. Study how each topic in
a section is related to each other or study their common denominator.
Then see if your article has some similarities so it would fit to that
section. For instance, are the stories in that section all about
business, sports, or different stories in you community? Contribute
your article to the section where it best fits.


3. Play by the sections rules.

After finding the specific section, follow the rules of writing in
that section where you plan to contribute. Study the flow of the
stories, its length, characters, point of view, and the setting.


4. Revise.

Make your article fit to the section according to its rules. Have your
grammar, spelling, and diction checked. Don’t submit the same
article to different editors at the same time. Each section of
newspaper/magazine has its own editor, should you submit your
article of another paper/magazine, (granted it was rejected by the
first editor) revise it. Don’t forget to include your friends’ and
mentors’ suggestions in revising your article.


5. Make an attention-grabbing query letter.

According to Dave Haslett, the founder of ideas4u.co.uk, “the
writer’s secret friend is the query letter.” In that query, grab the
editor’s attention by telling an anecdote or something that would
make him/her read through the entire query and your article. Include
in your query your relevant experience, why there’s a real need for
the article to be published, and the problem it will help its readers
to overcome. Keep your query letter to a single page.


6. Submit your article.

Don’t attach your files when using email because it takes time for
the editor to download it, and assume that the editor is always busy.
Copy and paste your article to the text box after your query letter.
Choose a bigger font size. Write a short witty phrase about your
article as your subject, and cc it to your own email address to check
that it was received. Before clicking send, proofread everything.


7. Monitor the paper.

Don’t wait for the editor to reply to your email because most of them
don’t. If the editor wants you to revise it, or asks some questions
about it, answer them because your chance of getting published is
getting big. If after a week, your article hasn’t got published or you
hear nothing from the editor, ask him/her politely if he/she has
received and read it. If she/he does, ask about its potential to get
published. If she/he rejects it, withdraw your article and tell the
editor you’ll submit to another paper.



Some tips that will also increase your article’s potential to be published is to send in photographs, and to relate your article according to the theme of the paper. Every writer gets rejected but you shouldn’t give up on it. Always have a positive attitude and try it again.

If your article gets published, don’t forget to thank your editor. Build a good relationship between you and your editors because you will need them for your future articles.When your article gets published, you'll definitely feel that the juice is worth the squeeze, so squeeze some more and squeeze harder!

Finalizing the writing proposal

By Katreena M. Bisnar

Finalizing one’s writing proposal is too tricky a matter, primarily considering the readability of the article. There are a lot of points to take note which ranges from relevant topics down to the number of credible sources available for interviews and clarifications. We recently had a class discussion on good writing practices, and we came up with a synthesized account of the class’ and our cluster’s opinions on how to firm up your writing schemes. All views are based on our personal experiences of running around, trying to get good stories fit for publication.

In general, both the class and our cluster highly prioritize the availability and number of credible sources in coming up with their respective write-ups. It is necessary as our primary aim in writing is to inform the readers what they have to know. The many credible resources you have, the more reputable your writing will be.

Topics that are fresh and relevant rank second among the two groups. It is seen to be vital to think of something that is new and useful to the people. It is also good to zero in on striking angles as it will most assure readability. Our cluster also stresses the importance of following the advices rendered by peers and mentors.

The class is one in saying that topics that are timely should be sought for. It is a basic principle in writing for print media as the readers will find it very useful and sensible to come across articles that tell them what is currently in the present.

Close is the whole group’s idea of brainstorming for topics in advance. We believe that as writers, we should have a vast reservoir of newsworthy topics just to prevent us from having shortages in gathering news bits. Writers must have an eye and an ear for great stories. This only follows that the more ideas we have in store, the more alternative topics we can choose from.

Our own cluster also adds the importance of asking what the readers would want and enjoy reading. It is good because you will then have a number of audiences ready to read your article. And further, our group also suggests that journalists pursue writing topics that they are comfortable with. With a natural interest on the topic you are writing, you will find it convenient to support your ideas with relevant information.

Choosing a Publication/Section

GROUP TWO
CHOOSING A PUBLICATION
By: Angelica Odias

Choosing where your article fits might be confusing than writing the article itself.
Being new in the writing industry and not knowing a lot of people in the field are one of the primary reasons why amateur writers think it is difficult to choose a spot for their article.

A survey conducted on a group of journalism students showed a lot of possible solutions to this problem.

Here are some points for you to ponder on when you’re having a hard time choosing a section/ publication for your article:

Browse specific sections of newspapers. Take a peek at local dailies and know what sections are there in each page. If you’ll know what the usual topic being published by these sections, it’ll be a lot easier for you to find a target section where you can contribute your article.

Consider the editor’s attitude. The fate of your article will be judged solely by the editor. The editor has the power to make or break your chance of being published. That is why you should know a thing or two about them.

Ask around if these editors are approachable, or what kind of style do they prefer and what topics or subjects do they usually find amusing. Now, if your target editor seems to be of a good nature according to what you heard from others, take a risk by approaching them yourself. You can also jot down the contact details of editors as you browse local dailies if in case you don’t have any idea where to contact the editor of your choice.

Feel the vibe. Try to feel if your article has a bigger possibility to be published or not. Check out if the section you’d been considering to contribute to is in need of more articles. Look for a section that is accessible to a newbie like you; for example, the community section. Usually, student writers start off by contributing community news because it is one of the most accessible sections in newspapers.

Mentors to the rescue. Try to consider your mentor’s opinion and advise when you choose a section or publication. They are the ones deemed to be knowledgeable enough on specific sections of newspapers so asking for their views and suggestions isn’t a bad option.

The most-read paper/ section wins. Writers want their articles to be read not just by their family and friends but also by strangers. A writer wants their article to be appreciated by many, that’s why they want to attract readers as many as they can. When choosing a publication/ section for your article, keep in mind that if you want people to read your story and make them relate to it so also try to consider the popularity of that section. The more popular the section, the more readers you’ll get.

Suggestions from friends. Listen to what your friends say, ask them if they know a publication/ section that will possibly publish your article. Consulting your pal is easier than approaching your mentor but it can also be as equally effective especially if your friends once had their experience of submitting articles on different sections. So go ahead, and pay attention to what your trustworthy pals have to say.

background of a person to be consulted in choosing a publication

By Donna Faye M. Loayon

As a Journalism student, you need to write articles of various subjects which are to be submitted to different publications. However, you sometimes do not know where exactly to contribute them. When you have so many choices, you think of people who can help you out, right? Now, you should consider what kind of background necessary in a person to be consulted.
Well, here are some:

• Educational Background. This is a very important thing to consider. How would you expect an uneducated person to help you out? This is not to discriminate the uneducated but hey this is reality! The educated can surely formulate opinion which may aid you.

• Age. People of different ages vary in formulating opinion. If you are writing an article about the youth, most likely teens will suggest that you contribute it to a youth-oriented section. Same is true to kids; they would expect your article to be contributed in a kid-inclined section.

• Occupation and Civil Position. The occupation and civil position of a person affects his/her preference. In writing your article, you must think for whom is the article, who would benefit from it. For instance, you are writing an article regarding business. Someone who ventures in an enterprise will definitely suggest to contribute it to an enterprise/ business section of a publication. Your article may eventually inform other businessmen and in turn provide a link among them.

• You should definitely ask someone who reads newspapers. He/ She absolutely knows the trend of various sections in a publication. He/ She must be familiar of the style and the content of sections

I hope you consider all these background in a person necessary. So, go ahead, find someone who has what it takes to be consulted!

How to contact the source

Roxanne Catalan

To contact the source is a significant step in preparing for an interview. This can also be the hardest one since this includes introducing yourself and scheduling for an interview. To contact the source may also mean confirmation of the topic because the source has the choice to accept or neglect the invitation.
Here are some ways how to contact the source, may it be through letters, emails, and calls and if you’re close enough, through text messages (though it isn’t ideal to use since it isn’t formal).


Ø Researching through the net, browsing files and documents

After deciding what your topic is, researching about the source can give some information how to reach him/her. If your source is well-known, scanning the newspaper can also help. Surfing the net gives you email addresses and sometimes contact numbers. Some sites also point you to an alternative and closer site.
The net gives you a wide range of information, may it be relevant or irrelevant. Thus, it can be said “patience really is a virtue.” This is because you cannot find contact details right away.

Ø Visiting the company or the organization the source is part of

Visiting his/her company/office or organization is another option. You may leave a letter asking for an appointment. Given the instance that he/she might be not at the office can give you no worries, you can give the letter to his/her secretary or other people present in the place. Instead of talking with the source personally, these people can give some details how to contact the source. Since the contact details come form these people, you are rest assured that they are true and helpful.


Ø Asking friends or related and knowledgeable individuals

If you personally chose the topic, some of your friends may have some connection to your source. Thus, asking for their help can give improvement to your work. Just try to expand your circle of friends.
If not, you can ask people who can provide you information. This can be your teachers. They know more than what you expect them to know. Moreover, individuals who are inclined to the field similar to your source can also help.

Ø Another option that gives you details where to contact the source is by attending workshops, seminars and forums in connection to your topic

Most students arrived at a certain angle of the story through being aware and expose to these events. Here you are given the opportunity to ask the source immediately after the event for an interview or his/her available time. However if that doesn’t work, you can approach the organizers or facilitators of the event and try to explain to them what you want. Also, some of these events give programs and sometimes brochures with contact numbers. Being a keen observant really matters here!


After all, to contact the source needs a lot of patience and hard work. In the end, it is the source who has the right to say when and where to conduct the interview, not you.

Considering enough sources to interview

by Jazzel O. Bajenting Group 3

In making a topic proposal for your article there's a lot of factors to consider, one of which is the sources to be interviewed.

It can't be denied that it is one of the things that the writer thinks in finalizing his or her topic proposal, and it also influences them in pursuing to write the article.

Here are some tips on how to finalize a topic proposal of an article considering enough sources to interview.

• Nature of the sources

Consider the nature of the sources you are going to interview. Anticipate whether they are busy persons most of the time or they are hard to catch due to the nature of their work, this is important to avoid delays in writing your article in the future.

• Knowing your sources' schedules

If possible, know first the schedules of your sources. In that way, you can check if you have the same free time or not. This is to lessen conflict of appointments and a possible sacrifice of other activities which are set for the both of you.

• Proximity

You should also consider the travel time to your interviewees place. This is to assure that you can reach to your interviewees place easily and on the earliest time possible. This will avoid you in being late for an interview, which is a plus factor of being a good interviewer.

• Number of sources

Make sure that you'll have more than two sources to be interviewed. This is for you to have a lot of choices in case some are really busy and could not attend to the scheduled interview. This is just like any other scenario wherein you will have a plan b in case plan a fails.

• Evaluate your sources

One thing you have to consider in choosing your sources for your topic proposal, is to evaluate if that certain source is the right one to be asked and to talk about your topic proposal. This will help you to determine if you'll have enough sources to interview or not.

These are just some of the tips and guidelines that would somehow give you an idea on how to finalize a topic proposal of your choice considering enough sources to be interviewed.

These are not absolute facts or truths, but are still helpful in guiding you on how to finalize your topic proposal.

-Researching about your subject

You've figure out the whos of our news article. All you need is time to figure out how you are going to meet your source. You plan to interview that him who could be as big as the name, Brad Pitt or he could just be that total stranger in your neighbourhood. Your excited and enthusiastic about it, as you are nearing to the accomplishment of your article. ou start to draft your possible questions for him so you won't be in a race with our ideas when you meet him. you initially think about looking credible and intelligent to your source because as they say, the first minute impression counts. You ask yourself the question as to how wil you establish such rapport. Simple. Know your source. Research about your source.
KNOW THE BASIC
Don't be a dunb little kid meeting woth our source when ou don't even know his name. It's generic to an interviewer to know the person he is meeting by his basic information (eg name, occupation) .Basicaly, you don't choose a topic when you're not sure you can grab someone who could be your source. Which means, you should know the wall you're bumping into, do not meet your subject when you know nothing about him. It's awful to open a conversation and start it by asking your interviewee's name.
PAPER TRAIL
This one's very useful to those writer's whose sources are prominent people. These people are usually on the paper and the best way to know them is by keeping yourself updated of what is latest about them. All you need is that extra effort to google their name and see any article or write ups that might help to uncover a little about our source. You don't go and ask Britney Spears if when is she planning to have her first baby when the papers are saying she already have two.
When you paper trai you don't simply end in knowing the basic information about you're source. It doesn't guarantee you a good impression. "What's his name?" is a question which shouldn't end you're quest for knowing your source. Instead ask yoursel, "What's with this name?"
DATA VERIFICATION
When you have done your reseacrhes, be sure to double check it. Do not just believe evrything that you have read about our source. Just because ou need information about him, doesn.t mean you can plunge ti anthing that's fed in front of ou. Doube check it. Verify your info by asking three other people who might as wel know our source.
Don't embarrass yourself by exclaiming you knew his favorite color is red when infact your source hates it.
TAP INTO YOUR FAITH
When all else fails and you rellay don't know how to extend your knowledge about your source, tap into your faith and hope that you can know your source more through your interview with him. Call unto that deep seated confidence in you so you can atleast pretend you don't really know anthing about him except his name. Always think positive.

Getting Contact Information of Local Dailies

April C. Lavado

You have your written article. Critical decisions regarding publication includes choosing a section to contribute to. How will you be able to submit it to your chosen publication? First of all, you have to gather contact information of different publications. In doing so, the steps below will hopefully help you.

Remember that you always have to take the first step of the ladder.
Media offers you many ways to let the public know what they want to know and what they ought to know. To make things easier for you when you start working in a national or even an international publication, you have to start publishing articles in your local dailies first. A chance of practicing your skills in writing will lead to more good things for you in the field of mass communication. You have a chance to make things easier in your professional direction.

Browse through your local dailies.
One sure way of getting the contact information of the local dailies is by browsing through their pages. At present, publications are providing their email addresses for their readers purposes. Readers could send their messages or comments to the publication through this. But most of all, written articles could also be contributed to the publication by sending those to publications' email ads. The rest of the story is easy to predict. You send them your query together with your written article and wait for the publication to publish your article. The shift from traditional to on line media contributing has made things easier for contributing writers.

Ask for the section editors' contact numbers.
In order to know if an editor is willing to publish your article, you could ask his contact numbers from people who have his/her number. Then, you could send him/her a message asking if he/she is interested in your article. In this way, you could let him know about the article, why you wrote it and why you chose to submit it to that section. But in doing so, you must always remember that you have to be polite when asking the editor questions. Your editor may be approachable and really helping you out, but chances are very good that you will be taking advantage of it. You have to be careful to avoid problems with someone in the position. Focus on your work.

Make a list of local dailies and their contact information.
A list would be very helpful for you. Each contact information on your list should have a priority assigned to it. A strength of a list is that it makes you feel that your article has many chances of getting published. It is because you know that even if first priority on the list is not willing to publish your article, you could still choose to submit it to the next priority on your list. Move on from one priority to another.

As a 2nd year Mass Communication student, I believe that the Filipino Bayanihan spirit holds through in the media ladder. So, never hesitate to approach editors and ask help from them.

FINALIZING A PROPOSAL BY ASKING SUGGESTIONS

by Gayle Lorraine A. Tallo

     Making a proposal for your article can be very helpful, especially if you are a Journalism student. It will make things easier for you since you will be having a guide on what to write next; although most of the time finalizing a proposal can be a difficult task to do.

     There a number of ways on how to finalize a proposal. I believe one of the simplest and easiest ways is by asking suggestions from people.

     So, what are the proper steps of doing it? Let me count the ways.

Know whom to ask for suggestions.

It is but important to consider whom you should ask useful tips in finalizing your proposal. Perhaps, you might want to check the person’s credibility on the subject matter. The person’s knowledge about the topic can affect what might be suggested. Your professor, for example, can be a good resource person. Maybe your classmate could also provide you some good piece of information.

Set an appointment.

After determining whom you can ask for advice, it would be more proper to set an appointment with that person. You need to take into consideration that these people have their own itinerary and cutting this one without an appointment will disrupt them. Avoid any ambush interviews if possible.  

Avoid taking too much of the person’ time.

In the consultation process, avoid side-tracking. Be straightforward and don’t waste the time of the person whom you are consulting. Try to avoid unnecessary questions. You will never know maybe the person has something more important to do.

Ask suggestions; don’t make the person do it for you.

Oftentimes, you would want things the easier way. And the thought of making the person do the proposal for you can even come into your mind. However, be reminded that you are only asking for suggestions, not asking the person to do it for you. 

     There you go, I hope you will find these tips functional and practical. So the next time you will be making a proposal, just remember these steps and I’m sure you’ll have a long way to go.

  

How To Prepare Questions for the Interview

By: Idyll Liza Peroramas

Preparing questions for your interviewee is the next step after you research about his/her personal info and background. Take note that interviews would not exist if there are no questions. So, here are some tips on how to prepare your questions. Read on.


1. Write down your questions.
Being prepared is more than impressing your interviewee. Preparing great questions to ask in the interview is the way to show your interviewee how interested you are. These pre-listed questions are based on your research about the person you would interview and the issue you would tackle.



2. Ask open-ended questions.
Open-ended questions are intended to encourage a full and meaningful answer using the subject's own knowledge and emotions. Obviously, it is the opposite of a closed-ended question, which only requires a short or even single-word answer like a “yes” or “no.”

Example:
a. Closed-Ended: Do you get along with your husband?
Open-Ended: Tell me about your relationship with your husband. How is it going?


3. Pay attention.
Truly, it's impossible to foretell what might come up during your conversation. Nevertheless—as what I’ve mentioned earlier—it is still important to be prepared with a series of questions to raise. But usually, most of your questions will be based on their statements rather than the ones you have prepared from your research. That's why you have to focus in listening to your interviewee. You have to be attentive and keen enough to ask a follow-up query on his/her statement.


4. Don’t fret. Don’t hesitate. Don’t pretend.
Don’t worry if you don’t know what your interviewee is talking about. Remember, you are there to get information, to gather data and to know whatever it is you have to know. Don’t hesitate to ask about the things he/she had said. And don’t pretend to know if you don’t.


Preparing questions may seem difficult at first but if you keep on doing it, then surely you will be a great interviewer. Hopefully, the above tips will help you in your interview.###

Choosing the publication with the most number of readers

by Lucille Wagas

After alternately draining and clogging your brain with thoughts on how to come up with a good story angle; after lending both ears to mentors and friends for suggestions; after finding the Goth in you with all the dark circles in the eyes and blanched look of someone who never got out of his or her bedroom just to wait for the editor to accept the article submitted, what really matters by the end of the day is to get the whole point across to readers.

The writer may have done everything to make an article worth reading and must have sent what he or she made to the most dignified of local dailies. But, what can really assure this writer that the ‘people’ and not just a ‘person’ can value his or her work?

So, before you develop good basketball skills from shooting draft sheets to your waste basket and forget hopes of becoming a world-renowned writer, come up with ways of exposing your work to the general public.

Come to think of it. Who can appreciate the quality in the absence of quantity?

And so, you might say that knowing a publication with the most number of readers sounds like a tough job.

Well, it really is.

But that’s if you don’t get to figure out the easy ways to do it. Here are some of the ways to find a publication that could give your article the exposure it deserves. These tips can be tried randomly as the task is not supposed to be taken like a doctor's prescription.

Stand by the 'stands'
What better way to know what's the choice paper of the community than to ask the distributing fellow. Paper boys and newsstands have their inventory of sales and they can tell you what paper gets to be read by most.

Mentor knows best
You're a wonder if you grew to be a good writer without help from anybody. So, it can be presumed that behind every good writer is a better mentor. What your mentor would be telling you is the publication he or she and most of his colleagues would pick to read. Your mentor buddy’s experiences in writing and status in the journalistic society can be good enough bases that his or her recommendations are noteworthy.

Tell me your friends and i'll tell you what they can do
Friends are often seen as your own mirrors. What your interests are can be what they are also into. So, as an aspiring journalist, it is expected of you to surround your self with friends who read the papers and are writers themselves. Conduct a mini survey among your friends and know what their bet is on the most read publication. After all, what are friends for?

"Ad"-dict
Advertisers could not afford to pour the money in the trash bin. They are scientific when it comes to determining where to post advertisements to effectively reach their target market. This goes to say that advertisers are addicted to advertising on papers with a huge number of readers.

The television and print industry sisterhood
There are newspapers that maintain close ties with television networks. This works to the advantage of the papers most of the time. It is accepted truth that TV is more popular than papers. So, when a TV station is highly commended by people for their contribution in the realm of news and public affairs, expect the publication connected to it to bask under its fame and get just about the same level of support from people, gaining more readers.

And now that you have more than just an inkling to let the world know your word, do you still want to think of becoming a basketball superstar?

Choosing a Publication: Specific Section for the Article

By: Roviel Villa

You’ve already written and rewritten the draft of your article. People you’ve consulted about the article’s composition have already given their own inputs, and you’ve taken them into consideration when polishing your written work. After subjecting the article to a process of scrutiny, you now feel that the written work is finally ripe for publication.

The next step you have to take is to choose a publication where you want your article to be published. But then, you find yourself asking this question: where exactly will I publish my article?

A survey conducted on a group of students taking up a journalism subject revealed that the best way to choose a publication is by submitting the article to a specific section that matches the theme of the written work.

Knowing what type of article you are writing, whether it is a hard news story or a feature story, will help you narrow down the search. It is much easier to choose a publication for a hard news story since they are present in all newspaper publications. However a feature story, whether it is a personality sketch, a travel feature, or personal essay needs more attention since they follow specific themes and their topics are varied.

A hard news article fits right into the hard news section. Usually, news stories that shows up in the front page of the newspaper are done by field reporters. Most hard news articles already have a staff reporter assigned to it, so if your article is hard news, it is harder to get your own space since you will be competing with those who are working.

If your article is a feature story on the other hand, you have to specify clearly what theme you are following. Themes of your feature story may include the following: youth oriented, faith based, celebrities, specific org events, or travel related.

These sections that cater to the themes as stated above usually come out once a week, depending on the schedule that the publication is following. Getting well acquainted with the newspaper schedule and knowing the day that a specific section gets released is therefore important, so you can submit your article before the cut-off period for submission set by the editor of the specific section.

When writing an article, knowing exactly what section you want your story to be featured makes the writing process much easier. It also makes the choosing of the publication process easier too.

Choosing a topic

by: kris zamora


They say writing is easy; all you have to do is stare on blank piece of paper until drops of blood fall on it. Pretty easy huh? Well guess what; choosing a topic to write about is far worse. Hope the list below may help you and clear your mind of the confusions for looking a topic. (^^)


Sports tidbits

Sports have always been a popular field for looking a topic. Who doesn’t like sports anyway? I guess you have a thousand of sports fans out there waiting for some fresh stories and updates about their fave sports stars. Sports is one of the most widely read stories, and people just can't get enough about it. Know its latest and its trends; look for a interesting angle that will grab the attention of the readers, and you’re on!

Brainstorming

An idea resulted from the suggestions of your trusted colleagues is never that bad. In fact it is an effective one in getting to decide a topic. Gather them for a fiery brainstorm session and act as the facilitator. Be the first to share of your possible topic, and I'm pretty sure a minute later the room will be steamy with conversations and exchanging of ideas. Ask for their opinions and let them voice out their wild thoughts, you’ll be surprise of how much big help this could to you!

Pop out topic

Though pop out topics are a bit risky to pursue on, since these are topics created in a blink of an eye, or simply it just pop out in your mind unexpectedly, you might find it difficult to write about later. Remember, in picking a topic you have to consider the other factors too, like who will be your readers? And are there available sources? Nevertheless, pop out topics if analyze carefully, could end up into an interesting topic. Just make sure to note whatever possible subjects that came popping in your mind, then think them over one by one as to which is more related and significant to the readers and society.

Asking Help from Mentors

Choosing a Publication
How to choose a publication with the help from mentors
Angelica S. Odias


If you’re having a hard time deciding on where to send your article for your publication, consulting your mentors might be an effective solution to your problem.
Presuming that your mentors are experts in the field, they will certainly be the ones that will direct you to a publication or section where your article fits.

Don’t be afraid to ask them. They will definitely give you their views and it’s all up to you if you’ll follow them or not. Yes, you may refer to your friends, family and even destiny itself when you choose a section for your article but seeking guidance from your mentor might be a better idea than the rest mentioned.

Aside from the fact that that they’re deemed to be knowledgeable with different sections of a particular publication, they can also refer you to an editor that might appreciate your article. Your mentors are not just mere advisers; they can also help open doors for you in the industry by introducing you to editors.

So before you pop in your mentor’s office, please keep these tips in mind:

Tell your mentor what your article is all about. How will they help you choose a right spot for your article if they don’t have any idea what it’s about? So, relate to them the subject of your story and ask their opinions afterwards.

Be polite. Politeness isn’t a crime, that’s for sure. And there’s nothing wrong with approaching your mentor in your most polite way. Say "Hello!" or "Good day!" first. Flash that smile and you’re now ready to go!

Show respect to your mentor. One thing you should put on your mind; your mentor is not one of your peers. Have some respect not just for his/her time and schedule but for the person himself/herself. Ask questions in the most respectful way as possible. Listen carefully to what they say so they won’t have to mention things again and know when to ask or say something of them.

Be sincere. Don’t march ahead to your mentor’s office if you think you don’t need some help. If you’ve already decided where to submit your article, then don’t go barging in your mentor’s office and waste their time and effort.

Go straight to the point. No more this and that, say what you want to say. Ask what you want to ask. It’s as simple as that.

Express gratitude. Walking away without a simple "Thank you" is not advisable. What happened to the "polite you" without expressing your gratitude? So, say goodbye with a smile and a simple "Thank you!" would surely come a very long way.

It’s not that hard getting help from your mentors (except if they’re not the friendly kind), so what are you waiting for, go ahead and get the experts’ opinion!

How to Look For An Editor and Section to Contribute To

Jessa Angelie S. Lausa

Ask Help From Mentors/Professionals (group 2)



As a student or even if you're a freelance writer, it's always best to ask help from a professional, especially if you know that they know an editor who would probably accept your write-up. [The keyword there is their ‘connection.’] If you don't have time to scan a newspaper or magazine and not confident with your analysis as to what section you would contribute your article to, this is the best step.


Why is it so important to submit your article to the right section and the right editor? If you want to get your article published, and taste the juice you have squeezed, get your article read by the right editor of the right newspaper or magazine section. It's simple as that. When your article gets published, it is only then that you would know that the juice was worth the squeeze. You know you've worked hard for it.


When asking help from mentors, show some good manners, do not forget that you are asking for help. Dress well, and be on time. Here are some tips in asking for help from your mentor, or from a professional:

• First things first, respect. Respect them as somebody older and of a higher level than yours. Respect their time and place. How? Ask for an appointment, [unless you're his/her student, just consult him/her on his/her consultation period] and just like asking for an interview, ask her/him to do the consultation on their most comfortable time and place.

• If your mentor or that person of knowledge you're asking for help is so kind enough to invite you to their place, do not litter.
  

• Next is, do not forget that you're only asking for the right editor and section to which your article be submitted, nothing more. The bottom line is, even if that person is so hospitable and it may look like he has a lot of time; do not ask questions other than what you need.

• Have a good start or introduction, and then go straight to the point. If they start a conversation, respond well and try to keep it brief, concise, and be respectful. [Who knows you will need them again in your next article?]

• Listen as they speak. Wait silently while they read your write-up. Be comfortable with silence or if they ask you to just leave your paper and get it back at a reasonable time, do so.

• If you are beating a deadline, [meaning, your article gets spoiled if not submitted on time and that time happens to be very soon] tell them and ask politely if they could finish it at an earlier time. If they can't, then consult another.

• Lastly, express your gratitude. A simple "Thank you" and a sincere smile will do before you leave.

Remember to build a good relationship. Most likely, whether you like it or not, you will need these people in the near future.

CONTACT THE SOURCE

Roxanne Catalan

To contact the source is a significant step in preparing for an interview. This can also be the hardest one since this includes introducing yourself and scheduling for an interview. To contact the source may also mean reaffirmation of the topic because the source has the choice to accept or neglect the invitation.

In the first place nobody wants to wait longer just for the source to arrive. Things must be all cleared starting from reaching the source.

Here are some ways how to contact the source, may it be through letters, emails, calls and if your close enough through text messages (though it isn’t ideal to use).


Ø Researching through the net, browsing files and documents
          After deciding what your topic is, researching about the source can give some information how to reach him/her. If your source is well-known, scanning the newspaper can also help. In surfing the net on the other hand, gives you email addresses and sometimes contact numbers. Some sites also point you to a closer one.
The net gives you a world wide connection and a lot of information, may it be a relevant one or irrelevant. Thus, it can be said “patience really is a virtue.”

Ø Visiting the company or the organization the source is part of
           If a source you are after with is famous, it is better to visit his/her company/office or organization. Given the instance that he/she might be not at the office can give you no worries since for sure someone will entertain you. Instead of talking with the source personally, these people (secretary or member or the organization) can give something (cellphone number,email,etc.) to help you reach the source. Since the contact details come form these people, you are rest-assured that they are true and helpful.


Ø Asking friends or related and knowledgeable individuals
           If you personally chose the topic and you chose it for reasons favoring you, some of your friends may have some connection to your source. Thus, asking for their help can give advances to your work. Just try to expand your circle of friends. If not, you can ask people who can provide you information. This can be your teachers. They know more than what you expect them to know.Moreover, individuals who are inclined to the field similar to your source can also help.

Ø Another option that give you details where to contact the source is by attending workshops, seminars and forums in connection to your topic
          Most students arrived in a certain angle of the story through being aware and expose in those events. Here, you are given the opportunity to ask the source immediately after the event for an interview or just ask his/her available time. However if that doesn’t work, you can approach the organizers or facilitators of the event and try to explain to them what you want. Also, some of these events give programs and sometimes brochure with contact numbers encoded. Being a keen observant really matters here!


After all, to contact the source needs a lot of patience and more of hard work. In the end in scheduling the interview it is the source who has the right to say when and where ,not you. This is because you can’t demand the time to interview.

Preparing for an Interview

by fiona patricia s. escandor

To some of us, interviewing is like a walk in the park, to others it’s like a death march. Whether you belong to the former or to the latter, you are bound to experience interviewing a person in your lifetime. Interviewing is not a forte that is to be mastered merely by those in the field of journalism. It is a skill that is relevant to us all. We cannot depend on books and the Internet alone. There are pieces of information that we can only acquire directly from a person. It could be a CEO’s secret on rising up the corporate ladder or a young star’s opinion on her ex-boyfriend’s new lover, or how some new invention works, one thing’s for sure, knowing how to interview is surely a handy skill to be obtained.

It is therefore essential to instruct ourselves with these various tips collated by young journalists from the University of the Philippines in Visayas Cebu College. These tips do not guarantee your instant transformation to someone like Oprah or Korina Sanchez (or if you prefer, Oriana Fallaci?), but it could definitely guide you in your route to becoming one.

First, it is necessary for you to research about the topic at hand. Do your homework, as they say. This is the part where the Internet, books, newspapers, and other periodicals play their part. Doing so helps in the creation of the questions for the interviewee. It will help you distinguish between the matters that are already known to the public and the matters that are still pretty much hazy. Familiarizing yourself with the basics of the topic also saves time, and most of all, saves you from the embarrassment of being labeled an ignorant. Can you imagine asking Manny Pacquiao, what he does for a living?

Once you have gotten to know the facts and the figures, it is time for you to start listing down the things you and your readers would like to know more about the topic. For example, everybody knows Pacquiao is a boxer, but what are his hobbies outside the ring? Aside from learning English, that is.

The third step is to contact the source. An ambush interview is risky since your source may not be around at the time you plan to interview. Furthermore, it is rude.

To make sure that the interview will go smoothly, you should prepare the needed materials at least a day before the interview is scheduled. It would be very helpful to make a list of the things you will need to bring. You wouldn’t want your recorder to run out of batteries in the middle of the interview, would you?

Lastly, it is crucial in preparing for an interview to Look Presentable. As superficial as it sounds, dressing well has its perks in this kind of a situation. It is basically an act of courtesy and respect. It gives the interviewee the impression that you are taking the interview seriously, which in turn, will encourage them to treat the interview similarly. This does not mean guys ought to be wearing tux and girls don dresses, you have to take into consideration the status of your source and the venue where the interview will be held.

There are plenty of ways in making your interview a success. The tips mentioned above are only some of them. However, you must never forget that first and foremost an interview is “is a conversation between two or more people where questions are asked.” It does not necessarily include a voice recorder and a snazzy outline. The purpose of an interview is to obtain information, and one can achieve that with a little curiosity, a handful amount of wit, and a huge bag of confidence.

How to Find a Definite News Angle for an Article

Debbie Yara Acebu

Most writers usually tend to have a difficulty in finding, if not the perfect, but definite and effective news angle for an article. It seems that any approach could be suitable for an article. Yet sometimes there is really a need to search for a particular slant as a focus for a story to make it more interesting and new.

Think of a triangle. On the left, imagine the story you want to tell. On the right, you have zeitgeist, or current events. The object of the game is to create a combined, triangulated center literally the angle (also known as news peg or news hook).

We know that the news angle is one of the important elements upon writing an article. This will depend on where the story happened, what has been reported already and what is new about it. The particular slant a news item takes can depend a variety of things including the strength of the content (whether it contains important, interesting or unusual) and the type of media organization publishing or broadcasting the story.

For example, if you have improved your business practices, you might utilize the popularity of television transformations, and promote your story as an "extreme makeover" for busy professionals.

By trying your story to something topical, you vastly improve its chances of being heard.

Take another example on a air crash. All 150 passengers and the crew were killed when a United Arab Emirate airline craft crashed on the west coast of India . The disaster made headlines throughout the country, but had special significance in UAE and Philippines.

The UAE national airline was involved and the plane had taken off from Dubai bound for Manila.

Apart from the international importance of the event, news media of both countries had major local news on hand. The local angle resurfaced time and again in UAE, Philippines and around the entire world in the villages, towns and cities where the passengers and crew had lived.

A number of different angles would have to be pursued. The first is the fact of the crash and the questions when, where, why and how many dead?

That same day two people died when a bomb explodes in a suitcase unloaded from another Philippine international flight, from Davao. The events are too similar to be a coincidence. So the next angle is who planted the bomb? Two militant groups claimed responsibility--the New People's Army (NPA) and The Abu Sayyaff.

A reporter is assigned to produce a background item about terrorism in the sub-continent, looking at the history of these groups and their possible motives.

As the names of local people on the passenger list filter back to newsrooms, stories would be prepared about the deceased, to be followed perhaps with interviews on the relatives.

Meanwhile, a new angle comes into play when search teams set out to recover the wreckage. Eighteen days after the crash, the digital flight recorder is found, putting the story back in the headlines. Three days to the day the plane went down, it makes big news again when the inquest takes place in Mumbai, India.

Developing stories, which constantly throw up new angles and call for different versions, are know as running stories. When a major running story breaks, it will often be more than a single reporter can do to keep up with it, so a team is usually assigned to cover every possible angle, in this case on TV broadcast; different journalists from different media establishments.

How To Get Your Article Published

-Lareina Devi M. Rajah-

Just like any other task involved in journalism, getting published is yet another one that requires skill and insight. Many competent writers find it difficult to break through because of factors like competition, lack of familiarity with the profession and the passion that is crucial for the said task. The competition involved in getting your articles published can reach unspeakable levels. Professional and freelance writers all aspire to have their articles made known. It is just as essential to know the tricks of the trade. You will never learn everything from books which is why you have to be intent enough to ask around. As for passion, that is arguably the single most effective driving force behind anyone who wants to do something. It is therefore advantageous to be equipped with a few tips that can help us get published.

1. Be a fervent reader so as to broaden the coverage of your understanding about people, places and events. The expansion of one’s perspectives is central to developing as a writer in general. It is therefore the foundation of well-written articles.

2. Make an article that you yourself would consider as worth-publishing. There is no reason to dream of publishing an article that you know isn’t pleasing enough. To get a head start, it is imperative that you know the basic principles behind a good article. You then apply them as consciously as you can without having to limit in whatever way your creativity and writing style.

3. Be cultured about the publications around you. Find out what the policies of the newspapers are by contacting them. You can do this by looking up their website or calling the editorial staff to inquire about their guidelines. It’s as simple as having a feel of what certain publications and editors are looking for but it is as important as giving your article more edge by increasing its chances of publication. Being endowed with this knowledge gives you as a writer more advantage than others.

4. Make your initial aims on local newspapers. You have an elevated chance of getting published if you look into smaller, community-based newspapers, especially if your story has a local angle and would be something of interest to the readers in the community.

5. Take into the overall consideration two essential factors. The content of your story and your target audience are defining factors in choosing your editor, section and/or publication. Your story has to compliment the publication you intend to publish in. Your target audience should also be parallel with the readership demographics of that particular publication. This knowledge is attained through step 3 which is gaining knowledge about the publications and editors in your community.

6. Establishing rapport is crucial because the industry is better understood if you have people in it to give you guidance. Making and maintaining these connections will assist you in your publishing and may also be useful for future references.

7. Being open enough to listen to the opinions of others about your article is necessary. May these comments be positive or not, as writers, we should always know that there’s room for improvement no matter what. Asking tips from our classmates can help since their input could always increase your chances of getting published.

It is no joke to get published in this age of competition and intense drive among young professionals. Choosing the right editor of the appropriate section of a suitable publication is one of the hurdles needed to be completed as writer. Nevertheless, the task can be eased with the above mentioned guidelines. Enjoy and hope you get published!

CHOOSING A TOPIC

By: Joanna Mae T. Eborda


The first step in writing an article, is choosing a topic to write about. And personally, I find this step the most difficult one to pass, considering the though of having to know how to start the article, what it's angle should be, where to find it's sources, and of course it's significance in the present time. Here are some tips on how to choose a topic or how to get ideas on a topic to write about.


ATTEND FORUMS

- Despite the thought of the common notion that forums are boring and uninteresting most especially for teenagers, these forums are surely activities or places we could really learn from. The topics discussed in each gathering is essential in a specific field in our community, known or unknown to us. A journalist could surely pick up a topic or catch an idea on what to write about.

UNCONVENTIONAL BUT INTERESTING TOPICS

- Out of the ordinary topics are indeed hard to find. Writing these kinds of articles, or simply having the idea to write them shows how curious and creative a writer is. Surely, challenges like lack of sources, making the article interesting and finding a publication to write for would be encountered, yet the important thing is, the determination and patience to pursue the topic, despite these challenges.

WITH THE HELP OF PROPOSAL

- Proposals are topics or ideas that we could choose from in writing articles. In choosing topics through proposals, we should consult our fellow journalists or our teachers to get a second opinion on the topic. Sources, significance, time, angle and publication to write for, are the things to consider in choosing from a number of proposals.

BE OBSERVANT EVEN TO LITTLE DETAILS

- People oftenly neglect little or small details without realizing their potential in an article or even their potential to be the angle of the article itself. We should be curious enough and treat details, small or big, equally and give equal significance to both.

How to Deal with Editors

By: Maria Shiela C. Pacinio

“I’ve finished writing my article already and I’m pretty sure the readers will like this.” Oops! There maybe something wrong with that statement since finishing your article isn’t the end of it all. After wrapping up your story, there’s still one last step that you need to consider- dealing with your section’s editor.

Dealing with your section’s editor is the final yet most crucial step of all since this will determine whether you’ll get publish or not. Aside from writing a good story, the right attitude towards your editor will give you more chances of getting published. But is knowing your editor’s name enough?

• Be respectful.

Knowing your editor’s name and his/her contact details aren’t enough. You also have to make use of these contact information that you’ve gathered. The most common way is by sending a query to your editor through e-mail. It is important to be respectful in making your query. Do not just merely state “to the editor” but instead, specify his/her name. Go back to the basics like having respectful greetings and using appropriate words. Dealing with your editor is not just like dealing with your long-time best friend. You can’t just say whatever you want but you must also be mindful of your terms. Be courteous enough. Show respect.

• Always follow-up.

Editors usually have busy schedules and some may not even have the time to check their inbox once in a while. But do not be too excited to get an editor’s response. You just have to wait for at least three days since the time you’ve sent your article. When the third day has come, this is now the right time to be alarmed. It is then necessary to do a follow-up of your submitted story. You can call the editor through the magazine or the newspaper’s contact details. In talking to the editor for a follow-up, go back to the first reminder: be respectful.

• Be ready

In having the editor’s response, always be ready. Expect questions for clarifications and then, expect for either a positive or a not so positive outcome from the clarification part. Some editors inform you about a possible publication date for your article and some would have to ask you about supplementary data about your story. The latter maybe a not so positive response for you since this would sometimes mean going back to your sources or finding additional information. Whatever the needed things maybe and wherever you may go, the key is to be always ready. This would require more time from you but this would also help improve your article’s presentation.

• Beat deadlines

In submitting your revised article with all the additional data needed and in everything that an editor sets, a deadline is always a deadline. Unlike in presenting school projects in which the deadline can sometimes be extended by the teacher, editors are stiff in observing the scheduled deadlines since they also have deadlines to beat. Passing late could sometimes mean setting aside your article to be published for another date. But when worse comes to worst, your article may not have any other possibilities for publication. Therefore, it is advisable to pass on time, and better yet, before the deadline.

• Express gratitude.

After all the things you’ve been through, you would finally see your article being published on the newspaper or magazine you’ve contributed. You would see your name being acknowledged and you’d say to yourself, “yes, I’ve made it.” Oops! There’s something wrong with your statement again since you couldn’t have get published without your editor’s decision of accepting and improving your work. What’s the last step? You just simply express your gratitude towards the editor. A genuine “thank you” will do!

Getting Ready: How to prepare before conducting an interview

Cheska Marie D. Geli

For you to arrive on an interesting story, you need to gather information fresh from your reliable sources, and what better way to accomplish it is by conducting an interview.

An interview is one the most purposive form of dyadic communication. It is also organized and structured so you just can’t rush into your subject and spill everything that comes out from your mouth.

So for you to not spoil the interview and cause your subject to a sudden walkout, here are some tips on how to get ready for a smooth flowing exchange of talks.

1. Dig out information. You can’t talk to someone effectively on topics you barely know. Be sure you get a handful of information to aid you in asking your source. Having sufficient knowledge on the topic will not keep you off track and will help you establish a good conversation. If it’s a public figure that you will interview, try to google his/her name and look for background information. This process might even impress your subject that you really prepared for the interview and you’re equipped with additional information. For news makers, you can ask their close friends who can testify for them. Doing this will help you make a good start for the interview.

2. Organize your questions. After looking for facts on your chosen topic, it’s now time for you to make your questionnaire. By doing this, you are creating a guide on what to ask on your subject. Usually, questions are written in bullet form so that you can easily identify them. You do not only think of the questions to ask but in a way you are already creating a flow of the interview by organizing the questions you have at hand. This is your way of planning for the interview so as not to disorient you on the actual scene.

3. Make an appointment. In handling interviews, it is important for you to reach out to your sources. As the interviewer, you’re supposed to make all efforts to contact your subject and ask for their consent on the interview. Going through the formalities before an interview can be the most stressful part than the onset of the interview itself. First of all, you need to write a letter stating what the interview is for and what is it all about. Giving a formal letter doesn’t guarantee you of the interview; you still need to wait for the approval of your subject and then after that, you need to set schedule when and where the interview will happen. Tiring eh? Better follow the procedure than doing a crash interview.

4. Arrive on time or earlier. The principle of being on time still matters and will always be a priority. Arrive early than the expected time of meet-up so that you can have time to prepare for your things, set up your recorder, organize papers and even practice on the delivery of questions. This will also make your subject think that you are really looking forward on the interview if you arrive before them. It is better for you to wait for your sources than for them to wait for you which will be really awkward for it is you who is asking a great favor from them. To be on time means respecting the time of others.

5. Looking good is a plus. You don’t want your source to have an impression that you’re some kind of a trash on that rugged shirt and jagged jeans you’re wearing. It doesn’t mean though that you’ll go in an interview wearing that elegant gown you had back in your high school prom. The point is, you need to look presentable, moreover, dignified on that day of the interview. Wear smart casual and flaunt it in a delicate manner. You want to convince your source that you are someone worthy of handling the interview. Through this you want your source to think that you are aware of what you’re doing. In a way, they will be able to trust you and he/she won’t be hesitant in answering your questions.


Basically, these are some of the tips you need to know to help you achieve that level of confidence and competence for the interview. You need to go through all this to equip yourself on that big day where you’ll face your source who can be the nicest person in the world or the most intimidating one if left without a choice. Of course, the tips given are systematic and correlated which means the importance of one affects the effectiveness of the whole preparation process.

Interviewing the Source

Karmelle V. Pique

After all the necessary preparations have been done, the moment has finally come to interview your source or informant. Some people dread the actual interview but don’t be caught on this situation. Instead you’ll be able to make that interview a success as long as you practice the tips given here on what to do during the interview proper.
Basically, what to do during the interview are to establish rapport with your source, observe proper etiquette in interviewing and ask good and follow-up questions.

How to establish rapport?

1. Stand and greet your source or informant with a warm –not bone-crashing- handshake.
2. Create a friendly atmosphere by acting confidently and comfortably in front of your source.
3. Make your source feel comfortable as well by smiling and looking into the informant’s eyes. These gestures also show that you are sociable and interested.
4. Build up a good impression towards your source by being polite and pleasant not only on the beginning of the interview but at all times.
   

What are the etiquette during an interview?

1. Greet your source by his/her name and/or with the use of the more formal “Mr.” , “Mrs.”, “Ms.”.
2. Wait for the source to sit down or invite you to sit down before seating yourself.
3. Sit comfortably. Do not slouch rather maintain a good posture.
4. Don’t lean back. Instead, relax and lean slightly forward to show interest and attentiveness.
5. Keep your feet flat on the floor so as not to cause some noise or distraction to your source.
6. Listen carefully to what your source is saying. Pay attention to it and be attentive and interested.
7. Always maintain good eye contact.
8. Smile and nod at appropriate times when the source is talking, but don’t overdo it.
9. Don’t just interrupt or butt in if it isn't necessary or if the source is midway in his/her discussion.
10. Do not smoke or chew gum as this shows disrespect towards your source.
11. Don’t laugh unless the source does it first.
12. Stay calm. Even if you had bad experiences at a previous interview, keep your emotions to yourself. Do not show anger, frown or anxiety.
13. Not sure about your hands? Hold a pen or notepad or rest an arm on the chair or on your lap to look comfortable.
14. Take your nervous energy and translate it into enthusiasm. Relax and enjoy the conversation between you and your source.

What to do in asking good and follow-up questions?

1. Don’t ask dumb questions. You are expected at know the basic information of the subject or about the source.
2. Don’t ask silly questions or those lacking common sense.
3. When asking, don’t sound presumptuous.
4. Communicate effectively by speaking clearly and avoiding “uhs,” "you knows," and slang.
5. Use appropriate technical terms in your question when discussing a certain a subject or topic.
6. Jot down key points that need clarifications to address them as follow-up questions.
7. Use proper grammar. Your credibility also depends on what and how you are saying.
   

These are some of the practical tips on what to do during an interview. I hope these steps can help you in making your interview a success.

how to find a story to write about

Camille Carballo


The three most important things to consider when looking for a story to write about are first, the subject, and then you should think and analyze if the people would be interested in topic finally, know who your possible source or sources can be.

It’s important to know what topic you will write about because if you don’t, obviously writing the story would be impossible. Once you’ve chosen a general topic, you should narrow the topic. It should be specific because once you’re able to do that it would be easier to write the article.

Choosing a topic is similar to how medical students do it choose their specialization. They enter medical school together and learn the general facts about being a doctor then after a few years they choose their preferred specialization. So, technically, the start with “the general topic” by learning the basics then they “narrow the subject” by choosing the specific area they want to learn about.

You’re topic may be very interesting to you. You might feel proud of yourself for being the only one to think of that topic. But that is not the only factor that assures you that people will read your article. What you are interested to read in may not be what they want to read as well. You are a writer and your job is to cater to your readers. Find out what the general audience wants to read and it doesn’t necessarily have to be something you’re interested in as a reader.

Let’s take in to consideration people who love to read books. One may be an avid reader of sci-fi books while the other loves to read non-fiction. If they recommend books to each other, chances are neither will enjoy because their taste in books differ so much that the only way they will enjoy reading the same book is if something literally magical happens to someone in real life and a book is written about it; that being very impossible.

It’s a basic fact that articles can not be written in the writer’s point of view because if they are they would be called editorials. So, even if you are knowledgeable about the subject, you have to research about it or interview experts on the topic. If you will be writing about a person you will have to interview the person you want to write about. The report always has to be based on facts.

It would be easier for you if you know the person you would want to interview because you won’t have to go through the hassle of looking for the contact number and introducing yourself formally to that person. But if you don’t know who you will interview, try and find out which person will be the most appropriate to interview.

Finding a topic to write about is not all that hard. You just have to have an open mind and be creative. It’s important to know that your goal as a write is to inform, entertain and sometimes persuade the readers.

HOW TO FIND A STRIKING ANGLE

by JONNAH MARIE MORADO
After deciding on what topic you would like to pursue, you should find the most striking angle you could get out of the story. Finding the best angle is a huge step to make your story an excellent one. Here are few suggestions how:
• Find a fresh and new angle. If your topic is well-known, there is possibility that a lot of articles were published a long time ago regarding the matter, so you should find something about your topic that is fresh and new to the readers.
• Research about your topic. In order to know about your topic, you should research about its background and find out what are the articles already written about it. In this way, you can avoid writing a story with the same angle as the other published articles.
• Be specific. To avoid confusion, be specific in what would you like to point out. Focus on your angle and stick to it.
• Think out of the box. Think of possible ideas outside to what is considered “ordinary”.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment. Discover some odd things about your topic which can be a possible eye-catcher. Just make sure not to hit the “off-the-record” statements.
These are the effective tips for a fresh and striking angle. Just bear in mind that you need to extract new and creative ideas to make a story still unknown to your readers.

how to choose a topic to write about

Maria Camille C. Carballo

The three most important things to consider when looking for a story to write about are first, the subject, and then you should think and analyze if the people would be interested in topic finally, know who your possible source or sources can be.

It’s important to know what topic you will write about because if you don’t, obviously writing the story would be impossible. Once you’ve chosen a general topic, you should narrow the topic. It should be specific because once you’re able to do that it would be easier to write the article.

Choosing a topic is similar to how medical students do it choose their specialization. They enter medical school together and learn the general facts about being a doctor then after a few years they choose their preferred specialization. So, technically, the start with “the general topic” by learning the basics then they “narrow the subject” by choosing the specific area they want to learn about.

You’re topic may be very interesting to you. You might feel proud of yourself for being the only one to think of that topic. But that is not the only factor that assures you that people will read your article. What you are interested to read in may not be what they want to read as well. You are a writer and your job is to cater to your readers. Find out what the general audience wants to read and it doesn’t necessarily have to be something you’re interested in as a reader.

Let’s take in to consideration people who love to read books. One may be an avid reader of sci-fi books while the other loves to read non-fiction. If they recommend books to each other, chances are neither will enjoy because their taste in books differ so much that the only way they will enjoy reading the same book is if something literally magical happens to someone in real life and a book is written about it; that being very impossible.

It’s a basic fact that articles can not be written in the writer’s point of view because if they are they would be called editorials. So, even if you are knowledgeable about the subject, you have to research about it or interview experts on the topic. If you will be writing about a person you will have to interview the person you want to write about. The report always has to be based on facts.

It would be easier for you if you know the person you would want to interview because you won’t have to go through the hassle of looking for the contact number and introducing yourself formally to that person. But if you don’t know who you will interview, try and find out which person will be the most appropriate to interview.

Finding a topic to write about is not all that hard. You just have to have an open mind and be creative. It’s important to know that your goal as a write is to inform, entertain and sometimes persuade the readers.

how to choose a topic to write about

post

Interviewing the Source

Karmelle V. Pique

After all the necessary preparations have been done, the moment has finally come to interview your source or informant. Some people dread the actual interview but don’t be. You can make that interview a success as long as you practice the tips given here on what to do during the interview proper.
Basically, you need to establish rapport with your source, observe proper etiquette in interviewing and ask good and follow-up questions.

How to establish rapport?

1. Stand and greet your source or informant with a warm –not bone-crushing- handshake.

2. Establish a friendly atmosphere by acting confidently and comfortably in front of your source. Avoid being jumpy and jittery.

3. Make your source feel comfortable as well by smiling and looking into the informant’s eyes. These gestures also show that you are sociable and interested.

4. Build up a good impression towards your source by being polite and pleasant not only on the beginning of the interview but at all times.

What are the etiquette during an interview?

1. Greet your source by his/her name and/or with the use of the more formal “Mr.” , “Mrs.”, “Ms.”

2. Wait for the source to sit down or invite you to sit down before seating yourself.

3. Sit comfortably. Do not slouch rather maintain a good posture.

4. Don’t lean back. Instead, relax and lean slightly forward to show interest and attentiveness.

5. Keep your feet flat on the floor so as not to cause some noise or distraction to your source.

6. Listen carefully to what your source is saying. Pay attention to it and be attentive and interested.

7. Always maintain good eye contact.

8. Smile and nod at appropriate times when the source is talking, but don’t overdo it.

9. Don’t just interrupt or butt in if it is not necessary or if the source is midway in his/her discussion.

10. Do not smoke or chew gum as this shows disrespect towards your source.

11. Don’t laugh unless the source does it first to show courtesy. Also, by doing so, you'll be able to avoid embarrassment in case your source doesn't find the topic humorous.

12. Stay calm. Even if you had bad experiences at a previous interview, keep your emotions to yourself. Do not show anger, irritation or anxiety.

13. Not sure about your hands? Hold a pen or notepad or rest an arm on the chair or on your lap to look comfortable.

14. Take your nervous energy and translate it into enthusiasm. Relax and enjoy the conversation between you and your source.

When asking good and follow-up questions?

1. Don’t ask dumb questions like "what's your name?". You are expected to know the basic information of the subject or about the source.

2. Don’t ask silly questions or those lacking common sense.

3. When asking, don’t sound presumptuous.

4. Communicate effectively by speaking clearly and avoiding “uhs,” “you knows,” and slang.

5. Use appropriate technical terms in your question when discussing a certain a subject or topic.

6. Jot down key points that need clarifications to address them as follow-up questions.

7. Use proper grammar. Your credibility also depends on what and how you are saying.

These are some of the practical tips on what to do during an interview. I hope these steps can help you in making your interview a success.