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Context can enhance even a solid story
BIG numbers. How can journalists convey how big? A good example is found in the work of Manny Fernandez of The New York Times, whose story about Houston after Hurricane Harvey carries the headline:...
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Instant recall is a tricky undertaking
In a visual exercise the other day to demonstrate how editors must be mindful of a variety of issues in a story, I donned two different earrings (usually, I wear none); a pin with three snowmen (it’s...
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Read, read, read. Did we say read?
Time to read. Wish I had more of it. If that were the case, I might have finished reading three special books by now. “Of Course You Can Have Ice Cream for Breakfast! A Journalist’s Uncommon Memoir” by...
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Think — give yourself this gift every day
Time. Never enough of it. But there’s always time to think. You might be thinking right now that we haven’t had time to post on this blog since the last item, Oct. 1. Not true. Just didn’t have...
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How to fix 3 problems with story pace
not teaching,still THINKING … Let’s face it. We all like a quick read. Sometimes we rely on a mere tweet for information. Or we are in too much of a hurry to read beyond the headline. But it is also...
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Let cool heads prevail under pressure
not teaching,still THINKING … Overheard conversations can offer real lessons in getting along with others. Or not. Here’s something you can try. When you are standing in line at a retail service desk,...
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It’s our choice — excitement or fear
not teaching,still THINKING … Creativity is one of those traits that can excite or agitate. Why is that? It is liberating to be creative — our ideas, our innovations, our ways. But freedom can also...
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4 ways to inspire ourselves and others
not teaching,still THINKING … Inspiration makes our jobs worthwhile. So does feedback. It’s true of journalism, but we think everyone can relate. With that general idea in mind, here are some key...
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3 questions to stay positive at work
not teaching,still THINKING … If you find yourself dragging yourself to work, ask yourself these three short questions and see if they help to give you a sense of eagerness instead. Was it fun? We...
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What we publish — in poor taste or not?
not teaching,still THINKING … “In poor taste.” Those three words can be a major factor in whether material is published or kept from public view. How to decide? Many times, it is up to individuals and...
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In memory of Dean Lorraine Branham
Emilie Davis, Lorraine Branham and Steve Davis at the Newhouse School in spring 2018 not teaching,still THINKING … Today, we are thinking about Lorraine Branham, dean of the Newhouse School, who...
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Let’s mix things up a little each day
not teaching,still THINKING … Change. It can be just as strongly embraced as it can be deeply rejected. People tend to be fond of change when it affects someone else, but resistant to change when it...
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6 ways to impress at a new job
not teaching,still THINKING … If you’re starting a new job or an internship at a news organization, take a moment to learn these six simple ways to stand out as a professional member of the team from...
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Top tip: Give your audience a break(out)
not teaching,still THINKING … Stuck on a story idea? It happens. But when news breaks or even when covering routine events, here is a good way to generate ideas, provide important information and...
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How your photos can make an impression
Foofie, an honorary Newhouse News Hound, holds a copy of the second edition of “Think Like an Editor: 50 Strategies for the Print and Digital World.” (Photo by Steve Davis) not teaching,still THINKING...
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3 not-so-easy ways to maintain credibility
not teaching,still THINKING … Summer internships are approaching, and journalism interns must take special care with their credibility. Not a journalist? Or an intern? These tips on how to stay above...
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May you trust your gut — and act on it
not teaching,still THINKING … Our top-of-mind advice today — that you always trust your gut — is something you will need to personalize. First you must know yourself. Know your comfort level. Know...
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3 things to do when you make a mistake
not teaching,still THINKING … Mistakes happen. But then what? To err might be human. But to err and then not take responsibility is unacceptable. Here are some tips for handling the delicate process...
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These key questions will lead to trust
not teaching,still THINKING … Ask yourself this: As a news consumer, how can I trust information? As a journalist, how can I ensure news consumers trust what I provide? The answer: credit. Credit...
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Privacy — heed these 7 cautions
not teaching,still THINKING … Archaic is the word we’d use to describe cautions about privacy that we shared back in 2011 when “Think Like an Editor” was published. We say “archaic” now because...
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