COMPELLING STORIES

1. COMPELLING STORIES Climate Change Media Training By Patrick Luganda Media Trainer and Consultant

2. The Organized Reporter • Is organized • Good time manager • Data banks • Dress code • Dignified/ Respectful/ Trusted • Tools-notebook, pen and telephone, recorder, camera, batteries etc • Listens, observes, records etc

3. Organized • Address book of phone contacts and details of sources • Researches and seeks Internet access • Pitches with editor and debriefs • Plans ahead and prepares logistical support • Works on deadline pressure • Relates with editors and peers • Cross checks with sources

4. Attributes of Compelling Stories • New and interesting information: Does it surprise? Or business as usual • Impact: Who does this story affect and how? Why should I read, hear or watch it. 5 W + 1 H • Real people: Humanizing a big, complicated issue is one way of making it easier to understand. • Put a face on the story whenever you can, whether it’s a farmer or a fisherman or even a scientist. Stories about people sell as they see themselves in the story • Significance: It tells the reader why the story is important and why they should care.

5. Compelling Stories…. • Focus: Good stories focus on a larger problem/challenge. • Clear explanations: Are you writing in scientific jargon, or are you explaining terms (using analogies, similes, comparisons) to make it clear and simple for the audience? • Use numbers carefully, avoid acronyms and clichés. • Background: What is causing the problem? How long has it been going on? When did it start? Why is it persisting? Who is affected? Where is all this taking place? • Context: Take an individual example (which we can see and hear and relate to) and puts it into a larger context by telling us how many other people are in a similar situation, or what else is going on that is related to the example.

6. Compelling Stories….. • Specific examples and compelling anecdotes: These convince the audience of the story’s main point, while telling little stories. • Color, good quotes: Does the story have a sense of place? Can we hear the people? Can we see it, hear it, smell it, feel it? • Accuracy, attribution, balance, fairness and ethical • Comments from experts (and those involved in the story) for possible solutions to the problem or situation. What’s being done about it?

7. Compelling Stories…. • Good organization: An interesting beginning that engages the audience • Tells us clearly what the story is about and why it’s important (main point or theme para) • The middle has good examples and explanations to convince the reader • An ending that helps the reader remember the story • Packaging: Photographs, graphics, pool quotes, sidebars, cartoons, illustrations, actualities, ambience etc. Think visually. • Honesty: Avoid sensationalism to get a headline. Are you careful about links between cause and effect? Examine all possible causes for an event or process?

8. Sources • NGOS have an agenda. Many have agendas and be careful to have both sides of the story • Government officials in line ministries such as Met, agric, water, Universities, Institutes, Humanitarian • Local people on impacts, effects and adaptation. Note may not have the exact data and may give you conflicting information • University researchers and other specialists usually have information • Environment experts including management authorities • Private sector especially waste management experts • Legislators and policy makers • Experts in related sectors-agric, water, health, finance, • International Organizations and line agencies • Specialized institutions UNFCCC, IPCCC, WMO, NBDF etc

9. Ends Thank You